MEDIA RELEASE
11 August 2026
Sunshine Coast locals have fewer than 10 days remaining to nominate their community heroes for the ninth annual Fisher Community Awards, as tickets officially go on sale for the 2026 Gala Dinner.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP is encouraging residents to nominate the volunteers, educators, businesses, employees, sporting champions, young achievers, seniors and community organisations making an outstanding contribution across the electorate.
“With nearly 200 nominations, they have already uncovered some remarkable stories, but I know there are many more local legends across Fisher who deserve to be recognised,” Mr Wallace said.
“These awards celebrate the people who quietly give their time, share their skills and go above and beyond to make our region the best place to learn, earn and retire.
“If someone immediately comes to mind, please do not assume somebody else will nominate them. Take a few minutes to share their story and help us give them the recognition they deserve.”
Nominations are open across 11 categories and close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Tickets have also been released for the Fisher Community Awards Gala Dinner, which will be held on Friday, 18 September 2026, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra RSL.
The gala will celebrate this year’s nominees and announce the 2026 winners across all 11 categories.
Annabelle “AB” Brett from 92.7 Mix FM will return as Master of Ceremonies, while 2026 Australian Idol runner-up Harlan Goode will perform live and wrap up the evening.
Australian singer, songwriter and performer Harlan Goode rose to national prominence this year as runner-up on Australian Idol 2026, captivating audiences across Australia with his powerhouse vocals, emotional performances and commanding stage presence.
Throughout the competition, Harlan became known for putting his own stamp on some of music’s biggest songs, progressing to the final two and finishing runner-up in the April Grand Finale.
Since Australian Idol, Harlan has embarked on his first headline East Coast tour, The Homecoming Tour, with shows across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne. He is also preparing to embark on a sold-out European tour supporting fellow Australian artist Jude York.
Mr Goode said he was grateful for the opportunity to perform at the Fisher Community Awards Gala Dinner.
“This year has already been such an incredible journey for me, from Australian Idol to getting out on the road and performing for audiences around Australia, and I never take any of these opportunities for granted,” Mr Goode said.
“The Sunshine Coast is also very special to me, as my father Rohan and his family are from Caloundra, so it feels wonderful to be coming back to a place that already has such a personal connection for us.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the night, celebrating some amazing people in the Fisher community and putting on a great show for everyone.”
Mr Wallace said the gala dinner would bring the stories behind this year’s nominations into the spotlight.
“It is an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations strengthening the fabric of our community and give them the celebration they deserve,” Mr Wallace said.
“Harlan’s personal connection to Caloundra makes his performance even more special, and I am looking forward to seeing him help us finish the evening on a high.”
Mr Wallace also thanked the community-minded organisations supporting the awards in 2026.
“This celebration would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who are all back on board after supporting the awards in 2025,” Mr Wallace said.
Nominations and gala dinner details are available at andrewwallacemp.com.au/awards.
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Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
