Inspiring achievements honoured at Australia Day Awards

From showcasing the Fraser Coast on film to preserving Indigenous heritage and supporting athletes with disability, the Fraser Coast 2025 Australia Day Awards highlight a diverse range of worthy recipients.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour congratulated all the award nominees and recipients.

“The Australia Day Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions across diverse fields, including sports, arts, culture, and the invaluable efforts of community groups and volunteers,” he said.

“This year we consolidated the award categories from 12 down to five to make it easier for residents to nominate deserving individuals and groups.

“We received 45 nominations across five categories, providing a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate some truly remarkable achievements.

“A special ceremony honouring nominees was held at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery last night (Monday, 20 January).

“The winners will then be formally recognised at the Australia Day Awards presentation and Citizenship Ceremony on Sunday, 26 January 2025 from 8:30am, at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough. This event is open to the public.”

The 2025 Fraser Coast Australia Day Award recipients are:

• Citizen of the Year – Mr Glen Miller;
• Young Citizen of the Year – Mr Matthew Hillier;
• Art and Culture Award of the Year – Fraser Coast Films;
• Sport and Wellbeing Award of the Year – Ms Trinity McPhie;
• Community Group or Organisation of the Year – Rally for a Cause;

Citizen of the Year- Mr Glen Miller

With humility and gentleness, Uncle Glen Miller teaches and leads by example. He exemplifies how each of us can contribute to reconciliation. 

Through his vision and perseverance, the working group he led received the Queensland Premier’s Reconciliation Award and the Community Reconciliation Award for the Butchulla Warriors Memorial in Queens Park.

For over 14 years, Uncle Glen Miller has been an inspirational role model and leader, imparting knowledge, culture, and wisdom to the community. He has volunteered on numerous boards and participated in working groups across schools, prisons, older men's groups, and government bodies, freely giving his time to benefit others. His selfless contribution to Older Men Unlimited since 2012 is immeasurable. 

His quiet yet profound efforts have transformed lives and left an enduring legacy on the Fraser Coast.  

Young Citizen of the Year – Mr Matthew Hillier

As the founder and Chairman of Fraser Coast Agriculture Show Society NextGen, Matthew has inspired a new generation of under-35s to actively participate in preserving and celebrating rural life, including the launch of FutureGen for under-18s.

His tireless efforts, from coordinating major events like the Fraser Coast Show Ball to representing NextGen at Government House, highlight his passion for community engagement and rural leadership.

Matthew’s commitment extends beyond leadership roles, as he dedicates countless hours to hands-on volunteering, from setting up markets at dawn to stewarding the cattle section at the Fraser Coast Show.

Art and Culture Award of the Year – Fraser Coast Films

Fraser Coast Films stands out as a transformative force in the region, not only showcasing the Fraser Coast on an international stage but also fostering a growing local film industry that inspires pride and creates lasting cultural and economic benefits for the community.

The movie ‘He Loves Me Not’, was filmed locally, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and featuring local residents as extras. The film’s success to date includes screening at multiple Film Festivals and cinemas, elevating the Fraser Coast’s global profile and promoting the region as an attractive destination for future film projects.

The organisation has supported aspiring filmmakers, actors, and crew members through free mentorship and training programs. These initiatives have empowered local talent to develop their skills and gain valuable industry experience without financial barriers, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers in the community.

Sport and Wellbeing Award of the Year – Ms Trinity McPhie

Trinity’s achievements, including representing Australia in football and winning gold,
have brought pride to the Fraser Coast and highlighted the talent of athletes with disability on the global stage.

She currently plays for Doon Villa Football Club in the 1st Division Ladies team and was honoured with the Tom Dickson Athlete with a Disability Award at the Football Queensland Awards night in 2024.

Trinity is a positive role model for her peers and an ambassador for athletes on the Fraser Coast.

Community Group or Organisation of the Year – Rally for a Cause

Rally for a Cause is a community-led charity proudly raising funds to support local families and individuals impacted by life-limiting medical conditions or whose lives have been significantly disrupted by tragic circumstances beyond their control.

The work of the charity is made possible through its major fundraiser, the Dunga Derby, an annual car rally that sees up to 300 people take part in a four-day adventure travelling from the Coast to Country.

Now in its 10th year, Rally for a Cause has raised more than $4 million and assisted more than 310 recipients with much-needed equipment and/or financial support in their time of greatest need

More information about the Australia Day Awards nominees and recipients is available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/australia-day