Twelve residents were recognised today at the Mareeba Shire Australia Day Awards for their incredible contributions to the community and their achievements throughout the year.
Mayor Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said there was an outstanding number of entries in 2026 for the Australia Day Awards.
“This year we received 35 nominations from across the Shire. I would like to congratulate all our residents who received a nomination for the incredible work you do for our community.”
2026 Mareeba Shire Australia Day Award Winners:
- Citizen of the Year: Stacey Crockford
- Young Citizen of the Year: Velenia Musso-Tatti
- Environmental Achievement Award: Speewah Rural Fire Brigade
- Sportsperson of the Year:Oliver Hampton
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Harry Sullivan
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year (Highly Commended): Finnlay Ford
- Community Service Award: Alison McLean
- Community Service Award (Highly Commended): Annette Morrison
- Junior Community Service Award: Mareeba Lions Club Young Leaders in Service
- Arts and Cultural Award: Peter Shimmin
- Junior Arts and Cultural Award: Toby Fealy
- Community Organisation of the Year: Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation Bingo Volunteers
Stacey Crockford has been named Mareeba Shire Citizen of the Year for revitalising Rosies – Friends on the Street in Mareeba, restoring a vital weekly outreach that provides food, conversation and connection to vulnerable community members. As Branch Coordinator, she trains volunteers, manages donations, maintains the Rosies hub and ensures every Friday night runs smoothly.
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Velenia Musso-Tatti, who served as School Captain at Mareeba State High School and volunteered widely across school events and in the community. Velenia was also recently awarded a Certificate of Community Service from the Order of Australia Association.
Eight new Australian citizens also completed the final milestone of their migration journey at today’s citizenship ceremony.
“Congratulations to our newest citizens and I wish you all the best as you start your next chapter as Australian citizens,” concluded Mayor Toppin.
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Mareeba Shire Australia Day Awards – Nominee Group Photo
Mareeba Shire Australia Day Awards – Winners Group Photo
Mareeba Shire Australia Day Citizens of the Year – Velenia Musso-Tatti and Stacey Crockford
Mareeba Shire Australian Citizens