Carers advocate Sue Waters and First Nations Adapt Mentorship named in 2025 Toowoomba Australia Day Awards
From a community advocate fighting for the rights of unpaid carers to a grassroots initiative inspiring young First Nations kids, these are the local legends honoured this Australia Day. SEE OUR PICTURE GALLERY.
Toowoomba
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Darling Down’s finest have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community this Australia Day.
Across the Toowoomba Region, community leaders, passionate advocates and quiet achievers were recognised for their achievements at the 2025 Australia Day Awards ceremonies.
Among them was Toowoomba Citizen of the Year Sue Waters, a woman dedicated to providing a helping hand to the oft forgotten more than 17,000 unpaid carers in Toowoomba.
“These are not support workers, these are people staying at home, leaving well paid jobs to look after their loved ones,” she said.
“They didn’t realise they were carers, they thought it was part of being a parent or a spouse or even a family friend.
“There are three million unpaid carers in Australia who save the government roughly $70b.”
Ms Waters’ Darling Downs Warrior Carers support group meets regularly to lend an ear, share stories and resources and shine a light on the needs of unpaid carers.
“I just want to reach more people,” Ms Waters said.
“I started with a couple of people about five years ago because I thought there was a need.
“And it’s fun, I enjoy it – it gives me satisfaction.”
Standing beside Ms Waters were Susy and Adam Wenitong, founders of at-risk youth mentor group Adapt Mentorship, the recipient of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year Award.
“We stand among a lot of strong and proud First Nations people and community members and we are very humbled to receive this award,” Mr Wenitong said.
The duo helps disadvantaged youth find a path to a meaningful positive life through supportive education and connection to Country.
“The best part of our work is having the young people consistently and weekly coming to our programs,” Mr Wenitong said.
“I think if we can create safe spaces and get their trust they will come back each week, and that’s what has been happening.”
2025 Young Citizen of the Year Rheanca Lincoln has already amassed an impressive resume in her short 18 years of life.
“I think young people in our region are really positive and we have a lot to say so it means a lot when our voices are amplified,” she said.
Ms Lincoln engaged in advocacy from a young age with her project We Are Not Alone which empowers regional community members living with disabilities, which she now champions while completing her veterinary science degree.
“I love doing community volunteering and being an advocate,” she said.
“Young people’s voices are so powerful and they mean a lot – we have really creative and innovative ideas and they deserve to be heard.
“I’d say, if you have a passion, go for it and do what you love.”
Australia Day award winners
Toowoomba
Citizen of the Year – Sue Waters
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year – Adapt Mentorship
Young Citizen of the Year – Rheanca Lincoln
Cultural Award – Maud Bagnall
Senior Sport Award – Steve Jurgs
Junior Sports Award – Iskcon Gyawali
Community Event – AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP)
Community Group Award – parkrun Toowoomba
W H Groom scholarship – Zachary Vellacott
Cambooya
Citizen of the Year Award – Garry Greer
Junior Sports Award – Luke Cameron
Community Group Award – Felton Hall Association
Community Event – Cambooya State School P&C Association for the 2024 Trivia Night
Clifton
Citizen of the Year – William Bailey
Young Citizen of the Year – Sophie Manttan
Senior Sports Award – Colin Hoey
Junior Sports Award – Gabriella Newman
Community Event – Pursehouse Rural Charity Golf Day held at Clifton Golf Club
Cultural Award – Bernadette Trimingham
Community Group Award – Clifton and District Progress Association
Goombungee
Citizen of the Year – Jacinta Ryan
Community Group – Jacko’s Black Tie Charity Ball Committee
Community Event – Jacaranda Day
Community Spirit Award – Reithmuller Family
Young Community Spirit Award – Amber Kahler
Highfields
Citizen of the Year – Elaine Kieseker
Cultural Award – Neil & Ann Lomas
Senior Sports Award – Elle de Nooyer
Community Group – Queensland Country Women’s Association (CWA) Highfields Branch
Millmerran/ Cecil Plains
Citizen of the Year – Elise Ogden
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Brianna-Rose Jones
Junior Sports Award – Bridie Sutton
Senior Sports Award – Amanda Wilkinson
Cultural Award – Natasha Hollis
Community Group – Cecil Plains Progress, Tourism & Recreation Association Inc.
Community Event – Cecil Plains History Group Inc for the Official Opening of the Cecil Plains Railway Hall and Museum
Oakey
Citizen of the Year – Deborah (Debbie) Goudie
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Keyara Kennedy
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year – Jennifer Wharton
Senior Sports Award – Alan Jackson
Junior Sports Award – Sally Clifford
Community Group Award – Goondir Health Services
Community Event Award – 150 Years of Oakey State School
Cultural Award – Mira Biri Giruru Aboriginal Dancers
Pittsworth
Citizen of the Year – Alastair Silcock
Young Citizen of the Year – Ava Schultz
Cultural Award – Ashford Leigh Grayson McEwan
Senior Sports Award – Ethan Brose
Junior Sports Award – Ruby King
Community Event – 2024 Bloomin Pittsworth: Pittsworth Garden Club
Community Group Award – Australian Army Cadets 19ACU Pittsworth and Pittsworth RSL Sub Branch (joint recipients)
Toowoomba Australia Day photo gallery
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