Australia Day Celebrations

Gloria Battle is a proud lifelong resident of Charters Towers whose dedication spans more than 80 years. Beginning at Central State School as a student in 1948, she went on to serve nearly 50 years as a teacher’s aide, forming lasting connections with generations of local families. For over 40 years, Gloria has been a driving force within the Queensland Country Women’s Association, holding every executive role and representing the branch at division, regional and state levels. A Life Member of the Show Society and a tireless volunteer, Gloria embodies kindness, service and unwavering community spirit, inspiring all who know her.

For many years, Carol Cook has been the dedicated volunteer coordinator of the St Paul’s Thrift Shop, working tirelessly to support both the community and the Anglican Church. A valued member of the church council, Carol assists people facing hardship, offering compassion and practical support. Unlike many charity shop coordinators, Carol volunteers entirely without financial benefit and even travels from out of town at her own expense. Her efforts ensure vital funds stay within Charters Towers and keep the church thriving. Carol’s commitment proves that age is no barrier to making an extraordinary contribution to our community.

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-Ann 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.

Cheryl Hauser is the heartbeat of the Greenvale community. A dedicated town worker, post office assistant, swimming pool volunteer and ambulance first responder, Cheryl supports residents with unwavering kindness. She drives locals hundreds of kilometres to Charters Towers and Townsville for medical appointments, shopping and essential services, and volunteers with SES, QFES and QAS, often assisting late at night with emergency helicopter retrievals. From helping elderly residents to bringing her horse for ANZAC and Remembrance Day services, Cheryl is a one-woman support network whose reliability and compassion provide a vital sense of security in this isolated community.

David Mathieson has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to Scouting and to the wider Charters Towers community. As a dedicated Scout Leader, David gives countless volunteer hours to create a safe, positive and encouraging environment where young people can grow in confidence, resilience and leadership. He plans programs, mentors new leaders, supports families, and is always the first to arrive and last to leave. David leads with humility, kindness and genuine care, shaping the lives of countless local children. His quiet reliability, community spirit and unwavering commitment reflect the true values of service, making him a deserving Australia Day Award nominee.

Robert Murch is a proud ex-serviceman with more than 20 years of Army service and now serves as Deputy President of the Charters Towers RSL Sub Branch. He volunteers tirelessly as a welfare officer, visiting veterans in Hospital, Eventide and Dalrymple Villa, and transporting them locally and to Townsville for appointments. Alongside his loyal service dog, Gearbox, Robert brings comfort, conversation and companionship wherever he goes. As a dedicated Legacy volunteer, he supports war widows and attends ceremonies, funerals and community events to honour and assist others. Robert’s kindness, reliability and genuine care brighten the lives of many.

Renee Smith has made an outstanding contribution to inclusion within the Charters Towers community. In 2024, she independently created the Tardiss Annual Community Ball—an event designed to celebrate and empower people with disability. Its overwhelming success led to an expanded second ball in 2025, welcoming individuals, families and carers from across all services. Renee also led the development of a new participant hub, providing a safe, accessible space for social connection, peer support and skill-building. Her creativity, dedication and commitment to ensuring everyone feels valued and included have strengthened community connections and set a new benchmark for inclusive practice.

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.

Raymond Abdy is an exceptional athlete whose dedication, longevity, and community spirit make him a standout nominee for Sportsperson of the Year. Competing at a high level for over 26 years, Raymond continues to excel in Masters and Para Athletics, qualifying again for Australian Nationals following strong performances at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and ANQ Championships. Beyond his sporting achievements, Raymond is deeply community-minded, encouraging participation in sport, supporting local clubs, and delivering 14 years of service speaking to students through the Rotary RYDA Program. His positivity, perseverance, and genuine nature make him truly deserving of this award.

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.

Ruby King is an exceptional young athlete whose talent and determination have seen her represent Outback Queensland four times and earn the Arthur Beetson Medal three years running. She has captained multiple premiership teams, excelled as halfback for clubs including St George and Manly, and claimed numerous awards including Best and Fairest, Player of the Series, and NQ Sports Star finalist. Beyond her outstanding achievements on the field, Ruby volunteers her time in Sydney preparing meals for the homeless and returns home to mentor junior players. Her passion, humility and commitment to giving back make her an inspiring role model for young people.

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.

