Who are the people making Livingstone Shire a better place?
Published on 27 October 2026
Some people give decades of their lives to helping others. They volunteer when they’re needed, share their skills and quietly make their community a better place, without ever expecting recognition.
So how do we thank the people who would never think to ask for it?
Livingstone Shire Council is encouraging residents to nominate someone who makes a difference in their community for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, with nominations opening Tuesday 27 October.
For 2026 Citizen of the Year Robert Lang, giving back has been a lifelong commitment. He has spent 53 years with the Rural Fire Service, helped secure more than $1.2 million in grants for local brigades, and continues to support emergency services across the region.
Reflecting on his recognition as 2026 Citizen of the Year at the January ceremony, Robert Lang said volunteering had never been about receiving an award.
“We never do it to achieve something like this. We do it to give back to people,” Robert said.
Robert’s advice to others is simple: “If you have a skill or have the time, just give it. And don't ask for any other reward apart from the satisfaction of giving.”
His story is one of many across Livingstone Shire, where people give their time and energy to strengthen local communities, often without seeking the spotlight.
For 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Myilly Symington, it was her Japanese teacher who recognised her contribution and encouraged her to be nominated.
As 2025 Cultural Captain at Yeppoon State High School, Myilly represented her school at community events, volunteered with the Student Action Group and supported the Yeppoon Community Centre. Myilly also shared her musical talents at community events, including performing at ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and the Village Festival.
Reflecting on being named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year at the January ceremony, Myilly said she was surprised and grateful to be recognised for her contributions to her school and community.
“I felt very honoured and very, very grateful so I'm glad to be recognised,” Myilly said.
Myilly said helping others had always been important to her, including in her future career aspirations.
“I've just always known that I wanted to help people in my career or anything,” she said.
Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards Committee Chair Councillor Lance Warcon said the awards were an opportunity to recognise people whose contributions helped make the region a better place to live.
“Whether it’s someone who has volunteered for decades, a young person making a difference or a local organisation bringing people together, these contributions deserve to be recognised,” Cr Warcon said.
“You might know someone who never asks for thanks but is always there when they’re needed. A nomination is a meaningful way to show them their efforts matter.”
Cr Andrea Friend, who chaired the 2026 awards committee, said the quality of nominations made selecting recipients challenging.
“Each and every nominee was so worthy in their nomination,” Cr Friend said, adding that in most cases there was only a fraction of a percentage between nominees.
Nominations for the 2027 Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards open Tuesday 27 October and close at midnight on Friday 11 December 2026.
The categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Senior Sport and Recreation
- Junior Sport and Recreation
- Arts and Culture
- Business, Innovation & Corporate Responsibility
- Environmental Achievement
- Community
Residents are encouraged to think about the people who make a difference in their lives and neighbourhoods, whether through volunteering, sport, the arts, business, environmental initiatives or supporting others.
You don’t need to wait for someone else to recognise their efforts. If someone’s contribution has made a positive difference to the community, put their name forward.
Nominate your local hero here