Australian of the Year

For more than 20 years, Terry Summerell has been a cornerstone of the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, where his cooking and kindness have become part of the community’s weekly rhythm. 

What began as helping to organise a carnival float turned into a weekly commitment. For the past decade, Terry has been the familiar face behind the barbecue, preparing meals for the community pantry and cooking the men’s breakfast – attracting dozens of people seeking food, connection and camaraderie. Terry also takes care of handyman tasks at the Neighbourhood Centre. 

A full‑time volunteer, Terry has spent 10 years supporting Mossman Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program, offering peer encouragement to patients recovering from stents and bypasses.  

His generosity has become a lifeline for many. His extraordinary hands-on efforts earned him the 2026 Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2026 Douglas Shire Volunteer of the Year.