Around 300 people gathered at the Maroochy RSL on 23 January to honour the Sunshine Coast’s quiet achievers at the 2026 Australia Day Community Awards. The prestigious event attracted 113 nominations from across the region, spanning from Kenilworth to Caloundra and Beerwah to Buderim, with Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli addressed the assembled guests alongside 2026 Australia Day Ambassador Hannah Johnston. A 21-year-old medical scientist, Ms Johnston has made remarkable contributions to the agricultural sector, including raising $75,000 for the Gympie District Show and spearheading the event’s inaugural Agricultural Education Hub.
“These awards pay tribute to the volunteers, groups and quiet achievers whose kindness, resilience and vision make our community a better place,” Mayor Natoli said. “I offer sincere thanks and congratulations to all our 2026 recipients. Your efforts embody the true values of our region and inspire others to take action.”
The Maroochy RSL served as the official sponsor for the evening.
Citizen of the Year: Selina Tomasich Academic, philanthropist and visionary founder of Hair Aid, Selina Tomasich has been named Citizen of the Year for her sustained, life-changing impact both locally and globally.
After witnessing extreme poverty in the Philippines in 2010, Ms Tomasich stepped in to help impoverished families break the cycle of destitution by teaching sustainable skills rather than providing short-term aid. She mobilised a team of volunteer hairdressers to teach a universal skill: haircutting. Through five-day programmes in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines and Guatemala, graduates receive professional tools and mentoring to start microbusinesses that feed families and send children to school.
To date, more than 7,000 people have been trained through Hair Aid. To ensure lasting impact, Ms Tomasich has formalised Memorandums of Understanding with partner countries, working directly with international governments and leading project teams herself. Notably, Hair Aid is the only charity invited into Indonesia’s prison system to provide training.
At home, Hair Aid Community Cuts operates at nearly 100 locations nationally, gifting more than 25,000 free haircuts annually to Australians experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, restoring dignity and connection. Ms Tomasich’s leadership motivates more than 1,500 volunteers, proving how everyday Australians can drive extraordinary change.
Senior Citizens of the Year: Phil and Di Wilson For over three decades, Phil and Di Wilson have welcomed more than 200 foster children into their home, many with complex needs, and have adopted 10 children. Their unwavering, compassionate care has transformed countless lives and inspired others to become foster carers.
Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin A passionate youth leader, Ms Cronin has driven initiatives ranging from care packs for domestic violence survivors to the “2030 in Focus” project championing UN Global Goals. Her efforts, which include donating 270kg of stationery through local drives, have earned her international recognition at the Future Problem Solving International Conference.
Community Group or Organisation: Lookout07 Founded by Dr Leon Stensholm, Lookout07 is a youth sanctuary offering free recreation, counselling and mentoring. Since 2023, the centre has welcomed over 15,000 young people, with the Lookout Flexi School launching in 2026 to provide alternative education pathways.
Creative Arts: Kenilworth Arts Council and Gretchen Keelty (tie) The Kenilworth Arts Council was recognised for decades of volunteer-led programming “west of the range,” while Ms Keelty was honoured for inclusive projects like Sculpture on the Edge and the Buddina Ocean Chair mosaic, which involved over 450 collaborators.
Healthy and Active: Bamboo Projects and The Parkinson’s Centre (tie) Bamboo Projects delivers nature-based programmes to strengthen mental health, while The Parkinson’s Centre supports 400 people weekly through specialised therapy and major events like Step Out for Parkinson’s, which has raised over $150,000.
Posthumous Award: June Upton Affectionately known as the “Sunshine Coast Charity Queen,” June Upton dedicated her life to raising more than $4 million for local causes and tirelessly advocating for families in need.
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