Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has welcomed more than 500 new citizens from 64 countries in a massive Australia Day citizenship ceremony at City Hall today.
The ceremony was followed by an informal Australia Day sausage sizzle.
“Australia Day is a time to reflect on who we are, where we have come from and what brings us together as a community,” Cr Schrinner said.
“It is also a time to look forward and celebrate the shared values that unite us as Australians.”
Cr Schrinner also announced the winners of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards. They are:
Citizen of the Year – Michael Begeda
Michael Begeda is a long-serving volunteer at QEII Hospital, supporting patients and visitors across outpatient and allied health services for more than 13 years.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Graham and Jean McLeary
Graham and Jean McLeary are lifelong community volunteers who helped build the Brighton Roosters Softball Club into a thriving and inclusive sporting organisation.
Young Citizen of the Year – Maddison-Rae Herlaar
Maddison-Rae Herlaar is a Scout leader and volunteer whose leadership spans youth mentoring, disability inclusion and community service.
Australia Day Sports Award – Stephen Day
Stephen Day is a respected rugby league leader who has dedicated more than 30 years to Souths Sunnybank through coaching, administration and mentorship.
Australia Day Cultural/Arts Award – Stephen Williams
Stephen Williams is the driving force behind The Gap Soirée, a community festival celebrating music, art and local creativity.
Corporate Citizen of the Year – Tim Forrester
Tim Forrester is a philanthropic leader whose work through the Aria Foundation has supported more than 130 charities across Brisbane.
Community Event of the Year – Brisbane South Toy Library Play Day
The Brisbane South Toy Library Play Day delivers a free inclusive event focused on play, connection and child development. Run by volunteers, it reduces isolation, supports families and strengthens community bonds across Brisbane’s southside.
Green Heart Award – Renae McBrien
Renae McBrien is a sustainability advocate driving recycling and waste reduction in healthcare and the community. Through the Tarragindi Community Garden, she leads practical environmental action that educates, connects and inspires lasting change.
Outstanding Contribution – Chin-Wen Wen and Queensland Taiwan Charity Fund
Chin-Wen Wen leads the Queensland Taiwan Charity Fund, raising more than $500,000 for Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents.
The following people have received Australia Day Achievement Awards.
Jim Bellos APM OAM
Wendy Bond
David Danslow
Ganesh Deshpande
Donna Hedges
Darcy Maddock
Peter McCosker
Cori Moran
Colin Palmer
Marjorie Purdy
Jon Twartz
Leonie Woolschot
