Cook Shire Council recognised outstanding service, leadership and community contribution at the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, held at the Cooktown Shire Hall on Monday 26 January 2026.
The ceremony brought together residents, families and community organisations to celebrate local achievements and included a Citizenship Ceremony welcoming three new Australian citizens to the Cook Shire community.
Russell’s contribution spans across incident response, community organisations, business and volunteering… He is someone who is always willing to step up, put others first, and support Cooktown and the wider Shire.
Citizen of the Year: Russell Bowman
The 2026 Cook Shire Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Russell Bowman for his long-standing commitment to volunteering, Coast Guard incident response and community leadership.
Mr Bowman has been a member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard since 2007 and has served as Commander since 2017. Over his 18 years of service, he has been involved in more than 50 search and rescue activations, often responding at all hours to assist those in distress at sea.
Beyond Coast Guard, Mr Bowman is actively involved in the Cooktown community through the Cooktown Blue Water Club, where he has served as President since 2021, and the Cooktown Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, where he has consistently promoted the region. Through his business, he has supported local employment and assists community groups, sporting clubs and fundraisers. He also provides weekly fishing and weather updates to listeners on Black Star Radio.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said Mr Bowman’s contribution extended across many areas of the community.
“Russell’s contribution spans across incident response, community organisations, business and volunteering,” Mayor Holmes said.
“He is someone who is always willing to step up, put others first, and support Cooktown and the wider Shire.”
Young Citizen of the Year: Kristin Slykerman
The 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Kristin Slykerman in recognition of her exceptional volunteering, academic achievement and leadership.
Ms Slykerman has volunteered with the Cooktown Reenactment Society for four years and, in 2024 at just 13 years of age, travelled to Bangladesh with an Australian midwife volunteering with the NGO Symbiosis, gaining first-hand experience of healthcare in a cross-cultural setting. Now aged 15, she has a clear aspiration to pursue nursing and midwifery following her graduation.
An outstanding student, Ms Slykerman was named Middle School Dux at Endeavour Christian College in 2024 and received the school’s prestigious MAF Citizenship Award. She is a member of the student council, competes at regional and state levels in multiple sports, balances two part-time jobs, and actively participates in her church and community. She is also a confident public speaker, addressing large groups of peers during school events on topics including anxiety, resilience and coping with pressure.
“Kristin demonstrates compassion, drive, and commitment well beyond her years, and her achievements as a young citizen deserve recognition,” Mayor Holmes said.
Other 2026 Australia Day Award recipients
Cook Shire Council also congratulated the following award recipients:
Volunteer of the Year: Stefanie O’Kane — for her leadership, dedication and tireless service to the Lakeland community, and John Habermann — for his long-standing volunteer support of the Cooktown Swimming Club
Sports Award: Cooktown Basketball – The Salties — for building a positive, inclusive basketball program that supports and inspires young people
Arts and Culture Award: Cooktown Creative Arts Association — for fostering creativity and providing a welcoming space for local artists and artisans
Environment Award: Beau Peberdy — for his outstanding contribution to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and environmental education
Mayor Holmes thanked all nominees and award recipients for their contribution to the community.
“Australia Day is about service, inclusion and community,” she said.
“These awards recognise the people and groups who live those values every day and help make Cook Shire a strong, caring and connected place.”
For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.
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Pictured above: Cook Shire Mayor, Cr Robyn Holmes (centre) with 2026 Young Citizen of the Year, Kristin Slykerman (left) and 2026 Citizen of the Year, Russell Bowman (right).