Cook Shire Council is delighted to announce Kevin Hughes BM OAM as the 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.

Mr Hughes, (pictured left) a distinguished veteran and passionate advocate for environmental conservation, will join us on 26 January for our Australia Day Awards. The day promises to be a memorable occasion, featuring our annual Australia Day Awards, the TC Jasper Community Heroes presentation, a Citizenship Ceremony, and a community morning tea.
Mayor Robyn Holmes shared her enthusiasm about the event:
“Australia Day is a time to reflect, respect, and celebrate what makes our community and nation special. Kevin Hughes embodies the spirit of service and dedication, and we are honoured to have him join us as our Australia Day Ambassador. His remarkable achievements, both in service and conservation, remind us of the power of individuals to make a difference. We invite everyone to come together to celebrate our Australia Day Awards, recognise our TC Jasper Community Heroes, welcome new citizens, and enjoy a morning tea with friends and neighbours.”
Kevin Hughes has led an extraordinary life of service and dedication. A veteran of the Australian Military with deployments both at home and abroad, Kevin later served in the Queensland Fire Service in Brisbane before pursuing a professional flying career. His unwavering commitment to the community has earned him numerous accolades, including a Bravery Medal (BM) awarded by the Queen of England and presented by former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove. Most recently, Kevin was awarded an Order of Australia in 2024 by King Charles III, bestowed by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of Australia.
Beyond his service, Kevin is the founder of Endangered Species Supporters Australia, an organisation dedicated to informing Australians about ecosystem preservation and protecting our native wildlife from further decline. His passion for conservation inspires positive change across the nation.
The Australia Day Awards will celebrate outstanding community members who have made significant contributions to Cook Shire. The TC Jasper Community Heroes presentation will highlight individuals who went above and beyond to support their communities in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Cook Shire’s Australia Day events will also include a special Citizenship Ceremony, where we will warmly welcome new citizens to our community. Following the formalities, attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary morning tea and live music while connecting with fellow residents.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday 26 January 2025
- Time: From 9:00 AM
- Location: Cooktown Shire Hall
We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the incredible stories of our community and embracing the spirit of Australia Day.
For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.
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