MEDIA RELEASE 22 September 2025
The Sunshine Coast’s community spirit was on full display Friday night as more than 300 locals gathered at the Caloundra RSL for the sold-out 2025 Fisher Community Awards Gala Dinner.
Now in its eighth year, the Awards received a record 300+ nominations across 11 categories, honouring individuals, organisations, and clubs who go above and beyond to make Fisher the best place to learn, earn and retire.
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, said the evening was a celebration of everything that makes the Sunshine Coast unique.
“Tonight was all about celebrating the people and groups who make the Sunshine Coast such a special place. From teachers and young achievers to volunteers, seniors and community groups, every story we heard showed the strength, generosity and resilience of our region,” Mr Wallace said.
“All of the winners and finalists were absolutely well deserved. They are salt-of-the-earth people who don’t ask for accolades but have a deep love for our community. It is our community’s privilege to be served by them, and this is one small way we can celebrate their contribution.” Mr Wallace added.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Andrew Wallace Award – Community Group of the Year, awarded to the Caloundra Coast Guard, recognised for their tireless service day in day out, during recent weather events and the ongoing Bribie Island breakthrough.
“Given the pressures and stresses that Caloundra and Golden Beach residents have been through this past year, it was very fitting that their Coast Guard won the major award tonight,” Mr Wallace reflected.
2025 Fisher Community Award Winners:
- Educator of the Year – Darren Freeman, Kairos Community College. Proudly sponsored by Kilcoy Global Foods
- Education Provider of the Year – Australian Air Force Cadets 223 Squadron Caloundra. Proudly sponsored by Tony Kelly Restaurant Group
- Young Achiever of the Year – Maya Teerink. Proudly sponsored by EndED
- Employee of the Year – Daniel Giles, DV Safe Phone. Proudly sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
- Environmental Leader of the Year – Jodi Salmond, Reef Australia. Proudly sponsored by Australia Zoo
- Sports Club of the Year – Caloundra Panthers Australian Football Club. Proudly sponsored by Your Mates Brewing Co
- Senior Community Group of the Year – Glasshouse Country Menshed Inc. Proudly sponsored by Travis Schultz & Partners
- Senior of the Year – Ian “Warby” Warburton. Proudly sponsored by Brighton Homes QLD
- Sportsperson of the Year – Greg Toman Proudly sponsored by HeliMods
- Business of the Year – 4 Ingredients. Proudly sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
- The Andrew Wallace Award – Community Group of the Year – Coast Guard Caloundra QF4.
Proudly sponsored by Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher
Mr Wallace also extended his thanks to all attendees, sponsors, community judges, and the Caloundra RSL for helping make the 2025 Fisher Community Awards Gala Dinner a truly memorable celebration of Fisher’s community spirit and encouraged everyone to keep the nominations coming in 2026.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West
M | 0402 556 646
E | Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
Photo gallery will be available soon.