Isaac Region Celebrates Its Everyday Heroes

The 2026 Isaac Region Australia Day Awards honoured locals making a real difference in their communities at a ceremony in Clermont on January 25. Kevin Elliott was named Citizen of the Year for decades of service across St Lawrence and the wider region, including volunteer work with the ambulance and rural fire brigade, forming the Clarke Creek Campdraft, and supporting countless community events.

Young Citizen of the Year Jixie Navarro was recognised for her leadership, volunteering, fundraising and music contributions in Moranbah, including the Moranbah Memory 5K Walk and Jog for Dementia and Dance for Sick Kids.

Community Event of the Year went to the Nebo Hotel Street Party, while Corporate Community Contribution of the Year recognised Kylie and Craig Stanley from QRI Services, Coppabella. The Spirit of Isaac Award celebrated the Clermont branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association for 100 years of ongoing community support.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association Clermont Branch claimed The Spirit of Isaac Award. Photo supplied

The People Of The Isaac Region Honoured
At The 2026 Australia Day Awards

The 2026 Isaac Region Australia Day Award winners were recognised at Isaac’s Regional Awards Ceremony in Clermont on Sunday, January 25, celebrating outstanding service, leadership and community contribution across the region.

A lifetime of dedication to St Lawrence and the wider Isaac region was formally recognised when Kevin Elliott was named Citizen of the Year for his long history of service through both his professional career and extensive community involvement. His family operated the St Lawrence Hotel, and he later managed the Post Office before joining Council. He worked with Council from the late 1990s until retiring late last year. Mr Elliott also helped form the Clarke Creek Campdraft in 1975 and proudly carried the Olympic Torch in 2000.

His volunteer service has been equally significant, including more than 50 years as a volunteer ambulance officer and more than 25 years with the rural fire brigade. He has also been a long-time member of the St Lawrence Sportsground Committee and the Recreation Group, where he is known for consistently supporting events, working bees and community activities. Widely regarded for helping anyone who asks, day or night, Mr Elliott was described as a worthy recipient of the region’s highest honour.

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. Ms Navarro 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 award was presented to the Nebo Hotel Street Party. The much-loved annual event brings the community together each year, featuring live music, food, family activities and strong local involvement, celebrating the spirit of small-town life in regional Queensland.

Kylie and Craig Stanley from QRI Services in Coppabella were honoured with the Corporate Community Contribution of the Year award. The pair have helped transform Coppabella through their leadership with QRI Services and Coppabella One Stop.

The Spirit of Isaac Award was presented 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.

The Clermont QCWA continues to play a vital role in local life through its hands-on support across the community, including volunteering at events, teaching cooking in schools, preparing birthing kits and catering at cattle sales, with its ongoing commitment making it a valued and well-loved part of the Clermont community.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said, “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 on the Isaac Coast as part of the new rotation, with the ceremony hosted in the hometown of the previous Citizen of the Year winner.

The following recipients were also presented with the Mayor’s Award and Community Champion Award.

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)

 


Community Event of the Year-Nebo Hotel Street Party

Corporate Community Contribution of the Year-QRI Services Coppabella

Spirit of Isaac-Clermont Branch-Queensland Country Women's Association

Young Citizen of the Year-Jixie Navarro. Photos supplied

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