What’s Happening?
Mackay Regional Council has opened nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards, calling on the community to celebrate the dedication and achievements of local volunteers, sportspeople, and community champions.
Residents can submit nominations from now until January 5, 2025, for various award categories, including the newly introduced Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award.
Why it Matters
These awards highlight the region’s commitment to recognising and honouring the individuals and groups who make a meaningful difference in the community.
This year, a new award category has been added to honour the late Brenden Borellini, a local advocate for disability inclusion, arts and culture, and an inspiration to many in the community.
By the Numbers
- Last year’s awards received 183 nominations across eight categories.
- This year, the council aims to reach 200 nominations.
- Winners will be honoured in a ceremony at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on January 25, 2025.
Zoom In
The Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award recognises individuals or groups who “have gone above and beyond in their efforts to remove barriers, implement innovative solutions, and advocate for the rights and needs of those who may be experiencing disability and/or mobility and access concerns,” Mayor Greg Williamson shared.
Named in honour of Brenden Borellini, a former Mackay Arts and Culture Award winner and 1989 Young Australian of the Year, the award celebrates those following his legacy as champions of access and inclusion.
“Brenden broke down the boundaries of what was thought possible for someone who was deaf and blind,” Mayor Williamson noted.
“He was an actor, workshop facilitator, photographer, and researcher, and a strong advocate for people with disability and those that use alternate communication. Brenden passed away this year, and with his family’s blessing, we have introduced this award to celebrate those who follow in his footsteps.”
Zoom Out
The other award categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Arts and Culture
- Environmental Achievement
- Lori Burgess Community Volunteer
- Community Group
- Senior Sports
- Young Sports Award
The awards are proudly sponsored by P. Comino and Sons, Tropical Exposure, and supported by Triple M and 7NEWS Mackay.
Local Impact
Mayor Williamson emphasised the impact of each nomination, saying, “One thing that every nominee says each year is just how much it means to them to be nominated and recognised for the work they do. If there’s someone you know who goes above and beyond for our community or is achieving great things, then please recognise them today with a nomination.”
What to Look for Next
As the closing date for nominations approaches, community members are encouraged to act promptly.
Nomination forms can be filled out on the council’s website at mackay.qld.gov.au/australiaday or collected from council customer service centres.
