MEDIA RELEASE
21 September 2026
Eleven outstanding individuals and organisations have been recognised at the ninth annual Fisher Community Awards, celebrating the people whose service, leadership and generosity make the Sunshine Coast a stronger place to live.
Almost 300 nominations were received across the 11 award categories before winners were announced at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre at Caloundra RSL on Friday night with a Gala Dinner.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP established the awards in 2018 to recognise the volunteers, educators, employees, businesses, young achievers, seniors, sporting champions and community groups making a difference across the electorate.
Mr Wallace said the continued strength of nominations after nine years showed community spirit was thriving across the Sunshine Coast.
“These awards remain my favourite night on the calendar because they give us the opportunity to recognise people who contribute so much, often without ever expecting recognition in return,” Mr Wallace said.
“To receive almost 300 nominations after nine years tells me the Sunshine Coast is not only growing, but thriving.
“Every nomination began with somebody noticing another person’s contribution and taking the time to say, ‘You deserve to be recognised.’
“To every person who submitted a nomination, thank you. To every nominee and finalist, congratulations. Whether or not your name was called on the night, your community has paid you an enormous compliment.”
2026 Fisher Community Award winners:
Educator of the Year: Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart, The Balin Stewart Foundation
After losing their 16-year-old son Balin to knife violence in 2022, Michael and Kerri-Lyn channelled their grief into protecting other young people. Through the Bin the Blade for Balin campaign, school visits and their support for the P.A.R.T.Y program at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, they are teaching young people about the devastating consequences of carrying a knife.
Education Provider of the Year: STEPS Group Australia
Founded by a group of parents in 1989, STEPS has grown into a nationally recognised not-for-profit with 23 sites and almost 400 staff, while remaining proudly headquartered in Caloundra. Its programs help people with disability, disadvantaged learners, migrants and refugees build skills, confidence, independence and pathways into employment.
Young Achiever of the Year: Jessica Cronin
At just 16, Jessica founded 2030 in Focus, raised funds for education projects overseas, worked with the Buderim Men’s Shed to establish free street libraries and collected more than 470 kilograms of school supplies. She also represented Australia at the International Future Problem Solving Conference, placing second in the world.
Employee of the Year: Genice McCall, Alex Surf Club
For more than 21 years, Genice has been part of the heart and soul of Alex Surf Club. After beginning in the Kids Room, she worked her way up to lead Human Resources for 160 staff. Her colleagues describe her as someone who always puts people first, celebrates their milestones and steps in wherever she is needed.
Environmental Leader of the Year: Trent Brumby, Microplastics Awareness Systems
After watching plastic waste build up along local beaches and waterways, Trent founded Microplastics Awareness Systems in 2025. His initiatives include the animated environmental superhero Plastinator and High 5 for the Surf, which encourages beachgoers to collect five pieces of litter after every visit.
Sports Club of the Year: TKO Boxing Academy
Hemi Niha and Keena Hull have built TKO Boxing Academy into a welcoming community where people of every age and ability are supported. The Warana gym combines boxing with mentoring, mental health support and a strong belief that everybody deserves a place where they belong.
Senior Community Group of the Year: Kawana Waters VIEW Club
Since 1993, Kawana Waters VIEW Club has supported disadvantaged Australian students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Through raffles, stalls, fashion parades and other community activities, its members raise funds while giving older women friendship, purpose and a strong voice.
Senior of the Year: Kathleen “Kath” Morris
Kath began volunteering in 1967 and, almost 60 years later, has never stopped. Now 83, she is in her 14th year as President of the Caloundra Garden Club and also serves as Vice President of the Caloundra Orchid Club. Her lifetime of service has included hospital fundraising, fostering children and teaching women in prison in Papua New Guinea how to sew and earn an income.
Sportsperson of the Year: Bella Taylor-Rose
At 16, Bella is already an Australian Powerlifting Champion and the holder of four Australian records. She balances training with her studies at Baringa State Secondary College and a part-time job that helps pay for her coaching. In November, she will represent Australia at the IPL World Powerlifting Championships in Las Vegas.
Business of the Year: Kilcoy Global Foods
Headquartered on the Sunshine Coast, Kilcoy Global Foods produces premium Australian beef and lamb enjoyed around the world. The company supports more than 100 local groups and charities each year, while its team recently raised more than $200,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
The Andrew Wallace Award for Community Group of the Year: 106 Army Cadet Unit
Celebrating its tenth year on the Sunshine Coast, the entirely volunteer-run 106 Army Cadet Unit helps young people develop confidence, leadership and a commitment to community service. Since adopting its welcoming and inclusive approach, attendance has increased by more than 82 per cent.
Mr Wallace said the winners represented the many different ways people contribute to Fisher.
“A trophy cannot create service, courage or generosity. Those qualities were already there,” Mr Wallace said.
“But recognition can tell somebody their work matters. It can introduce their cause to new supporters, open new doors and give them the encouragement to keep going.
“These winners include people who are saving lives, opening educational opportunities, protecting our environment, supporting young people, strengthening workplaces and helping those who need it most.
“They are joined by dozens of exceptional finalists and almost 300 nominees whose stories deserve to be told.
“I congratulate every 2026 winner and thank them for helping make Fisher the best place in Australia to learn, earn and retire.”
The evening was hosted by Mix FM’s Annabelle “AB” Brett and featured a panel discussion with previous award recipients Josie Collins, Conrad Townson and Nate Nelson.
Following the awards, 2026 Australian Idol runner-up Harlan Goode closed the celebration with a live performance, proudly sponsored by Shadforth Civil.
Mr Wallace thanked event sponsor Caloundra RSL and sponsors Shadforth Civil, Australia Zoo, ARC, Travis Schultz and Partners, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, endED, Kilcoy Global Foods, Tony Kelly Restaurant Group, Your Mates Brewing Co, HeliMods, Brighton Homes, Banana Bender Pub and Aussie World.
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Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
