Community & Business
30 January, 2026
Australia Day honours
This year’s Australia Day ceremony in Pittsworth was a true celebration of volunteerism, and an opportunity to recognise the generous hearts of those who strive to make a meaningful difference in our community.
It was a slow start to the morning of festivities with limited numbers enjoying the free barbecue breakfast provided by the Pittsworth and District Men's Shed.
Perhaps it was the predicted 38 degree heat that had people hesitant to venture out of their air-conditioned homes for a community breakfast in Centenary Park.
Numbers swelled for the award ceremony at 9am with more than 100 people filling the Town Hall.
The 19th Australian Army Cadets Unit conducted the flag raising, before Allan Petersen OAM, co-chair of the Australia Day Local Working Group, welcomed community members, Ambassador Gerry Gerard, Toowoomba Region Councillor James O'Shea and Member for Condamine, Pat Weir.
"Today, we celebrate around 30 years of Australia Day celebrations here in Pittsworth," Mr Petersen said.
There was a special mention of his co-chair Ros Scotney OAM, who has served on the committee for those 30 years.
Ms Scotney said it was former Pittsworth Mayor, Bill Drummond (1994-1998) who encouraged her to join the committee all those years ago.
The other Local Working Group member was Anthony McEwan who assisted with the presentations.
Proud voices filled the Town Hall as the National Anthem was sung, followed by Cr. James O'Shea’s Australia Day address.
"It certainly is a pleasure and an honour for myself to be here in Pittsworth today, to celebrate Australia Day in a community that embodies the very best of our nation," he said.
"It's a time to reflect on who we are as Australians, recognise our shared history, celebrate our achievements, and look forward with optimism to the future that we continue to build together.
“Whilst our backgrounds and journeys may be different we are united by values that define us - mateship, fairness, resilience and respect.
"Those values are clearly on display each and every day here at Pittsworth.
"We see them in our farmers who work the land and sustain our region, in local businesses that support jobs and families, in volunteers, in sporting clubs, in community organisations, who continue to give so much of their time to others," he said.
"Pittsworth to me reminds us that Australia's strength is built from communities just like this one.
"It's a place where people know one another, where a helping hand is always offered, and pride in place runs deep.
"It's always inspiring to see the dedication and spirit of the people here at Pittsworth," Mr O'Shea said.
AWARD WINNERS
Pittsworth State High School Captains, Lachlan Folker and Freya Santsingh, announced the names of the Australia Day award winners in a very brief presentation that had some spectators wanting to know more about the recipients.
Hopefully this will alleviate any curiosity...
Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year was Belinda McKinlay, who said she was very honoured to be recognised for this award.
“This recognition is not simply a reflection of my own efforts - it belongs to every person who has supported, encouraged and inspired me along the way,” she said.
“I am profoundly proud to call Pittsworth home.”
“It is where the chapters of my life have unfolded: where I was born and raised, married and blessed to raise our children,” Mrs McKinlay said.
“This town is rich in heart, character and community spirit.
“It has given me the chance to serve, grow and make a meaningful difference.
“Our community thrives because people step forward to assist and when each of us gives even a little of ourselves, we make a worthwhile and lasting impact.”
Mrs McKinlay has dedicated most of her adult life to serving organisations across the community including the Pittsworth District Alliance, Gardens of the Downs and Meals on Wheels.
She has played an active role in organising the Christmas in Pittsworth (formerly Christmas in the Park) and the Pittsworth Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.
Her extensive experience across various fields, combined with her unwavering dedication has established her as a trusted source of guidance and assistance across the community.
Young Citizen of the Year
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Keira Quinn, a hard working young lady with a positive attitude and encouraging nature.
Having graduated from school in 2025, Keira achieved excellence in her academics, and further excelled in the sporting arena.
She received the Australian Defence Force Log Tan award for leadership and teamwork, in recognition of her efforts at school and the wider community.
Cultural Award
The Cultural Award was received by Jenna Kronk, who is an accomplished young student, and outstanding member of the Pittsworth State High School community.
She has volunteered her time for many and varied projects around the school, and was heavily involved in the music sector, where she has been an integral member of the school’s’ concert band, strings ensemble and jazz band.
For most of her senior schooling years, she had competed in debating, and now enjoys coaching her younger peers.
Senior Sports Award
The Senior Sports Award went to local football talent Blake Cullen.
He was not present at the ceremony, as he is currently playing football for the Phoenix de Tonneins side in the French Rugby League Elite 2 Championship.
He has played for the Pittsworth Danes (as a junior and senior), Western Mustangs (Under 20) and Western Clydesdales.
In September, Blake achieved the highest honour possible, playing out of a community rugby league competition by representing Queensland Country in the QRL XXXX Men’s final at Kayo Stadium at Redcliffe.
Off the playing field, Blake is a tremendous role model who inspires the younger generation to prioritise physical activity and athletic achievement.
Junior Sports Award
The Junior Sports Award was presented to Ella Hollis, who has shown unwavering passion for sport from a young age.
In the past year she was named age champion for swimming, cross country and athletics at Pittsworth State High School.
In 2019 she found her true passion when she joined the Pittsworth Danes Rugby League Club.
Now, she has her sights set on pursuing her NRLW dream after being offered a place in the Tasha Gale Cup with the Cronulla Sharks Under 19 side.
Community Group Award
The Beauaraba Living Auxiliary received the Community Group Award for its outstanding level of care and support for the aged care facility, Beauaraba Living.
The auxiliary founded an Op Shop in early 2000 which expanded to its new premises in Yandilla Street in 2003.
The shop has donated more than $1 million to Beauaraba Living, and the group has oversight of funds that are needed to maintain a palliative care suite at the facility.
Community Event Award
The Community Event Award was received by the Pittsworth & District Campdraft Association Inc. for the High School Percentile Cup Campdraft.
It was an inspiring youth event in October that has quickly become a cornerstone of opportunity, community engagement and rural tradition.
It provided young people with a safe environment to develop skills, form life long friendships and connect through a sport they love.
Ambassador
The Australia Day Ambassador was 81-years-old Vietnam veteran Gerry Gerard.
Out of all the towns in Queensland, Mr Gerard said it was an honour and a privilege for him to be chosen as our Australia Day Ambassador.
"Pittsworth is like a return home to me," he said.
"Fifty years ago, I lived in Toowoomba and worked at the grain depot coming into Pittsworth."
He was conscripted into the army as a Nasho in 1967, completed a "crash course" to become a platoon commander lieutenant, and was sent to Vietnam for a year.
After his national service, Mr Gerard went into the commercial world, spent 25 years as a CEO, and is now a retiree and volunteer.
"Most importantly, I'm a co-founder with my wife Renita, of the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation," Mr Gerard said.
"Which exists to aid, support and rehabilitate first responders and military personnel, past and present, who are suffering or struggling with PTSD, and other related mental health issues, brought about by them serving our communities."
Mrs Gerard is an Aussie icon herself, being a dual gold medallist at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics for hockey.
The foundation was formed to fill a gap in the rehabilitation process by providing an holistic, all-encompassing approach, with the undisputed benefit of a having rural/natural environment to deliver rehabilitation programs.
"This country was built on volunteerism, in my younger day, in my mid life and still today," Mr Gerard said.
"Keep volunteering and encourage other people to volunteer, and see what a wonderful, wonderful country we live in.
"I commend you to reflect, respect and celebrate Aus Day and be encouraged to do just a little bit more for your fellow Aussies."
Mr Gerard ended his address with a poem by his mate, Rupert McCall.
After the ceremony, Ms Scotney invited the community to share in homemade damper and a cuppa.
