Give local legends the recognition they deserve

Published on 03 March 2026

Do you know volunteers making an impact within the community? Gladstone Regional Council wants to give local legends the recognition they deserve via the Local Legends Recognition Fund.

The Local Legends Recognition Fund is a new community-led volunteer recognition initiative delivered to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026 (18-24 May).

To facilitate this, Council will provide micro-grants ($100–$300) to volunteer-involving and not-for-profit organisations to host their own recognition activities.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Council will host four public information sessions during March to inform volunteer organisations about the application process and the range of recognition activities they can potentially deliver.

“Recognition activities could range from morning teas, barbecues, certificates or small celebrations,” Mayor Burnett said.

“We’ve changed the process this year from Council-run National Volunteer Week events to a community-led volunteer recognition sponsorship model delivered through the Local Legends Recognition Fund.

“This grants program provides small, flexible funding to enable local not-for-profit organisations to recognise and thank their volunteers in ways that are meaningful and relevant, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.”

IMAGE: Recognition activities could include a barbecue with volunteers.

Mayor Burnett added that following the public information sessions, an Expression of Interest (EOI) period will open from 23 March until 19 April.

“While attending an information session is not compulsory, it is highly encouraged as it will provide guidance on submitting an EOI,” he said.

“There will be two sessions in Gladstone and one each at Calliope and Agnes Water, allowing groups from all across the region to attend a session convenient to them.”

Information Sessions

Gladstone | Monday 16 March | 1-2pm | Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct

Calliope | Tuesday 17 March | 1-2pm | Calliope Community Centre

Gladstone | Wednesday 18 March | 6-7pm | Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct

Agnes Water | Friday 20 March | 10-11am | Agnes Water Community Centre.

Applications open from Monday 23 March until Sunday 19 April.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/Local-Legends for more information.