2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards

Queenslanders whose leadership and community stewardship make an instrumental impact on the lives of those they serve were celebrated at the 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards last week. The awards shine a light on the calibre of Queensland-based philanthropy, much of which will be on display at the Philanthropy Australia conference in Brisbane this September.

Now in their 16th year, the awards are hosted by Queensland Gives. They recognise individuals and organisations across seven categories who volunteered their time, raised and donated funds, and supported a range of causes across the state, from children’s health research and treatment to drought relief and food security. 

Queensland Gives Chief Executive Officer Tara Castle said the Awards capped off a significant 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Week, with more than 24 events held across the state over 10 days. 

“The Awards were an extraordinary celebration of the very best of Queensland, recognising our lifelong philanthropists and a century-old corporate giver helping vulnerable Queenslanders and leaving a legacy for good,” Tara said.

“We celebrated the incredible range of philanthropy our state is home to, from hairdressers targeting domestic violence, to young people establishing community foundations, to fashion designers supporting their local communities. I hope the Queensland Philanthropy Week showed that anyone can be a philanthropist and contribute and make a difference to Queensland.”

Philanthropy Australia’s Executive Director Membership and Engagement, Laura Cochrane, attended the awards. 

“A real highlight for me was seeing everyday people recognised for how they give: through their workplaces, from their homes and from the centre of their communities,” Laura said. 

“A particularly big congratulations to the Philanthropy Australia members who were recognised with awards: Hand Heart Pocket, John Villiers Trust, Tim Fairfax Foundation and The Bryan Foundation who were honoured for their work on the Queensland Kids Funders Alliance; the River North Community Foundation’s founder Tyler Miscannon; Technology One; as well as our long-time supporter McCulloh Robertson.”

2026 Queensland Philanthropy Award recipients: 

Emerging Philanthropist of the Year (sponsored by Perpetual)  

Tyler Miscannon
Tyler represents a new wave of philanthropic leadership, bringing infectious energy, collaboration and fresh ideas to community impact across Queensland. At just 28, she’s already known for her energy to connect people, ideas and resources to support vulnerable communities, strengthen grassroots organisations and spark a culture of local giving. Through co-founding the River North Community Foundation, Tyler is helping build a more connected, community-led future for philanthropy across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay. 

Small and Medium Enterprise Philanthropist of the Year (sponsored by Deloitte) 

Sonia Stradiotto  
For more than 35 years, Sonia Stradiotto has woven philanthropy into the fabric of its business, using fashion, creativity and community connection to lift up charitable causes across Queensland. Through runway events, fundraising initiatives and generous in‑kind support, Sonia has helped raise vital funds and awareness for organisations supporting carers, women, families and vulnerable communities. 

Environmental Philanthropist of the Year (sponsored by Goodman Private Wealth) 

Rod Welford  
Rod is being honoured posthumously for a lifetime of environmental leadership, reform and generosity that helped protect Queensland’s natural landscapes and communities.  Through landmark environmental protections, visionary policy reform, and enduring philanthropic contributions, he shaped a more sustainable future. 

Philanthropic Foundation of the Year (sponsored by Australian Ethical) 

Morgans Foundation  
For more than two decades, Morgans Foundation has helped strengthen Queensland communities through long‑term partnerships, matched giving and genuine community engagement.  Supporting more than 350 charities, the Foundation has invested in causes from animal welfare and drought relief to food security, medical research and homelessness, mobilising staff, clients and local communities to create meaningful, lasting impact. 

Community Philanthropist of the Year (sponsored by Minderoo) 

Soheil and Anne Abedian  
For more than two decades, Soheil and Anne Abedian have helped shape Queensland communities through transformational giving across education, health and social wellbeing.  Through scholarships, community partnerships and major philanthropic contributions, they have expanded educational opportunities, supported blood cancer patients and families through the Clem Jones–Sunland Blood Cancer Centre, and inspired a stronger culture of giving across the state. 

Innovation Philanthropist of the Year (sponsored by QUT) 

Queensland Kids Funders Alliance (QKFA)  
The QKFA is leading a new model of collaborative philanthropy, bringing foundations, partners and communities together to improve outcomes for children and young people across Queensland. Through co-investment, advocacy and systems-focused initiatives, the Alliance has helped attract significant philanthropic investment to the state while advancing innovation in child wellbeing, early years development and community resilience. 

The Board of Governors Award (Sponsored by the Queensland Public Trustee) 

Epic Hair Designs  
Epic Hair Designs have spent almost two decades using the power of business, community and advocacy to support causes including domestic and family violence prevention, homelessness, cancer research and period poverty — inspiring staff, clients and communities to join them to give back along the way.  Since 2024
Epic Hair have grown their campaigns to include regional events to 
benefit the whole state, including Whitsundays, Gold Coast and
Sunshine Coast. 

McCullough Robertson Lawyers  

For 100 years, McCullough Robertson Lawyers has embedded philanthropy and community service into the heart of the firm. Supporting Queensland communities through pro bono legal services, long-term partnerships, volunteering and leadership across health, housing, the arts and access to justice.  

Main image: the Philanthropy Australia team with Tara Castle attending Queensland Philanthropy Week.