General
31 January, 2026
2026 Australia Day Awards in Inglewood
Australia Day Awards for the Inglewood and Texas Regions in the Goondiwindi Regional Council area were held at the Inglewood Golf Club on Monday. The activities commenced with a barbecue breakfast thanks to the volunteers from the Inglewood Golf Club prior to the official award presentations.
Cr Kym Skinner officiated with the assistance of Cr Jason Watts and Cr Julia Spicer.
Ambassador on the day in Inglewood was Gail Ker OAM who presented the awards. Gail’s speech was enlightening and inspirational.
The local Sing Australia group was on hand and their talents were appreciated adding some colour and atmosphere to proceedings.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - KIMBLE MAYERS
Kimble is one of the most recognisable and respected figures in the Texas community, known for his warmth, reliability, and genuine care for people of all ages. His daily interactions bring goodwill, humour, and friendship to locals and newcomers alike, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive community spirit.
Since 2010, Kimble has served as Postmaster of the Texas Licensed Post Office, daily weather recorder for the Bureau of Meteorology, and Justice of the Peace roles he carries out with unwavering dedication. Alongside these duties, he volunteers extensively across the district, contributing to the Texas Jockey Club Races, Texas Community Bus Inc, the Texas Fishing Club, the Texas Services Club, the Texas Police Charity Golf Day, the Texas Show Society, and even donning the red suit as Santa for local organisations. He also serves as a Rural Firefighter at Silver Spur, continuing a lifetime commitment to community safety.
Kimble’s service stretches far beyond his current roles. He previously dedicated 46 years as an Auxiliary Firefighter across NSW and Queensland, and 25 years as a Paramedic and Officer in Charge, including many years serving the Texas and Longreach communities. His contributions also include a decade with the Texas State School P&C, active involvement in the Arts Council, and enthusiastic support for local concerts and cultural events. Together with his wife Carina, he has raised and supported his family within the Texas community he cares so deeply about.
A beloved character, Kimble’s enthusiasm and generosity leave a lasting impact on everyone he meets. His recent adventure “Bringing home an Australian made 1983 Denning Coach, Priscilla III, Queen of the Desert” - perfectly reflects his spirited personality and love for community connection.
Kimble embodies the very best of country character, service, and community pride, making him an exceptional and highly deserving nominee for recognition.
Congratulations Kimble
Lisa Anderson
Lisa is a deeply valued and much-loved member of the Inglewood community, known for her kindness, positivity, and unwavering willingness to go above and beyond‑ for others. As a dedicated nurse at both the Inglewood Hospital and the Inglewood Medical Centre, she supports local families with compassion and professionalism every day.
Beyond her work, Lisa is an exceptional volunteer whose impact reaches people of all ages. She coordinates and runs weekly social sports for both adults and children, is an active member of the Inglewood Swimming Club and Inglewood Junior Football and gives her time generously each year at the Inglewood Show. Her involvement in the Inglewood State School bike ride, along with regularly transporting students to sporting events in her own time, reflects her genuine commitment to supporting young people.
A familiar and friendly face at school and community events, Lisa is always ready to organise, fundraise, cheer, and lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Her efforts help create opportunities for locals to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy the sense of connection that community sport brings.
Lisa is a true role model—someone whose dedication, generosity, and community spirit inspire many and make a lasting difference. She is an outstanding and highly deserving nominee for recognition.
Tennille Bankes
Tennille is an exceptional wildlife carer, rescuer, and environmental advocate, serving as President of Wildlife Empire and dedicating countless volunteer hours to protecting and rehabilitating native animals across the region. Her days are often filled with rescues, community call‑outs, feeding schedules, cleaning, and long hours of travel—work she undertakes on top of her responsibilities as a mother and community member. Despite the demanding nature of the role, Tennille approaches every task with compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Her work is often unseen and sometimes thankless, yet always vital. Late-night wildlife transfers, ‑early morning‑ feeding rounds, and constant community support are all part of her routine, reflecting the depth of her dedication. Tennille’s efforts ensure that injured and vulnerable wildlife receive the care they need, no matter the hour or the distance.
Beyond rescue work, Tennille is a passionate environmental educator. Through community events at the sanctuary and public workshops, she shares her knowledge and love for wildlife, inspiring others to value and protect the natural world. Her advocacy helps strengthen environmental awareness across generations and reinforces the values held strongly within the community.
Tennille’s tireless service, leadership, and genuine care make her an outstanding role model and a truly deserving nominee for recognition.
AUSTRALIA DAY 2026 CULTURAL AWARD - GREENUP SHOWCASE
The Inglewood Greenup Showcase has grown into a signature community event that celebrates local creativity, talent, and regional pride. Bringing together artisans, musicians, growers, makers, and small businesses, it has become a highly anticipated annual gathering that reflects the heart of the Inglewood and Greenup communities.
More than a market, the Showcase offers hands on workshops and creative experiences that encourage residents to explore new skills, connect with others, and strengthen their sense of well-being. This focus on participation and personal growth is central to its success.