Heidi O’Keefe is an outstanding young athlete whose talent shines across multiple sports. She has represented North Queensland in under-16s Netball, earned the 2025 CTSHS Senior Sportswoman title, and was named A-Grade Women’s MVP. A strong competitor in athletics and touch football, Heidi also excels as Best Back for the Charters Towers Junior Miners. Beyond her sporting achievements, she gives back to her community by helping coach younger netball players, supporting school events, and participating in NAIDOC activities. Proud of her Indigenous heritage, Heidi inspires her teammates through encouragement, dedication and a positive spirit both on and off the court.

Zahra Shadbolt is an outstanding young athlete whose dedication, resilience, and leadership have made her a role model across Charters Towers and North Queensland. Despite the demands of regional travel, she represents at Townsville, North Queensland, and Queensland Country levels, demonstrating commitment well beyond her years. Zahra leads by example, supporting junior players, assisting with Walla Rugby, and inspiring younger girls to pursue their own rugby pathways. Her humility, integrity, and service to her community make her not only an exceptional athlete, but a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Ashtyn Smith is a bright and enthusiastic young leader who represents Pentland State School in athletics, swimming and showjumping. As school captain, she encourages her peers to do their best with what they have and includes everyone, regardless of age or background. Competing across the Central Agricultural Show Circuit with her horses and dogs, Ashtyn shows dedication and sportsmanship at every event. She also volunteers at local sporting and community activities, including assisting the Hughenden Country Music Association. Known for her resilience, always getting back up after a fall, Ashtyn inspires others with her determination, kindness and love for competition.

Jackson Stoll is an exceptional young athlete whose dedication, discipline, and humility have made him a standout role model in Charters Towers. In 2025, he became the National Taekwondo Champion for Junior Male Red Belt – 78kg, an achievement earned through intense self-driven training, cross-discipline commitment, and unwavering resilience. Jackson proudly represents Charters Towers at state and national competitions, consistently demonstrating respect, sportsmanship, and kindness. He encourages and supports younger students, showing that success is built through hard work and positive thinking. Jackson’s strong character and remarkable achievements make him highly deserving of recognition.

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.

Leslye Muller is an exceptional athletics coach whose dedication has shaped the lives of athletes across Charters Towers for more than three decades. She has coached competitors to State, National, Oceania and World Junior Championships, including the only Australian junior to win gold in javelin. Leslye also works closely with athletes with disabilities, helping them break records, build confidence and reach levels they never thought possible. As a Level 4 coach and respected mentor, she teaches coaching courses across Queensland and supports schools through officiating. Leslye’s passion, guidance and unwavering belief in her athletes inspire resilience, excellence and life-changing achievements on and off the track.

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 Charters Towers Choristers have proudly celebrated 50 years as the region’s only community choir - a remarkable milestone for a volunteer group dedicated to sharing music, joy and connection. Since their first concert in 1975, the Choristers have performed across Australia Day events, ANZAC Day, memorials, weddings, reunions and community celebrations, as well as hosting regular concerts in their historic hall. They support other local groups, collaborate with guest artists, and bring comfort through performances at Eventide Aged Care. Their 50th Anniversary Concert in 2025 marked not just five decades of music, but a legacy of community spirit, inclusion and shared celebration.

Great Houses of Charters Towers has become one of our town’s most beloved heritage events, with its sixth showcase attracting over 1,400 visitors in 2025. Driven by a small, dedicated volunteer committee, the event opens three unique homes each year, celebrating the rich history and remarkable stories behind local properties. Paired with the Antiques and Heirlooms Afternoon Tea, ghost tours and community fundraisers, the weekend brings significant tourism, joy and connection to Charters Towers. This year’s event highlighted incredible transformations—from historic maternity hospital to modern homes - reminding us of the pride, heritage and character that make our town truly special.

Our Town Association is a unique and deeply valued Charters Towers charity dedicated to helping residents remain in their own homes with dignity and independence. Entirely volunteer-run, the organisation provides essential equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and specialised aids free of charge, delivering and collecting items for those unable to do so themselves. Working closely with local health providers, they respond to every request with compassion and reliability. Funded through raffles, markets and community fundraising, Our Town Association asks for nothing in return - yet continues to transform lives through practical support, kindness and unwavering community spirit.

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.