ROBERT IRWIN LEADS QUEENSLAND'S INSPIRING AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
A wildlife warrior, a sunflower festival founder and a former gymnast who is changing lives from her wheelchair are among Queensland's nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards.
Sixteen Queenslanders have been nominated across four categories, with the state winners to be announced in Brisbane on 16 November, ACM reports.
The state recipients will then join the national finalists in Canberra on 25 January 2027.
Carrie Leeson, chief executive of the National Australia Day Council, said the Queensland nominees "are excelling in diverse ways".
Here are some of the stories that caught our eye.
Robert Irwin Nominated For Australian Of The Year
Robert Irwin, 22, from Beerwah, has been nominated in the main Australian of the Year category for his conservation work.
The son of Steve and Terri Irwin works at Australia Zoo and sits on the board of the Wildlife Warriors charity, carrying on his family's mission to protect animals and wild places.
He is also an award-winning wildlife photographer and, more recently, a household name on television.
Last year he won the American series Dancing with the Stars, delighting fans at home.
For many Australians, watching Robert grow up with such kindness and enthusiasm has been a joy.
Ordinary Queenslanders Doing Extraordinary Things
Also nominated for Australian of the Year is Carolyn Robinson from Kangaroo Point, who founded Beyond DV after her daughter experienced domestic violence.
Her organisation supports women and children rebuilding their lives, and she was named Queensland Volunteer of the Year in 2026.
Beny Bol OAM, who arrived in Australia in 2007, founded Village Support and leads the Queensland African Communities Council.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe OAM have also been nominated for their decades of work keeping children safe through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
Inspiring Seniors
In the Senior Australian of the Year category, Joan O'Keefe OAM from the Gold Coast has been recognised for more than 50 years of volunteering, including with refugees and domestic violence housing services.
Carmel Crouch AM, a founding board member of disability organisation STEPS Group Australia, is also nominated.
So is Cait Wildman, who created the I Belong literacy programme for refugees and migrants.
Young Women Leading The Way
Ava Costa from Gumdale was a national-level gymnast until a spinal injury in 2023 left her quadriplegic.
Rather than letting it define her, she co-founded the Sharing Shed Foundation, which donates mobility equipment to people who need it.
Ruby Allen from the Gold Coast started Kids of Purple at just 15, to support children affected by family violence.
Teenage sprint star Gout Gout and young pilot Byron Waller, who founded the Teen Pilot Foundation, are also nominated in the Young Australian of the Year category.
The Sunflower Festival Born From Drought
Among the Local Hero nominees is Jenny Jenner from Kalbar, in the Scenic Rim.
She founded the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which began during drought to bring people to the town.
Today it raises money for cuddle beds, which allow families to lie beside loved ones in their final days, in memory of her late husband.
Mark Skinner, founder of Surf for Kids, has raised around $8 million over 23 years for children with serious disabilities.
Noel Brown, a First Nations patient greeter at Cairns Hospital, and Terry Summerell, a volunteer at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre for more than 20 years, round out the list.
How To Follow The Australian Of The Year Awards
The Queensland ceremony on 16 November will be livestreamed on the Australian of the Year website.
It is a lovely reminder that inspiring people are often right in our own communities, quietly making life better for others.
If someone in your life deserves recognition, keep an eye out for nominations for the next awards.
