Community Champions Honoured at Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards
Published on 27 January 2026
Livingstone Shire Council proudly announced the recipients of the Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards 2026 at a special ceremony held today.
For the first time in several years, the official Australia Day Awards Ceremony returned to Yeppoon’s Foreshore Amphitheatre and was held in conjunction with the annual Great Australia Day Beach Party, as well as a Citizenship Ceremony.
The celebrations welcomed 28 new Australian citizens, who proudly took their pledge as part of the morning’s proceedings.
Mayor Adam Belot said the awards were a powerful reminder of the strength, generosity and spirit of the Livingstone Shire community.
“Livingstone Shire is so blessed to be home to so many wonderful, talented and generous community members who go above and beyond every day for their community, expecting nothing in return for their efforts,” Mayor Belot said.
“These award recipients and nominees are the unsung heroes and quiet achievers who make our Shire such a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
The ceremony commenced with the presentation of the Mayor’s Award, followed by group and individual Australia Day Award categories.
This year, Council received 18 individual nominations and six group nominations, highlighting the depth of community contribution across the Shire.
Chair of the Livingstone Australia Day Awards Advisory Committee, Councillor Andrea Friend, said selecting winners was no easy task.
“The quality and diversity of nominations this year was outstanding, and it really shows how fortunate we are as a community,” Cr Friend said.
“Every nominee has an inspiring story, and we sincerely thank everyone who was nominated by friends and family. Your contributions truly embody what it means to be Australian.”
Cr Friend formally acknowledged 2025 Citizens of the Year, Denis and Kay Ratcliffe, who served as valued members of the Advisory Committee this year and thanked them for their continued service and dedication to the community.
Advisory Committee member Cr Lance Warcon said recognising local legends was an important way to celebrate community spirit.
“These awards shine a light on people and groups who quietly give their time, skills and passion to make Livingstone a better place,” Cr Warcon said.
“Their stories are inspiring, and their impact is felt right across our towns and communities.”
Awards were presented by Cr Andrea Friend alongside the Hon Michelle Landry MP, Senator the Hon Matt Canavan, Keppel MP Nigel Hutton, Denis and Kay Ratcliffe.
Following the presentations, new citizens, award nominees, recipients and their families were invited to share a cold drink and cake in celebration.
Australia Day Awards 2026 Recipients
Group/organisation:
Sport and Recreation – Group – Capricorn Coast Cricket Club
Capricorn Coast Cricket Club was recognised for its exceptional commitment to community sport and youth development. Over the past two years, the club re-established its Blasters program, dramatically growing participation from four to 44 children and removing the need for families to travel to Rockhampton. The club’s volunteers also support wider community initiatives, including Council’s Holiday Colour Blast program and Queensland Cricket’s “Play Cricket on Keppel” event.
Environment Group – Friends of Lammermoor Native Gardens
Friends of Lammermoor Native Gardens is a dedicated volunteer group committed to protecting and maintaining the natural bushland at Lammermoor Native Gardens through weed removal, litter collection and targeted tree planting.
The group also provides opportunities for volunteers to learn about native plant species while enjoying and caring for the local natural environment.
Founded by John (Jean) and Fran (Francoise) Rivory—now in their 90s—the group continues to benefit from their remarkable ongoing involvement each Thursday whenever they are able to attend.
Arts and Culture – Keppel Coast Arts Council
Incorporated in 1999, Keppel Coast Arts is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that plays a vital role in enriching arts and culture across the Capricorn Coast.
Through the development and support of local artists and creative projects, KCA has helped foster a vibrant and connected cultural community.
Its initiatives and partnerships include the Fig Tree Markets, The Village Festival, Creek Sessions, movie nights and film festivals, as well as touring performances and exhibitions.
