QLD DAY AMBASSADORS: FAMILIAR FACES OF QUEENSLAND PRIDE

Meet some of this year’s QLD Day ambassadors, championing the essence and vibrance of Queensland.

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We know Queensland has produced no shortage of rugby league royalty. Wally Lewis AM – also known as “The King” – is the face of his state yet again as a 2026 QLD Day ambassador.

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“I’m a proud Queenslander, born and bred, and I’ve spent a lifetime representing this wonderful state,” Wally said. 

“I’m inspired by everyday Queenslanders, the people who show up for their families, their communities, and each other; that’s the real strength of this state.”

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One of rugby league’s greatest players, Johnathan Thurston AM; former three-time premiership winner for the Brisbane Broncos, Gorden Tallis; and captain of the Broncos, Maroons and Jillaroos, Ali Brigginshaw are also representing rugby this year.

There must be something in the water, with our best swimmers diving in as ambassadors: eight-time Olympic medallist, Cate Campbell OAM; Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary OAM; and four-time Paralympic medallist Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson. Netball great Laura Geitz, raised in the Darling Downs town of Allora, joins Gold Coast AFL rising star Ethan Read. 

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One of Australia’s most beloved tennis champions, Pat Rafter said he proudly wears the title of ‘Queenslander’, while he secretly loves having a stadium with his name on it. 

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“I love being a Queenslander, I was brought up in Mount Isa, so I guess there is a fair bit of that country passion in me,” Pat said.

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“Having a stadium with my name on it is so cool. The Queensland tennis crowd is pretty respectful; they enjoy their tennis but appreciate good players with good attitude.”

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From the arts, didgeridoo virtuoso and composer William Barton sits alongside Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen OAM, country music balladeer Lee Kernaghan OAM, and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. 

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Rounding out the line-up is veteran journalist and child-safety advocate Kay McGrath OAM, a Queensland Great, encouraging all Queenslanders to celebrate the unique spirit of the Sunshine State.

“Queensland Day is a chance for us to come together and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this extraordinary state,” Kay said.

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What ties them together isn’t fame – it’s our state. Each ambassador’s story is rooted in a different patch of Queensland, from outback towns to coastal cities. Together, they paint a portrait of a state that’s as diverse as it is proud.

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QLD Day Ambassadors qld.gov.au/qldday 

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CELEBRATING INCREDIBLE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR STATE GREAT

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The QLD Day Awards shine a spotlight on the Queenslanders who go above and beyond – the community volunteers, local legends, young achievers and those shaping our state’s future. 

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From grassroots changemakers to everyday heroes, these awards celebrate Queenslanders from all walks of life who make Queensland a better place. Announced on QLD Day, the winners reflect a proud tradition of service, generosity and community spirit that has defined our state since 1859. 

Jane Hedger, CEO of Volunteering Queensland, said the awards recognise the Queenslanders who often work behind the scenes to support others.

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 “The QLD Day Awards shine a light on those Queenslanders who quietly make the world go round and give us an opportunity to say thank you,” she said.

For Catherine Lamb, a Meals on Wheels volunteer from Ashgrove, Brisbane, giving back is simply part of who she is. 

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“It’s about the simple things – how good you feel doing something good, and how much it means to the person on the other end,” Catherine said.

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This year’s recipients continue a strong legacy of community champions, following in the footsteps of the 2025 QLD Day Local Legends – all shining examples of the Queensland spirit in action.

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To meet this year’s QLD Day Award winners, visit qld.gov.au/qldday

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