High-profile wildlife advocate Robert Irwin and long-time child safety campaigners Bruce and Denise Morcombe are among Sunshine Coast residents in the running for coveted state awards.
They are among the nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year for Queensland accolade, alongside community leader Beny Bol, of Logan, and Beyond DV founder Carolyn Robinson, of Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast disability advocate Carmel Crouch is nominated for Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland and Surf for Kids founder Mark Skinner is in the running for Queensland’s Local Hero.
Sixteen people from across the state have been named as nominees across four categories of the awards, which will be announced in Brisbane on November 16.
Mr Irwin, 22, has been nominated for his wildlife conservation work through Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors, photography and television, which has helped promote conservation to audiences in Australia and overseas.
The Morcombes have been nominated for their long-running child safety advocacy through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which they established after the 2003 abduction and murder of their 13-year-old son Daniel. Their work includes Day for Daniel and campaigning for Daniel’s Law.
Ms Crouch, 80, has been nominated after more than four decades supporting people with disability to gain skills, find work and live independently, including through Steps Group Australia and Steps Pathways College.
Mr Skinner, 72, has been nominated for his work through Surf for Kids, which has raised $8 million over 23 years to support children with serious disabilities and about 100 Sunshine Coast families each year.
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