VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATED ACROSS HINCHINBROOK AND CASSOWARY COAST

SES Volunteers are among the thousands of Queenslanders being recognised during the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Volunteers across the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions are being recognised as part of the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, with almost 50,000 volunteers acknowledged statewide for their contributions to local communities.

The awards, supported by the Crisafulli Government, celebrated 21 finalists, eight recipients and 275 nominations across Queensland this year.

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Regional communities across North Queensland rely heavily on volunteers, particularly through SES groups, sporting organisations, charities, community events and disaster recovery efforts.

Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said volunteers were essential to the strength and resilience of Queensland communities.

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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.

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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.”

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CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said volunteers continued to make a difference despite growing pressures on households and support services.

“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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The awards form part of broader efforts to recognise volunteers during the United Nations International Year of Volunteers in 2026.

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