Community Champions Take Centre Stage

At The 2026 Australia Day Awards

The 2026 Australia Day Awards recognised Burdekin residents for their outstanding contributions across community service, sport, culture and volunteering, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attending the ceremony at the Burdekin Memorial Hall to honour the region's high achievers. From lifetime achievements to emerging young leaders, the event celebrated the people who continue to enrich and strengthen the community.

Frank Nucifora and Grace Ogomeni Named Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year

Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora and young achiever Grace Ogomeni have been named Burdekin Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Monday's 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony in Home Hill.

The ceremony, which began at 4pm, recognised Burdekin residents for their excellence and contributions across a range of fields, with 42 nominations across 10 award categories.

Citizen of the Year Frank Nucifora’s service to the Burdekin spans more than six decades. After migrating from Sicily in the 1950s, he helped establish local businesses and became a respected community figure.

A 60-year member of the Rotary Club of Ayr, he has served as President, Treasurer, and Foundation Chair, supporting projects including Meals on Wheels, Plantation Park, the Duck Race, and Christmas cake deliveries.

Recognised twice as a Paul Harris Fellow, Frank still volunteers actively at 86 and received a framed aerial photograph of the Burdekin Bridge in honour of his service.

Young Citizen of the Year Grace Ogomeni was recognised for her excellence in academics, sport, and community engagement. She was School and House Captain, earned Dux in multiple subjects, received a Level One Academic Award, and won top sporting honours including Burdekin Secondary Schools Athletic Age Champion and Lloyd Memorial Sportswoman of the Year.

Grace is also active in cultural and community projects, volunteering for Clean Up Australia Day and NAIDOC Day, participating in Stand Up Sleep Out and ANZAC Day ceremonies, and serving on the Student Ball Committee. She has been recognised with an Olympic Change Maker Award, an ADF Leadership Award, and as a Lions Youth of the Year runner-up, and has received an offer to study medicine at James Cook University.

The ceremony also recognised award recipients across sport, culture, volunteering and environmental categories, with Community Event of the Year awarded to the Home Hill State High School Ag Precinct Community Open Day.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort congratulated all recipients and nominees, saying the awards highlighted the contribution of volunteers and community leaders across the shire.

“The 2026 Australia Day Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant and supportive place to live,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“I congratulate all our nominees and recipients. Your dedication, leadership and community spirit enrich the lives of those around you, and our region is stronger because of your contributions.”

2026 Australia Day Award recipients
Citizen of the Year — Frank Nucifora
Young Citizen of the Year — Grace Ogomeni
Young Citizen of the Year – Achievement Award — Grayson Potter-Geitz
Community Event of the Year — Home Hill State High School – Ag Precinct Community Open Day
Volunteer of the Year — Trevor Elton
Volunteer of the Year – Achievement Award — John Power
Junior Cultural Award — Cecillia Cason
Senior Cultural Award — Larry Hudson
Senior Cultural Achievement Award — Cheryl Platt
Junior Sportsperson of the Year — Luke Potter-Geitz
Senior Sportsperson of the Year — Karin Thorburn
Environment Award — Anthony Drage
Lifetime Service – Gold Award — Dolores Droguet, John Power, Frank Nucifora
Lifetime Service – Silver Award — Robyn Hewson, Maryann Petersen

Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora named Burdekin Citizen of the Year. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora and young achiever Grace Ogomeni have been named Burdekin Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Monday's 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony in Home Hill. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

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