The annual Australia Day Honours List celebrates the very best of the Australian spirit and I congratulate Noosa’s residents who received recognition in 2026 for their outstanding contributions to our community.
Adrian Pisarski AM from Noosa became a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community through welfare organisations. Mr Pisarski has been at the forefront of the community sector for more than three decades through his work in youth affairs and housing. He has been an active contributor to state and federal housing policy development and worked to end homelessness and improve housing access and affordability for low income families.
Charlie Cobb OAM from Cooroy was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Sunshine Coast community. Mr Cobb has been a member of the Noosa Rotary Club for more than 30 years and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1988. Mr Cobb has been involved in the Cooroora Woodworkers Club since 1994, serving as President and helping drive the success of the Club’s annual Wood and Craft Show.
Leona Murphy OAM of Doonan received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to business through governance roles. Mrs Murphy has been involved in insurance and financial services for more than thirty years and has held a number of senior executive positions with not for profit organisations, ASX listed companies, and the United Nations.
Robert Frey AFSM of Sunrise Beach was recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal for his many years of service protecting his community and other parts of Australia in times of disaster. Rob’s commitment to Noosa and service to others extends well beyond his vocation to volunteering and sporting roles, and his recognition is a fitting tribute to the contributions he has made to strengthening the community.
Each of these remarkable individuals recognised on January 26 has made a lasting impact on the lives of others and I congratulate them on their well deserved recognition and their ongoing service to Noosa and our nation.
Noosa Heads was recently recognised in the top 10 Most Welcoming Towns on Earth, and is the only Australian destination to be included in the 14th annual Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com.
This is a credit to Tourism Noosa and the many local businesses and hospitality venues in Noosa which make the area world renowned. Noosa is known throughout the world for its pristine beaches and stunning hinterland, and this award pays tribute to both the natural beauty of the area and its friendly and welcoming people. Congratulations Noosa on achieving this international recognition.
Not for profit community organisations will be pleased to know that another round of the Volunteer Grants Program has been announced. The grants offer volunteer organisations the opportunity to apply for funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to support the efforts of their volunteers and increase participation in volunteering.
I will provide further details on the program guidelines and key dates as they become available. Community organisations can contact me at llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au to join my grants mailing list and receive notification when the Volunteer Grants Program opens.
My office is always here to help in any matter controlled by the Australian Government. If you need assistance please contact me on telephone 4121 2936, email llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au, my website www.llewobrien.com.au or on Facebook www.facebook.com/llewobrienlnp.
