3rd Annual Division 9 Community Hero Awards

The 2026 Community Hero Awards was a powerful reminder of just how fortunate we are to live in a region filled with generous, passionate and community-minded people. Hosted at the Mudgeeraba Community Centre by the Mudgeeraba Show Society, the evening brought together volunteers, families, leaders and supporters to celebrate the heart and soul of our community. This year, 100 local Community Heroes were recognised, an extraordinary testament to the quiet achievers, organisers, advocates and everyday legends who give their time and energy to make our hinterland corner of the Gold Coast stronger, kinder and more connected.

One of the most anticipated honours of the evening, the George O’Brien OAM Community Project Award — named in recognition of George O’Brien OAM — was proudly awarded to CPR Soldiers. Their commitment to delivering accessible CPR education and life-saving training across the community is quite literally saving lives. By empowering everyday people with the confidence and skills to respond in an emergency, CPR Soldiers are creating lasting impact well beyond the classroom. The runner-up for this award was the Mudgeeraba Food & Art Trail, recognised for championing local makers, growers and artists while fostering connection and vibrancy throughout the village. Their dedication to celebrating creativity and local enterprise continues to strengthen community pride and participation.

The 2025 Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Doyles Art Award, a prestigious event that has firmly positioned Mudgeeraba as a cultural destination. Drawing artists and visitors from across the country, the Doyles not only showcases remarkable talent but also contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of our region. Runner-up in this category was the Hinterland Community Band 30th Anniversary Concert — a celebration of three decades of music, dedication and connection. For 30 years, the band has brought people together through shared performance and community spirit, and their anniversary event was a fitting tribute to that enduring legacy.

The Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award, named in honour of Simon Hinton, was presented to Pippa Rose Ballie. Pippa’s passion, leadership and commitment to service at such a young age is both inspiring and reassuring. She represents the next generation of community leaders, compassionate, driven and willing to step forward to make a difference.

While major awards were presented on the night, the true spirit of the Community Hero Awards lies in recognising every individual acknowledged. Each of the 100 heroes celebrated contributes in their own way, through volunteering, organising events, mentoring others, advocating for causes or simply showing up when help is needed. Their collective efforts create the strong, resilient and welcoming community we are so proud to call home.

The evening was filled with gratitude, heartfelt applause and a shared understanding that community does not happen by accident. It is built by people, people who care enough to give their time, their skills and their hearts. To every nominee, recipient and supporter, thank you. You remind us that community spirit is alive and well, and that together, we can achieve extraordinary things.

Thank you to Cr Glenn Tozer, Mr Leon Rebello MP, Mr Brad Cooper – CEO Volunteering Gold Coast, Yula’s Kitchen and Niique & Co for your support and commitment to our community.

Congratulations to the following Community Heroes: