Victoria's View | 27 January 2026

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire,

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients of the Australia Day Awards this year. I am proud to be among you as a nominee myself. A warm welcome as well to all our new citizens who made the pledge on stage in front of what must have felt like the entire town. Hinchinbrook is stronger and better for all the good you bring.

Every Hinchinbrook citizen who was nominated should feel incredibly proud to be recognised. For some, it was for quiet deeds, and for others, outstanding achievements. Every name called out and every person who walked onto that stage deserves full recognition for their role in making our Shire safer, stronger, and more connected than ever.

A special mention to the Flood Heroes category. So many locals stepped up and showed what our community is made of in both big and small ways, helping wherever it was needed, from water rescues to simple check-in conversations. Every action mattered. Congratulations to all nominees!

Victoria

Fun fact: After the awards, I dashed straight to the Australia Day pool party hosted by Council and the Aquatic Centre, and right at the front entryway of the pool was a lamington so big it took up an entire table!