Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 30th of January 2026

*All the 2026 Charters Towers Australia Day Award Winners at the Arthur Titley Centre*

(Information provided by the Charters Towers Regional Council)

*2026 Citizen of the Year Jo Feirclough*

Citizen of the Year - Jo-Anne Feirclough

For over 40 years, Jo Feirclough has dedicated herself to the Charters Towers community through an extraordinary range of volunteer roles. From Blue Care and the Zara Clark Museum to the Cancer Council—raising over $500,000—Jo-Anne has given tirelessly. As CEO of Our Town Association, she has helped countless residents remain in their homes by sourcing essential medical equipment at no cost. She coordinates the Centenary Park Charity Markets, volunteers across multiple organisations, supports emergency services, and continues serving as a Justice of the Peace. Jo’s generosity, determination and unwavering community spirit make her an inspiration to all.

Young Citizen of the Year - Summer Cummins

Summer Cummins is an exceptional young academic whose dedication and perseverance have made her a positive role model at Charters Towers State High School. Recently awarded Year 9 Scholar of the Year, she achieved top-of-class results across multiple subjects including English, Civics, Mathematics, Science and STEM. Summer represents her school with pride through debating, public speaking and regional events, inspiring her peers to strive for excellence. Known for her kindness, integrity and willingness to support others, Summer consistently demonstrates maturity beyond her years. Her drive, resilience and commitment to learning make her a truly deserving Australia Day Award nominee.

Community Event of the Year - Rural Women Unite

Rural Women Unite has grown into a powerful and uplifting event that brings together more than 500 women from across the Charters Towers region. It creates a safe space for connection, conversation and mental-health awareness, reducing isolation and strengthening community wellbeing. This year alone, the event raised an incredible $73,000 for Virtual Psychologist, providing free confidential support to women in rural and remote areas. By partnering with local businesses, showcasing regional talent and fostering networks of friendship and support, Rural Women Unite inspires resilience, unity and hope—making a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of rural families.

Sports Person of the Year - Samuel LeFeuvre

Samuel LeFeuvre is an outstanding young athlete whose dedication, enthusiasm and love for sport inspire everyone around him. Competing in the T/F21 classification, Sam has represented Australia on the world stage, achieving multiple national records and personal bests across sprinting, long jump, shot put, discus and relay events. His hard work secured medals and exceptional performances at both national championships and the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships. Beyond his achievements, Sam is known for his sportsmanship, kindness and joy—cheering on others, challenging teammates, and encouraging younger athletes. His determination and positive spirit make him an exceptional role model in our community.

Young Sports Person of the Year - Phoebe Moffat

Phoebe Moffat has had an exceptional year in junior golf, winning tournaments across North Queensland including Townsville, Rowes Bay, Charters Towers, Bowen, Moranbah and more. She has represented NQ Schools at State Titles for the fourth time, competed in elite events such as the Karrie Webb Junior Masters, and qualified for the Greg Norman Junior Masters for the fifth year in a row. Beyond her achievements, Phoebe is admired for helping younger players—offering coaching, guidance and support at tournaments. Her determination, sportsmanship and never-give-up attitude make her an inspiring role model for young girls in a sport where recognition is often limited.

Sports Administrator of the Year - Brad Adams

Brad Adams is an exceptional contributor to sport in Charters Towers, dedicating decades to playing, coaching, officiating, and building strong community pathways. A former Queensland softball representative and committed touch football referee, Brad has volunteered more than 120 times for Parkrun and founded the Charters Towers Social Softball Club, serving as its inaugural president. He coaches multiple junior district teams, supports school sport committees, and continues to compete across tennis, cricket, and pickleball. After recovering from a 2018 stroke, Brad’s resilience, leadership, and genuine passion for helping others make him an outstanding and deeply deserving nominee.

Cultural Person of the Year - Alexandra (Xander) Sumpton

Alexandra “Xander” Sumpton has become one of Charters Towers’ most significant cultural contributors through her outstanding photographic documentation of community life. Each week, she captures events, celebrations and milestones for the local newspaper, creating an invaluable visual history for future generations. Her work supports community groups, preserves important moments and strengthens local engagement. Alongside her community service, Xander is a tutor and doctoral candidate at QUT, mentoring interns and inspiring future photographers, journalists and designers. Her ability to balance academic excellence with meaningful service reflects exceptional dedication, making her a highly deserving Australia Day Award nominee.

The 2026 Charters Towers Australia Day Award Nominees

Raymond Abdy

Renee Smith

Robert Murch

Ruby King

Samuel LeFeuvre

Summer Cummins

Zahra Shadbolt

Charters Towers Choristers

Great Houses of Charters Towers

Our Town Association

Rural Women Unite

Alexandra Sumpton

Ashtyn Smith

Brad Adams

Carol Cook

Cheryl Hause

David Mathieson

Gloria Battle

Heidi O’Keefe

Jackson Stoll

Jo-Anne Feirclough

Leslye Muller

Phoebe Moffat