FIFTEEN local residents and three community organisations have been named as finalists for the 2026 Ipswich Australia Day Awards, recognising the people and groups whose dedication, service and leadership continue to strengthen the city.
Winners will be announced across six categories – Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Cultural Award, Sport and Recreation Award and Community Group of the Year – as part of Ipswich’s Australia Day celebrations.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said this year’s nominations reflected the city’s strong sense of community and its appreciation for those who go above and beyond.
“Whether they’re household names making headlines or unsung heroes quietly serving their community, the 2026 Ipswich Australia Day Award finalists have one thing in common – they inspire us,” Mayor Harding said.
The Citizen of the Year category features Yvonne Bell, whose connection with Bremer State High School began in 1989, volunteering countless hours through the textbook hire office, tuckshop, uniform shop and the school’s P&C, where she serves as vice-president.
She is joined by Ipswich rugby league icon Ali Brigginshaw, a four-time NRLW premiership winner, 2020 Dally M medallist and former captain of Queensland and Australia.
Also shortlisted is Helen Youngberry, founder of Goodna Street Life, who since 2015 has supported hundreds of individuals and families through accommodation assistance, food relief, counselling and alcohol and drug addiction services.
Ms Bell is also recognised in the Senior Citizen of the Year category alongside 92-year-old Elizabeth Gough, who has devoted more than 40 years to volunteering with Lifeline Queensland. Completing the category are Wendye and Barry Gratton, whose long-standing involvement in Ipswich’s western suburbs includes the Rosewood Historical Society, Marburg Residents Association, Black Snake Creek Festival, Anzac Day events and the Marburg Street Library.
The Young Citizen of the Year finalists highlight the next generation of leaders.
Sprint sensation Gout Gout made national headlines last year after breaking the Australian men’s 200m record with a time of 20.02 seconds.
He is joined by St Edmund’s College graduates Tomas Jendra and Harrison Rule, with both fundraising for the school’s 115km Skool 2 Schoolies charity bike ride.
The Cultural Award finalists reflect the depth of Ipswich’s creative sector. Danielle Lennon, founder and director of the Studio of Performing Arts in Springfield, is recognised for creating an inclusive environment that nurtures young performers. The late Aunty Vera Short is honoured posthumously for a lifetime of service as a respected First Nations elder and as founder and former chair of the Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre. Completing the category is Krystel Wilson, Director of Fusion Arts Inc. and Music Convenor of the Ipswich Musical Eisteddfod.
