Know A Top Bloke Who Goes Above And Beyond? Mackay Man Of The Year Award Nominations Now Open

President of International Men’s Day Mackay Inc and Mackay Men’s Shed founder Frank Cowell is encouraging locals to nominate and celebrate a top bloke who goes above and beyond for his family, friends and community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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By Hannah McNamara

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As families across Mackay come together to celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, there is one man who has made it his mission to ensure the top blokes across the region are acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated.

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President of International Men’s Day Mackay Inc, Advocate, and Founder of Mackay Men’s Shed Frank Cowell is encouraging the community to recognise the everyday men who make a difference to their families and the wider community through the annual Mackay Man of the Year award.

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Mr Cowell said one of the challenges men often face is recognising how important they are to their families and society. He said men can also carry a sense of guilt when they make mistakes but highlighted the importance of focusing on the good – rather than the bad – as well as forgiveness and encouragement.

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“A bloke often lives in a world of guilt from even the smallest mistakes. They need forgiveness for one, and they also need to be encouraged by those around them to be the best man God wants them to be,” Mr Cowell said.

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Initiated six years ago, the Mackay Man of the Year award was created to recognise an “average man” who goes the extra mile for his family, contributes to the community and is someone others can rely on.

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“It is to recognise one average man in this area, who just goes an extra mile for his family, but also contributes to community in some way, and is overall a decent bloke.”

Mr Cowell said the award is about celebrating men who are dependable, while recognising that nobody has to be perfect.

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“We like to recognise the sort of bloke that you can count on, who, when he gives his word, he keeps it. But also makes mistakes, as we all do.”

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Nominations are now open until 30^th September, with finalists to be notified by 31^st October  and invited to the International Men’s Day 2026 Celebratory Breakfast later this year on Thursday 19^th November, where the winner will be announced.

Mr Cowell encourages the people of Mackay to provide examples of why their nominee deserves recognition.

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“You can't just say he's a good bloke. You ought to say why he’s a good bloke!”

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Mr Cowell said being nominated is a form of encouragement in itself, even for those who don’t become finalists.

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“Just the fact that someone is nominated is encouragement as well. They might not make the cut to become the Man of the Year, but the fact that they're in the running, and were nominated for it, speaks volumes to some men who aren’t oftenappreciated.”

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The winner will have their name engraved on the Mackay Man of the Year Perpetual Trophy and receive a personal trophy, along with a prize package including a travel package to Bowen courtesy of Gallivantor Travel and 360 on the Hill Restaurant, a 12-month Muscle Garden Gym membership, $400 cash and dinner for two at Roshni By Raj.

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Two runners-up will also receive prizes.

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This Father’s Day, while we celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures who have shaped our lives, perhaps it is also worth thinking about the other men who have always shown up, quietly helped others, kept their word or simply been the bloke we could count on.

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Mr Cowell emphasised that for some men, a little recognition can mean more than we realise.

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Nominations can be made by COB 30^th September 2026 at www.manoftheyearmackay.com.au or by filling out a form in person. For more information contact President IMDMI, Frank Cowell on 0434 908 968

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