The Cooktown 2026 Australia Day Awards will recognise a record number of nominees. Pictured are last year’s winners. Photo: Supplied.
Two Cape York communities are gearing up to celebrate their top local achievers as the annual Australia Day Awards approach.
The Cooktown event will recognise more nominees than ever before during its award ceremony on 26 January, highlighting the extraordinary contribution of individuals and community groups across the shire.
“The record number of nominations is a powerful reflection of the people who quietly and consistently give their time, energy and care to others,” Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said.
“These awards are about recognising those efforts and saying thank you.”
The town will welcome internationally renowned microbiologist Professor Peter Timms as its 2026 Australia Day ambassador.
Weipa’s Australia Day Award nominees will be celebrated at the annual dinner on 21 January.
“We’ve got a lot of great people in the community who go above and beyond for the benefit of everyone else,” Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane said.
“We’re really lucky that we’ve got such a strong community spirit, and we’ve got so many people who give their time and effort to make sure the kids have sports and we have community events, because it’s all run by volunteers.
“The dinner makes it a bit more special, and it’s a nice way to acknowledge award recipients.”
Both communities will also hold their citizenship ceremonies at the events.