Community Group – Livingstone Youth Action Group
The Livingstone Youth Action Group was celebrated for its youth-led advocacy and innovative community initiatives. Meeting weekly throughout the school year, the group tackled issues such as youth wellbeing, social connection and environmental awareness. Their achievements included delivering Livingstone’s first youth music festival, hosting wellbeing-focused open days, establishing youth noticeboards across the Shire and contributing lived-experience insights to Council’s Youth Needs Analysis.
Business / Innovation / Corporate Social Responsibility – Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch
Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch was recognised for its outstanding support of veterans, service personnel and the wider community. In 2025, the Sub Branch completed a major refurbishment to improve accessibility and functionality while delivering welfare support, commemorative services and community education. Hundreds of volunteer hours each month underpin the Sub Branch’s work, strengthening community connection and honouring Australia’s service history.
Individuals:
Sport and Recreation – Lachlan Duggan
Lachlan Duggan was acknowledged for his dedication to Muay Thai and community sport. A competitive athlete, coach and mentor, Lachlan represented Australia internationally in 2025, earning a bronze medal and the Team Australia True Grit Award at the IFMA Youth World Championships. His achievements and leadership continue to inspire young athletes across the Livingstone Shire. He is also on track for the Brisbane Olympics 2032.
Environment - David Hiscox
David Hiscox, was instrumental in organising the Capricorn Coast Beach Clean Up – part of the Great Barrier Reef Clean-Up 2025 protecting the Great Barrier Reef from marine debris since 2019. Dave is passionate about our beautiful beaches and keeping them pristine so they can be enjoyed by everyone. In 2025 they removed 432kgs of waste from Sandy Point to Tanby Point. Make sure you join their next cleanup in October 2026 which plans to be even bigger and better!
Community – Adam Murrell
Adam Murrell was honoured for his extraordinary service with the Queensland State Emergency Service. Since joining in 2014, Adam has contributed more than 1,800 hours to emergency response, training and disaster recovery efforts. His leadership, professionalism and commitment have strengthened community safety and resilience across the Livingstone Shire.
Arts and Culture – Candece Bergin
Candece Bergin, known as “Miss Candy,” was recognised for her transformative impact on music education and cultural life in the region. Through her leadership and vision, she united students and schools across Central Queensland and founded the Central Queensland Youth Touring Ensemble. Her work has created life-changing opportunities for young musicians while embedding music at the heart of community life.
Young Citizen of the Year – Myilly Symington
Myilly Symington is celebrated for her outstanding leadership, cultural contribution and community service. A former Cultural Captain at Yeppoon State High School, Myilly has represented the Shire locally, nationally and internationally through music and cultural exchange. Her kindness, optimism and dedication continue to inspire young people across the community.
Citizen of the Year – Robert Lang
Robert Lang was recognised for a lifetime of service spanning more than five decades of volunteering. A long-serving Rural Fire Service volunteer and community advocate, Robert has played a pivotal role in securing vital funding, facilities and resources for brigades across the region. His unwavering commitment and leadership have left a lasting legacy for the Livingstone Shire.
Mayoral Award – Peter Watkins
Peter Watkins was instrumental in shaping the Yeppoon Swans into one of the most successful and respected Aussie rules football clubs in the country, serving five years as vice-president and 15 years as president. Under his leadership, the club built a strong, family-oriented culture alongside major on-field and infrastructure success, including a remarkable 128-game A-grade men’s winning streak and an unprecedented 11th consecutive AFL Capricornia premiership in 2025. He continues to contribute to the community through his role as president of the Yeppoon Turf Club.
Posthumous Mayoral Award – Bruce Acutt
The concept for a dedicated veterans’ camp in Central Queensland was first conceived in 1997 and came to life through a partnership between Vietnam veterans and the late Rockhampton psychologist Bruce Acutt. A strong advocate for veterans’ mental health, Bruce dedicated his career to supporting those experiencing PTSD and ultimately surveyed and donated one hectare of his own land to establish Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat. Without his generosity and commitment, the retreat would not exist.
For more information about the Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards, visit Council’s website or contact Livingstone Shire Council.