Celebrating Our Local Heroes
2026 Caloundra Community Awards Results
Kendall Hatcher MP Community Awards was held on Thursday, 10 September 2026
at the Queensland Air Museum
Community Group of the Year
Winner
Sunshine Coast Kerala Association
Runner-up
Velvet Country Music Club
Business of the Year
Winner
Sunshine Coast Performing Arts College
Runner-up
Lumus Psychology
Educator of the Year
Winner
Jake Mangano, Kairos Community College
Runner-up
Nathan Gunst, 106 Army Cadet Unit
Volunteer Group of the Year
Winner
Cycling Without Age Sunshine Coast
Runner-up
Caloundra State Emergency Service (SES)
Innovator of the Year
Winner
Padel House
Runner-up
Baringa State School P&C
Sporting Club of the Year
Winner
Caloundra Sharks Junior Rugby League Club
Runner-up
Nirimba Hurricanes Rugby League Club
Young Achiever of the Year
Winner
Tom Murray
Runner-up
Isabelle Kratz
Inspirational Person of the Year
Winner
James and LJ Weder – Caloundra Basketball
Caloundra Champion of the Year
Winner
Don McLachlan
Runner-up
Michael Shadforth
Celebrating Our Local Heroes
This year marks a special occasion with the 2026 Caloundra Community Awards, proudly hosted by the Kendall Hatcher MP, Member for Caloundra.
This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and groups making a real difference in our community.
Whether it’s through hard work, innovative ideas, volunteer service, or active community engagement, our local champions deserve to be celebrated.
I am deeply passionate about Caloundra and am committed to honouring those who go above and beyond to make our region a better place.
I invite all members of the Caloundra electorate to nominate a community champion for this year’s awards. Finalists will be shortlisted and recognised for their contributions with an invitation to attend the event, where the winners will announced and receive their award and prize.
Nomination Categories
The categories for nomination are:
-
Volunteer Group of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce -
Community Group of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Community Bank Caloundra (Bendigo Bank) -
Innovator of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Big Mouth Marketing & Events -
Young Achiever of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Aussie World -
Business of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Blue Moon Real Estate -
Sporting Club of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Steps Pathway Charity -
Educator/Mentor of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Stockland -
Caloundra Champion of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Caloundra RSL -
Inspirational Person of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Kendall Hatcher MP
Kendall Hatcher MP Community Awards will be held on Thursday, 10 September 2026
Commencing at 5pm at the Queensland Air Museum
Thank you to our
Major Sponsors
Thank you to our
Local Sponsors
Nomination Criteria
- Nominees must either live in the Caloundra electorate or work primarily within it.
- Not sure if your nominee qualifies? You can check their eligibility by using the Electoral Commission of Queensland website.
- Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm on Sunday, 31 August 2026.