The event also draws visitors from across the region, attracted by its authentic atmosphere and unique local offerings. This increased tourism provides valuable support to local hospitality, retail, and small businesses, creating meaningful flow on benefits for the wider community.
Proudly supported by locals, the Inglewood Greenup Showcase embodies true community spirit—fostering pride, connection, and collaboration while highlighting the remarkable talent and resilience of the region. It stands as a highly deserving nominee for this award.
Congratulations Shelley and Michelle
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD - ELDERS INGLEWOOD GOLF DAY
The Elders Inglewood team has become a driving force for community spirit through their annual Elders Inglewood Golf Day, now a much-loved fixture on the local calendar. First created in response to the Inglewood floods, the event has grown into a vibrant day of connection, generosity, and family involvement. In 2025, the fourth Golf Day brought together 80 participants and raised $5,000 for LifeFlight, supporting both a vital service and the local golf club.
The team takes great pride in creating a fun, welcoming day featuring competitions, raffles, auctions, and a community BBQ. Their commitment goes beyond fundraising—they see the event as a chance to check in on neighbours, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the spirit of a small town that rallies together. With strong support from volunteers and families, the Golf Day continues to grow, reflecting the dedication, gratitude, and community minded values of the Elders Inglewood team.
Congratulations Team Elders- Ben, Carissa and Macy
SENIOR SPORT ADMINISTRATOR/COACH AWARD - PENNY DAWSON
Penny has been a driving force behind community rugby league for many years, dedicating countless hours to supporting the Inglewood Roosters and the wider Border Rugby League region. As Secretary of both organisations, she plays a vital role in overseeing the sport across the towns of Texas, Inglewood, Killarney, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, and Boggabilla.
In times when volunteers were scarce, Penny stepped up - often taking on multiple committee roles to ensure rugby league remained available to local players and families. Her commitment extends well beyond the season, with Penny devoting significant personal time to administration, coordination, and supporting clubs so communities can stay connected through the sport they love.
Penny’s dedication has helped strengthen community spirit, providing young people with a positive outlet for their energy, passion, and sense of belonging. Her tireless efforts, leadership, and unwavering belief in the value of community sport make her a truly deserving nominee for recognition.
Congratulations Penny
JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD - TYSON EABORN
At just 16 years old, Tyson has emerged as an outstanding young athlete, demonstrating exceptional determination, discipline, and maturity well beyond his years. A registered member of the Queensland Weightlifting Association, he competes in the Commonwealth and Olympic sport of weightlifting under the remote guidance of renowned Australian coach Miles Wydall. Training largely on his own, Tyson shows a level of focus and commitment that sets him apart.
In 2024, Tyson delivered an extraordinary competition season, earning two State Gold medals and two State and National Bronze medals, proudly representing rural Queensland on major stages. His achievements are the result of his own drive - setting personal goals, maintaining a rigorous training schedule, and showing remarkable consistency for someone so young.
What truly makes Tyson a standout nominee is his attitude. He proves that even without the facilities or resources available to big city athletes, passion and persistence can take you anywhere. Tyson is inspiring other young people in rural communities to believe in their potential and chase their sporting dreams.
Humble, hardworking, and committed to being his best both on and off the platform, Tyson embodies the values of sportsmanship and dedication. His competition results this year include:
Gold - QWA School Age Championships, Nundah
Gold - State U15 & Youth Championships, Capalaba
Bronze- State Junior Championships, Chandler
Bronze - National U15 & Youth Championships, Bribie Island
Tyson is a shining example of what young rural athletes can achieve, making him a truly deserving nominee for the Australia Day Sports Youth Award.
Congratulations Tyson
SENIOR SPORTS AWARD - CONNOR CLANCY
Connor is an outstanding athlete and community role model, demonstrating exceptional commitment to sport - particularly rugby league and rugby union. Over three seasons with the Inglewood Roosters, he has earned major accolades including the 2023 Border Rugby League Men’s Team of the Year, 2024 Highest Points Scorer and Players’ Player, and 2025 Best and Fairest and Best Back.
Beyond Inglewood, Connor’s sporting achievements are equally impressive. He has played Premier Grade Rugby Union for the University of Queensland, is a ten-year veteran of the UQ Rugby 7s program, captained the 2025 team, and has represented both Australian Rugby 7s and Queensland Elite 7s. His dedication to excellence has made him a respected competitor across multiple codes.
Connor is also a valued member of the Inglewood Golf Club and a recent addition to the Yelarbon Cricket Club, reflecting his passion for staying active and contributing to local sport.
Off the field, Connor’s commitment to his community is just as strong. As the Physical Education teacher at Inglewood State School, he inspires students daily to participate in sport and lead healthy, active lives. He volunteers his time coaching running club, assisting with weekly social sports, and has previously supported junior golf - ensuring young people have every opportunity to develop skills, confidence, and a love of physical activity.
Connor embodies perseverance, teamwork, and service. His sporting excellence, leadership, and dedication to community make him a truly deserving nominee for the Australia Day Sports Award.
Congratulations Connor