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Australia Day Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards!

Do you know someone making a difference in the Lockyer Valley? Whether they're volunteering their time, achieving sporting success, fundraising for a great cause, or helping to strengthen our community, now is the time to recognise their efforts.

Submit your nomination today: https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/AusDay27

The 2026 Lockyer Valley Australia Day saw the community come together to celebrate their friends, family and neighbours who have gone above and beyond to help improve the lives of others, and contribute to a diverse, friendly, and strong community with our Australia Day Community Awards. We also welcomed five new citizens to the region at the Citizenship Ceremony. Our Australia Day Ambassador Bill Nancarrow gave a moving speech on how to overcome challenges and build resilience, guests enjoyed a morning of live entertainment and free family-friendly activities.

2026 Winners

Citizen of
the Year		Ron Johnstone wears many hats across the Lockyer Valley, with his involvement spanning decades. He is known as the Town Crier, a long-standing and deeply involved member of the Laidley Pioneer Village, an active member of the Gatton and District Historical Society and sits on numerous other committees across the region. Through his efforts in historical preservation and tourism promotion, Ron has contributed directly to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the Lockyer Valley. By enhancing the visitor experience at historical sites and actively promoting local events, he has helped attract tourists and foster regional pride. Ron leads by example, whether he’s rallying support for local initiatives, promoting events, or maintaining the grounds at the museum, he inspires those around him.
Young Citizen of the YearHaylie Morton contributes to the local community through the Laidley State High School, the arts, science and local organisations. As student council member and later Vice-President, she has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives, meticulously planning, organising, and leading events that have benefited both her school and the wider community. Some of her projects include: “Wear Pink for Emily”, “Do it for Dolly Day”, Harmony/Multicultural Day, Valetine’s Day Stall, World Kindness Day, Sausage Sizzles and Legacy Projects. Haylie orchestrated the first Laidley State School Gunfire Breakfast while also excelling in school maintaining 6 x Gold Medallion and Platinum awards for learning engagement and achievement. Haylie also succeeds in music and the performing arts. Haylie aspires to pursue clinical medicine and research, establishing a centre to improve healthcare access and sustainability for rural communities, combining her love of science, service and helping others.
Senior Sportsperson
of the Year		Jason Northey holds the role of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Queensland State Match Coordinator, managing matches and competitors for 41 clubs spread across the state. Jason is an Australia representative practical handgun competitor, and in 2025 he represented Australia at the 20th IPSC Handgun World Shoot in South Africa, finishing with a Top 100 ranking. Jason is currently ranked 7th in Australia in IPSC Classic Division, and Top 4 within Queensland.
Junior Sportsperson
of the Year 		Samson Noffke represents the Lockyer Valley through multiple sporting categories at state and national levels. Samson competed for Met West in Cricket, Rugby Union and Athletics at the Queensland Representative School Sport Championships. In Javelin he won silver at the Queensland State Championships and then bronze at the Australian Athletics National Championships. Samson represented the Ipswich Jets Cyril Connell Under 17’s team and has been selected for Ipswich Jets Mal Meninga Under 19 squad. Samson has been selected in the U18 South East Queensland Stormers cricket squad.
Event of the Year

The Committee behind the annual Ma Ma Creek Exhibition pour in endless hours of volunteer work to ensure the event is a success every year. This event highlights community spirit, by showcasing what the local community has to offer, from local businesses, farmers, as well as hobbyists being given an opportunity to showcase their goods and crafts.

Community Organisation
of the Year

The Gatton Black Pigs Rugby Union Club are deeply engaged in the Lockyer Valley community, as members participate proudly in ANZAC DAY commemorations, Forest Hill Christmas Festivities, and key UQ Gatton events. They also volunteer substantial time to coaching rugby at Faith Lutheran College, helping grow junior rugby, mentor younger athletes and strengthen pathways for youth participation in the region.

Mayoral Award WinnerGayle Daetz volunteering journey began in 1999, when she signed up to volunteer with the Leukemia Foundation at the Ipswich Branch, by supporting patients and families. Sadly, this was prompted after the loss of her own son, Jody, to Leukemia in May of 1999.Gayle went on to become president of the Leukemia Foundation’s Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Branch from 2005-2014. Whilst president, she worked tirelessly to support patients and families through fundraisers and awareness programs. Gayle volunteers at the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre and has been doing this for 16 years. Seven years ago, amidst her regular volunteering gigs at the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre, Gayle started the Team Jody Foundation. Through Team Jody, Gayle organises two markets every year at Forest Hill, two high teas every year, and a bus trip for 20-30 participants every six weeks, highlighting different tourism activities in not only the Lockyer Valley, but also surrounding regions. She volunteers at Das Neumann Haus twice a month in the café, helps run their markets for events like the Heritage Festival and Laidley Spring Festival. Gayle is a great champion in our community and it’s wonderful to publicly and formally recognise her today.

Award categories

There are six award categories, including:

Citizen of the YearRecognises the outstanding contribution, achievement and/or leadership by an individual over the preceding year or over numerous years, providing a positive role model for others.
Young Citizen of the YearRecognises contribution, achievement and/or leadership by an individual over the preceding year or over numerous years, providing a positive role model for others.
Senior Sportsperson of the YearRecognises an individual for their sporting achievements during the preceding year.
Junior Sportsperson of the YearRecognises an individual for their sporting achievements during the preceding year.
Event of the YearRecognises an outstanding event held within our region during the preceding year, with a demonstrated contribution to the wellbeing of the community. This may include arts and cultural events, festivals and sporting events.
Community Organisation of the YearRecognises a community organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to our community. Community organisations may include arts and cultural organisations, sporting organisations and charitable organisations.
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