Gallery: Nicklin community celebrated at inaugural Above & Beyond Awards
The people and organisations who go above and beyond to make our region a better place to live have been recognised at the inaugural 2026 Above & Beyond Awards.
The Awards night held on Saturday August 15, celebrated 12 outstanding winners, chosen from a strong field of local nominees and finalists making a difference through compassion, innovation, leadership, generosity and community spirit.
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the response to his inaugural awards had been overwhelming, with thousands of community members getting involved by nominating and voting for those they believed deserved recognition.
“These awards were created to shine a light on the people who do incredible things for others, often without asking for recognition,” Mr Hunt said. “The response showed just how many remarkable people, businesses and organisations are making a difference across Nicklin.
“From compassion and generosity to innovation and leadership, every one of these winners – often alongside their teams and networks – is making a genuine difference.”
Mr Hunt said there were many people in our community quietly giving their time, sharing their skills and supporting others.
“We have a pretty incredible community here in Nicklin – a community full of heart and people who go above and beyond for others. It was really special to have the opportunity to thank them.”
2026 Above & Beyond Awards Winners
Wellbeing Provider of the Year: The Shack Community Centre
Nightingale Award: Joseph Jennings Mettekatte Michael
Education or Skills Provider of the Year: S.T.E.M.M at Burnside State High School
Young Achiever of the Year: Mia O’Neil
Community-Minded Business of the Year: Wren Souvenirs & Promotional
Community Spirit & Collaboration Award: Daniel Morcombe Foundation
Excellence in Prevention: Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge
Supporter of the Year: Denise Morcombe
Environmental Leadership Award: Namba Creek Bushcare Group
Agricultural & Rural Innovation Award: River Ridge Dairies
Great Neighbour Award: Wendy Scott
People’s Choice Award: Jackie Mott
2026 Above & Beyond Awards Finalists
Finalists - 2026 Nightingale Award
Chantelle Ellison
Donna Hart
Jean Haimes
Joseph Jennings Mettekatte Michael
Karyn Weepers
Nicole Montgomery
Finalists - 2026 Wellbeing Provider of the Year
Fit Kat
Golf Programs Aust Inc.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary
It'll Take a Tribe
Lutheran Services Graceville Ctr
The Shack
Finalists - 2026 Education or Skills Provider of the Year
Aerial Catz - Ash O’Brien
Black Cockatoo Education
Kairos Community College
STEMM Burnside State High School
Sunshine Coast Volunteers Nambour General Hospital
QCCC Mapleton
Finalists - 2026 Young Achiever of the Year
Charlee Boardman
Evie Davidson
Lucas McMaster
Mia O'Neil
Molly Pascoe
Savannah Ginn
Finalists - 2026 Community-Minded Business of the Year
Allcast Precast
FitKat Bootcamp
Lawn Espresso
Megan Manly Real Estate Mum
Powercurve Automotive
Wren Souvenirs & Promotional
Finalists - 2026 Community Spirit & Collaboration Award
Daniel Morcombe Foundation
Daniel Weepers
Jackie Mott
Jody Chatillon
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society
The Shack
Finalists - 2026 Excellence in Prevention Award
Donna Hart
Kevin Robinson - Refocus
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society
STEMM Burnside State High School
The Shack
Uniforms4Kids – Cooroy Branch
Finalists - 2026 Supporter of the Year Award
Denise Morcombe
Giving Kids Memories – Jeff Park
It'll Take a Tribe - Beth Poole
Smart Pups Assistance Dogs for Special Needs Children
Sunshine Coast volunteers NGH
The Shack - Dale Dowler
Finalists - 2026 Environmental Leadership Award
Ten Little Pieces - Alison Foley
ECOllaboration Ltd
Hinternoosa Hatchery
Namba Creek Bushcare Group
Nambour Grown Community Garden
No More Butts – Shannon Mead
Finalists - 2026 Agricultural & Rural Innovation Award
Giving Kids Memories
Nambour Grown Community Garden
River Ridge Dairies
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society
Woombye Rural Supplies
Yandina Feed Barn
Finalists - 2026 The Great Neighbour Award
Di Parker
Jackie Mott
Jenny McKay
Lauren Woodcroft
Milo Frawley
Wendy Scott
Finalists - 2026 The People’s Choice Award
Ash O’Brien – Aerial Catz
Dale Dowler – The Shack
Denise Morcombe – Daniel Morcombe Foundation
Jackie Mott – Gun Cotton Coffee Roasters
Rob Ceccato – Yandina Feed Barn
Sunshine Coast Volunteers – Nambour General Hospital
