Whitsundays Celebrates Community Achievers on Australia Day
Published on 26 January 2026
Whitsunday Regional Council has recognised the region’s community achievers at its Australia Day Awards Ceremony, held today at the Bowen PCYC.
Mayor Ry Collins said the awards highlight the people and groups whose contributions help shape strong, connected communities across the Whitsundays.
“Today we’re recognising the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond for others,” Mayor Collins said.
“Our award recipients and nominees are community achievers from dedicated volunteers and emerging leaders to those who quietly support others behind the scenes,” he said.
“These awards celebrate more than individual achievements; they recognise the values of generosity, resilience and community spirit that define the Whitsundays,”
“Taking time on Australia Day to acknowledge these contributions reminds us why our region is such a great place to live.”
The full list of the Whitsunday Region Australia Day Award Winners 2026 are as follows:
Whitsunday Regional Council Awards
Citizen of the Year Award – Peter Goodman
Peter, now in his mid-70s, has devoted a lifetime to serving the Bowen community with dedication, humility, and generosity. He has been a long-standing member of the Lions Club, holding every office, including Zone Chairman, and contributing countless hours to community initiatives. He also serves as President of the Parish Council at his local Uniting Church, ensuring the smooth running of church activities and supporting parishioners.
Peter’s volunteer work spans Meals on Wheels, the Bowen Historical Museum, and numerous church fundraisers. For many years, he has personally collected produce from local farmers for the church’s annual fete, using his own car and fuel to ensure the success of the event.
For his tireless dedication, quiet generosity, and unwavering support of others, Peter is a true local unsung hero and a deserving candidate for recognition.
Young Citizen of the Year – Allegra Bradley
Allegra Bradley is a remarkable young leader whose dedication, compassion, and energy inspire her school and community. She consistently volunteers her time, contributing to initiatives such as the Great Barrier Reef Festival, school musicals, ANZAC Day services, and fundraising for Mates4Mates and the B-Kinder Foundation.
As a founding member of the Seagrass Theatre and Music Company and Vice President of the Whitsunday Leo’s Club, Allegra demonstrates leadership, creativity, and service, while also excelling academically and in the performing arts.
Her integrity, humility, and commitment to helping others make her an outstanding role model and a truly deserving recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Mayoral Awards – Cooper Wilde, Gregory Buckler, Whitsunday Running Club and Wurra Yumba Kangaroo House
Cooper Wilde
Our first honouree is Cooper Wilde, since starting competitive shooting at age 14, Cooper has shown remarkable dedication and skill. He trains tirelessly, helps maintain equipment, and has achieved state and national success. At 17, his perseverance and sportsmanship make him an inspiration to all.
Gregory Butler
Next, we celebrate Gregory Buckler, a Collinsville local, ran charity bingo for 38 years, donating over $400,000 to countless charities and local causes, including schools, health organisations, and community groups. Gregory dedicated his life to giving back and was a pillar of the Collinsville community. Sadly, he passed away on 17 July 2025, and this award is a fitting tribute to his generosity and lifelong service.
Whitsunday Running Club
Next we celebrate the Whitsunday Running Club. The club held the 2025 Whitsunday Trail Festival, which saw record numbers in four of its five events, with a total of 245 participants across all formats. Andrea Farley and her team of over 30 volunteers organise the festival year-round, supported by the local Whitsunday SES to keep runners safe.
Wurra Yumba Kangaroo House
Our last Mayoral award goes to Wurra Yumba Kangaroo House. Carol has been a dedicated wildlife volunteer in Scottville for over 30 years. She educates the community while caring for injured and orphaned native animals. As the only wildlife carer in the Scottville-Collinsville area, she provides food, medical care, housing, and training for volunteers, often self-funding her work. Her commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife reflects her selfless dedication and lasting impact on the community.
Spirit of the Whitsundays Award – “Weary” Brian Dunlop
Brian “Weary” Dunlop has been a quiet but tireless force at the Proserpine RSL for many years. Brian has worked hard to raise funds and grow membership, ensuring the club remains a welcoming and vibrant part of the community.
Over many months, he single-handedly rebuilt the RSL kitchen so that meals could once again be served to local veterans and visitors. Beyond the physical work, Brian played a key role in securing government grants to support the renovations, showing his commitment both on and off the tools. He has also formed a committee of volunteers and veterans who dedicate their time to assist members.
Brian’s dedication goes beyond the day-to-day operations of the RSL. In a time when many small-town RSLs have struggled or closed, his leadership has been crucial in keeping the Proserpine RSL alive and thriving. Affectionately called “Weary,” he embodies the spirit of service and community, and his work has strengthened the club as a place of support, connection, and friendship for all who visit.
Community Event of the Year – Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival
Leigh Skead is a passionate advocate for community, culture, and connection in Proserpine. Known for her generous spirit and strong belief in bringing people together, she has played a key role in creating events that celebrate local identity and talent.
In 2025, Leigh founded the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival, a celebration of local heritage, wildlife, and creativity that quickly became a source of community pride. The festival showcases local artists, musicians, performers, and small businesses, giving them a platform to be seen and supported.
In 2026, Leigh is continuing to build on this success with an expanded Rock Wallaby event focused on community and youth empowerment, involving local schools and encouraging young people to connect through art, music, and environmental education. Through her leadership, Leigh is helping shape a stronger, more connected future for Proserpine.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Bowen Community Centre
We proudly nominate our exceptional team of 24 volunteers, whose dedication has made a significant impact on our centre and the wider community. Together, they have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours, saving our organisation thousands of dollars in operational costs.
Their support spans administration, community outreach, event assistance, and direct support to those in need. Each volunteer brings compassion, reliability, and a strong commitment to service, enabling us to deliver vital programs with care and consistency.
Beyond their practical contributions, our volunteers foster a culture of kindness, inclusion, and community spirit. This nomination recognises their collective dedication and the lasting difference they make every day.
Community Champion Award – Justin Butler
Justin has spent the past 12 years driving the Whitsunday Sportspark development, taking it from an eight-stage concept to the successful completion of the first four stages, including the establishment of the not-for-profit Club Whitsunday. He has dedicated thousands of hours to lobbying all levels of government, financial institutions, and industry partners to bring this vision to life.
Along the way, Justin has made significant personal sacrifices, giving up family time and business hours to ensure the project’s success. Club Whitsunday was created to support local sporting clubs, community groups, and residents by making participation in sport more accessible and affordable.
Australia Day Achievement Award for Outstanding Members of the Queensland SES – Greg Yuskan
In the past 12 months Greg has made a significant and positive impact in his role as Local Controller of the Whitsunday SES Unit. Stepping into a well-established and thriving unit, he has brough fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a forward-thinking approach that has enhanced capability and improved access of information for all members.
One of Greg’s most effective innovations has been the development of a comprehensive SharePoint platform for the unit, providing a central location for all relevant documentation, resources and updates. This initiative has greatly improved communication, organisation, and accessibility for volunteers.
Greg has also played a key role in supporting the rebuilding of the Gloucester Island Group, helping to increase their active membership and strengthening their capacity to service community. His leadership style is approachable and supportive, fostering an environment where members feel comfortable seeking guidance and contributing ideas.
In addition to his local responsibilities, Greg shows commitment to regional collaboration, travelling outside his unit to assist with training in other units when required.