Council's 2026 Australia Day Awards a shout out to the region's quiet

Published on 27 January 2026

The Scenic Rim's quiet achievers have received a shout out in Council's 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising their contribution to communities across the region and the difference they have made in the lives of others.

The awards, presented by Mayor Tom Sharp and Councillors at The Centre Beaudesert acknowledged the efforts of individuals and groups which are vital threads in the fabric of the Scenic Rim community.

Council received a total of 28 nominations for the 2026 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards in the categories of Citizen of the Year (16 to 30 years), Citizen of the Year (31 to 65 years), Citizen of the Year (65+ years), Community Event of the Year and the new Community Spirit Award.

The annual Mayor's Award was chosen from among those nominees, recognising an individual's longstanding contributions to the community.

The presentation followed a citizenship ceremony in which 71 Scenic Rim residents from New Zealand, Pakistan, England, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Columbia, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Germany, the USSR, Brazil, Samoa, the United States, and South Africa pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people.

"All of our awards nominees have contributed in their unique way to the Australian way of life we enjoy in the Scenic Rim and have set an example of service that we should all aspire to," Mayor Sharp said.

"Scenic Rim Regional Council is proud to present these Australia Day awards, acknowledging that those who serve their community without any expectation of reward enrich the lives of so many.

"All of the groups and individuals nominated for this year's awards should be proud of the part they play in community life.

"Choosing just one recipient for an award is never easy and this year was no exception, with the award for Citizen of the Year (31-65 years) shared between two outstanding nominees.

"My congratulations to all of the award winners and my heartfelt thanks to those who took the time to nominate those they considered well worthy of recognition."

In each of the following categories the award winners are:

Citizen of the Year (16-30 years) - Izzabella Lower

Izzabella founded Run4Lives, raising $10,000 to install four public defibrillators in Kalbar, and in 2025 received Rotary’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow for her dedication to community wellbeing. As co-founder of Boonah State High School’s Cattle Club, she helped drive strong performances at major agricultural shows and supported the school’s Paddock to Plate program which was showcased on ABC Landline. A natural mentor, she encourages her peers to step up and learn.

Citizen of the Year (31-65 years) - Jenny Jenner and Kane Lutter

Jenny Jenner has made an extraordinary contribution to the Scenic Rim through her leadership of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which has raised more than $435,000 for cancer care since 2022. Her efforts have funded a Cancer Care Nurse at the Mater Hospital Springfield and provided multiple cuddle beds for palliative care wards across southeast Queensland. Despite significant personal challenges, Jenny has continued to grow the festival and run additional fundraising events. Her resilience, creativity, and generosity have inspired thousands and delivered life-changing support to families facing illness.

Through Butcher Co Kalbar, Kane Lutter provides ongoing support to local schools, sporting clubs and community groups, always stepping in with time, resources, and expertise. His partnership with Boonah State High School’s Paddock to Plate program gives students hands-on industry experience, work placements and meaningful career pathways. Kane’s humble, reliable leadership strengthens community connections and inspires young people to take pride in their region.

Citizen of the Year (65+ years) - Phil Rankin

Phil has contributed more than 40 years of exceptional service to Beechmont and the wider Scenic Rim through the Rural Fire Brigade and numerous community organisations. A respected leader during major emergencies, he has guided firefighters and residents through bushfires, storms and natural disasters, including the 2019 Beechmont fires and recovery efforts across Queensland and interstate. Phil also supports local committees, educates children on fire safety, volunteers at markets and fundraisers, and mentors younger brigade members.

Community Event of the Year - Boonah State High School Paddock to Plate Dinner

Boonah State High School’s Paddock to Plate Dinner has become a signature Scenic Rim event, showcasing the full food journey through hands-on learning, industry partnership and local pride. Students grow crops, complete cattle feed trials, design and build farm equipment, film professional-quality media, and prepare a chef-led regional menu using Scenic Rim produce. The event unites agriculture, hospitality, IT, business and trades, with more than 40 per cent of students involved annually. It strengthens ties with farmers, chefs, and local businesses, creates real career pathways, and celebrates the region’s agritourism identity.

Community Spirit - Beaudesert Hospital Auxiliary

The Beaudesert Hospital Auxiliary has supported patients, staff and the wider community since 1962, raising more than $530,000 to improve local healthcare. Their contributions have funded medical infusion chairs, maternity recliners, staff rest furniture and comfort items across every hospital department. Volunteers also brighten Christmas for patients and on-duty staff with gifts and treats. Known for their kindness and reliability, members (many in their 70s) provide heartfelt care, handmade cards, baby clothes, and a welcoming presence to all who enter the hospital.

Mayor's Award - Kay Tommerup

Kay is a leading voice for agritourism in Queensland and a tireless advocate for farmers across the Scenic Rim. As president of Agritourism Queensland, she helped shape the state’s agritourism roadmap and played a key role in influencing the Queensland Government’s 2025 Boosting Regional Economies Through Agritourism policy. Through Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Kay champions innovative, sustainable farm diversification and actively promotes agriculture as a viable, meaningful career for young people. She also led the Hands Across the Land fundraiser, raising more than $30,000 for flood-affected western Queensland farmers.

Attached image: Scenic Rim's 2026 Australia Day award winners.