MACKAY AND WHITSUNDAYS VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED IN STATEWIDE AWARDS

Volunteers from the Mackay SES are among the thousands of Queenslanders being recognised during the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Community volunteers across Mackay and the Whitsundays are being celebrated as part of the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, which recognised nearly 50,000 volunteers across the state.

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This year’s awards featured 275 nominations, recognising volunteers working across emergency services, sporting clubs, charities, tourism events and community support programs.

Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said volunteers played a vital role in keeping Queensland communities connected and supported.

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“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and our government is proud to be delivering practical support and recognition for the people who selflessly give their time to help others,” Minister Leahy said.

Mackay and Whitsundays communities rely heavily on volunteers across major events, surf lifesaving clubs, emergency response groups and local sporting organisations.

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“These awards are about honouring the thousands of Queenslanders who step up every day to support others, strengthen communities and deliver real impact across our state,” she said.

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CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said volunteers continued to support their communities during challenging economic times.

“At a time when cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together,” Ms Hedger said.

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Since launching in 2016, the Queensland Volunteering Awards have highlighted the efforts of volunteers and organisations making significant contributions across the state.

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