MEDIA RELEASE
23 July 2026
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP is calling on the Sunshine Coast community to nominate its local legends, with nominations now open for the ninth annual Fisher Community Awards.
Established by Mr Wallace in 2018, the awards recognise the quiet achievers, volunteers, leaders, businesses and community organisations making an outstanding contribution across the Federal Electorate of Fisher.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most generous, dedicated and community-minded people in Australia,” Mr Wallace said.
“These awards are our opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people who give their time, share their skills and support others, often without seeking any recognition in return.
“Whether it is a dedicated teacher, an inspiring young achiever, a hardworking employee, a sporting champion, a local business or a community organisation serving others, I want to hear their story.”
The Fisher Community Awards have recognised hundreds of locals since their establishment, including previous major award recipients SunnyKids, Gateway Care, Young Veterans Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, Project Paradigm Australia, Queensland Air Museum and more.
In 2025, the Andrew Wallace Award for Community Group of the Year was presented to Coast Guard Caloundra QF4 in recognition of its tireless service, particularly during severe weather events and following the Bribie Island breakthrough.
“Last year was our biggest celebration yet, with more than 300 nominations and more than 300 locals attending our sold-out inaugural Gala Dinner,” Mr Wallace said.
“Every nomination told the story of someone helping to make Fisher the best place to learn, earn and retire.
“I know there are many more local legends whose efforts deserve to be recognised, and I encourage people not to assume somebody else will nominate them.”
The 2026 Fisher Community Award categories are:
- Educator of the Year
- Education Provider of the Year
- Young Achiever of the Year
- Business of the Year
- Employee of the Year
- Senior Community Group of the Year
- Senior of the Year
- Environmental Leader of the Year
- Sports Club of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- The Andrew Wallace Award – Community Group of the Year
Nominees must either live in, or carry out their work within, the Federal Electorate of Fisher.
Nominations close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Fisher Community Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, 18 September, at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra RSL.
The Gala Dinner will run from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, with tickets to go on sale soon and further details about the evening to be announced.
Mr Wallace thanked the event’s current sponsors for helping make the ninth annual awards possible.
“I sincerely thank Caloundra RSL, Shadforths, Tony Kelly Restaurant Group, EndED, Australia Zoo, Travis Schultz & Partners, Your Mates Brewing Co, Helimods, Brighton Homes, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Kilcoy Global Foods, Banana Bender Pub and Aussie World for supporting this important celebration of our community,” Mr Wallace said.
“If you know a local legend who deserves recognition, take a few minutes to tell us their story and nominate them today on my website.”
Nominations can be submitted at andrewwallacemp.com.au/awards.
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Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
