A BEECHMONT fire fighter was amongst those recognised in Scenic Rim Regional Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Phil Rankin was awarded Citizen of the Year (65+ years) for his contribution over more than 40 years of exceptional service to Beechmont and the wider Scenic Rim through the Rural Fire Brigade and numerous community organisations.
A respected leader during major emergencies, he has guided firefighters and residents through bushfires, storms and natural disasters, including the 2019 Beechmont fires and recovery efforts across Queensland and interstate.
Phil also supports local committees, educates children on fire safety, volunteers at markets and fundraisers, and mentors younger brigade members.
Other nominees in this category included Tamborine Mountain residents Arran Hassell.
Citizen of the Year (16-30 years) was awarded to Izzabella Lower.
Izzabella founded Run4Lives, raising $10,000 to install four public defibrillators in Kalbar, and in 2025 received Rotary’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow for her dedication to community wellbeing.
Citizen of the Year (31-65 years) was shared between Jenny Jenner and Kane Lutter.
Jenny Jenner has made an extraordinary contribution to the Scenic Rim through her leadership of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which has raised more than $435,000 for cancer care since 2022.
Through Butcher Co Kalbar, Kane Lutter provides ongoing support to local schools, sporting clubs and community groups.
Community Event of the Year went to Boonah State High School for their Paddock to Plate Dinner.
The dinner has become a signature Scenic Rim event, showcasing the full food journey through hands-on learning, industry partnership and local pride.
Students grow crops, complete cattle feed trials, design and build farm equipment, film professional-quality media, and prepare a chef-led regional menu using Scenic Rim produce.
The Community Spirit award went to Beaudesert Hospital Auxiliary for supporting patients, staff and the wider community since 1962, raising more than $530,000 to improve local healthcare.
Their contributions have funded medical infusion chairs, maternity recliners, staff rest furniture and comfort items across every hospital department.
Known for their kindness and reliability, members (many in their 70s) provide heartfelt care, handmade cards, baby clothes, and a welcoming presence to all who enter the hospital.
The Mayor’s Award went to Agritourism Queensland president Kay Tommerup.
Kay is a leading voice for agritourism in Queensland and a tireless advocate for farmers across the Scenic Rim.
Through Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Kay champions innovative, sustainable farm diversification and promotes agriculture as a viable, meaningful career for young people.
She also led the Hands Across the Land fundraiser, raising more than $30,000 for flood-affected western Queensland farmers.
