Recognising Isaac’s local champions this Australia Day
Published on 27 January 2026
A lifetime of service in a small country town, dedicated volunteers who quietly keep communities running, emerging young leaders, and local champions who give their time year after year are among the 2026 Isaac Region Australia Day Award winners recognised at Isaac’s Regional Awards Ceremony today in Clermont.
Over the last couple of weeks, Isaac has been put to the test. We have really seen firsthand how our community steps up during hard times. Today was a great day to acknowledge and celebrate the kindness, selflessness, bravery and efforts of those who make our communities great.
Kevin Elliott was named Citizen of the Year. Kevin, a cornerstone of St Lawrence for decades, has a long history of service through both his work and community involvement. His family ran the St Lawrence Hotel, he later managed the Post Office, and then joined Council, where he worked from the late 1990s until retiring late last year. He also helped form the Clarke Creek Campdraft in 1975 and proudly carried the Olympic Torch in 2000.
His volunteer service has been just as significant, including more than fifty years as a volunteer ambulance officer and over twenty-five years with the rural fire brigade. Kevin has also been a long time member of the St Lawrence Sportsground Committee and the Recreation Group, always turning up to support events, working bees and community activities, always known for helping anyone who asks, day or night, making him a worthy recipient of this recognition.
Jixie Navarro received the Young Citizen of the Year award in recognition of her strong contribution to Moranbah across volunteering, music, leadership, and academic achievement. She organised the Moranbah Memory 5K Walk and Jog for Dementia, supported a range of local events, and raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities through Dance for Sick Kids. Jixie also performs regularly with Jam N Butter, bringing live music to community and charity events across the region.
As Moranbah State High School Vice Captain in 2025, she played an active role in student leadership and mentoring, and was recognised with the QRC WIMARQ Exceptional Female QMEA Student of the Year award for her advocacy and leadership in STEM.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Nebo Hotel Street Party. This much loved annual event brings the community together each year. With live music, food, family activities and strong local involvement, it celebrates everything that makes small town life in regional Queensland special.
The event continues to grow, drawing visitors from across Central Queensland and giving local businesses an important economic boost. Created and supported by volunteers, local businesses and community members, the Nebo Hotel Street Party is a community led event that showcases what makes Nebo a unique rural town.
Kylie and Craig Stanley from QRI Services in Coppabella were honoured with the Corporate Community Contribution of the Year award. They have helped transform Coppabella through both their leadership with QRI Services and Coppabella One Stop.
Their work has gone far beyond business operations, creating places for the community to connect, learn and access essential services. They were instrumental in delivering the revitalised Coppabella Community Centre and have continued to improve local facilities through Coppabella One Stop, now a key hub for local residents.
The Spirit of Isaac Award went to the Queensland Country Women’s Association Clermont Branch. The Clermont QCWA celebrated 100 years of service in 2025 with a Centenary Ball that brought the community together in vintage style, while raising funds for BMA CQ Rescue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, continuing the branch’s long tradition of giving back.
The Clermont QCWA remains an important part of local life through its hands on support across the community, from volunteering at events and teaching cooking in schools, to preparing birthing kits and catering at cattle sales, the groups ongoing commitment makes it a valued and well loved part of the Clermont community.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea congratulated this year’s Australia Day Award recipients and thanked the many nominees recognised across the region.
“These awards reflect the people who make the Isaac region what it is, locals who give their time, step up for others, and lead by example in ways that often go unseen,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
“With 149 nominations received this year, it is clear our communities are full of people making a real difference, and today we are proud to recognise and celebrate their contribution to our towns and to the Isaac region.”
The 2026 Isaac Region Australia Day and Citizenship Ceremony also welcomed 25 new Australian citizens in Clermont.
The 2027 event will be held in the Isaac Coast as part of the new rotation, hosting it in the hometown of the previous Citizen of the Year winner.
Events for Australia Day are happening at local pools and clubs throughout Isaac. Highlights include the popular Australia Day Triathlon in Moranbah tomorrow.
Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/Community/Australia-Day/Australia-Day-Events to attend an Australia Day event.
LIST OF OUR OTHER WINNERS FROM THE 2026 ISAAC REGION AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Mayor’s Award:
- St Lawrence Creatives (Isaac Coast)
- Clermont Men’s Shed (Clermont)
- Dysart Men’s Shed (Dysart)
- Sharni Wood (Glenden)
- Cooper Downing (Middlemount)
- Kylie Howe (Moranbah)
- Valkyrie Mini Olympics (Nebo)
Community Champion Award:
- Courtney Quinn (Isaac Coast)
- Lou Power (Clermont)
- Sandy & Jason Moffat (Dysart)
- Tevin Waerea (Glenden)
- Elizabeth Stewart (Middlemount)
- Jacob King (Moranbah)
- Joy Cooper (Nebo)
- Malakai Rich (Coppabella)
- Anneli Day (Clarke Creek)
Images available here - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ih14l6vrt878a9n5zxkjh/AI18pi9AzCwglk8oIijKNm4?rlkey=w7uok3ci32am1tvf8grmtaemg&st=tkby6rgm&dl=0
ENDS
For media enquires contact Brianna Baggow on 0488965713.
(Kevin Elliot was unable to attend today’s ceremony and will be receiving his award tomorrow in St Lawrence at their Australia Day Celebration. If you would like a photo of Kevin please let me know and I will send it through to you direct).