2025 Fraser Coast Australia Day Award winners revealed

Indigenous role model and leader Glen Miller has been named Fraser Coast Regional Council Citizen of the Year award as part of its Australia Day celebrations. FULL LIST OF WINNERS

The 2025 Australia Day award winners celebrated their achievements with a special ceremony at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on Monday night.

Indigenous role model and leader Glen Miller has been named Fraser Coast Citizen of the Year as part of the region’s 2025 Australia Day celebrations.

The council this year received 45 nominations across five categories and announced the winners on Monday night.

Matthew Hillier was announced the Young Citizen of the Year.

Citizen of the Year Glen Miller

2025 Citizen of the Year Glen Miller.

With humility and gentleness, Uncle Glen Miller teaches and leads by example.

Through his vision and perseverance, the working group he led received the Queensland Premier’s Reconciliation Award and the Community Reconciliation Award for the Butchulla Warriors Memorial in Queens Park.

Mr Miller has been an inspirational role model and leader or more than 14 years, imparting knowledge, culture, and wisdom to the community.

He has volunteered on numerous boards and participated in working groups across schools, prisons, older men’s groups, and government bodies, freely giving his time to benefit others.

Young Citizen of the Year Matthew Hillier

The Young Citizen of the Year Award was won by Matthew Hillier.

Fraser Coast Agriculture Show Society NextGen founder and chairman Matthew Hillier has inspired a new generation of under-35s to actively participate in preserving and celebrating rural life, including the launch of FutureGen for under-18s.

Mr Hillier’s tireless efforts, from coordinating major events like the Fraser Coast Show Ball to representing NextGen at Government House, highlight his passion for community engagement and rural leadership.

Art and Culture Award of the Year – Fraser Coast Films

The Arts and Culture Award was won by Fraser Coast Films.

Fraser Coast Films stands out as a transformative force in the region, not only showcasing the Fraser Coast on an international stage but also fostering a growing local film industry that inspires pride and creates lasting cultural and economic benefits for the community.

The movie He Loves Me Not was filmed locally, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and featuring local residents as extras. The film’s success to date includes screening at multiple film festivals and cinemas, elevating the Fraser Coast’s global profile and promoting the region as an attractive destination for future film projects.

The organisation has supported aspiring filmmakers, actors, and crew members through free mentorship and training programs.

Sport and Wellbeing Award Trinity McPhie

The Sport and Wellbeing Award was won by Trinity McPhie.

Trinity McPhie’s achievements, including representing Australia in football and winning gold, have brought pride to the Fraser Coast and highlighted the talent of athletes with disability on the global stage.

The Doon Villa Football Club 1st Division Ladies team member was honoured with the Tom Dickson Athlete with a Disability Award at the Football Queensland Awards night in 2024.

Trinity is a positive role model for her peers and an ambassador for athletes on the Fraser Coast.

Community Group or Organisation Rally for a Cause

The Community Group or Organisation of the Year Award was won by Rally for a Cause.

Rally for a Cause is a community-led charity proudly raising funds to support local families and individuals impacted by life-limiting medical conditions or whose lives have been significantly disrupted by tragic circumstances beyond their control.

The work of the charity is made possible through its major fundraiser, the Dunga Derby, an annual car rally that sees up to 300 people take part in a four-day adventure travelling from the Coast to Country.

Now in its 10th year, Rally for a Cause has raised more than $4 million and assisted more than 310 recipients with much-needed equipment and/or financial support in their time of greatest need.