Individuals, community groups and organisations making a difference in road safety across the Ipswich region are being encouraged to nominate for the 2026 Ipswich Police District Road Safety Awards.
Nominations are now open for the annual awards, which recognise outstanding efforts to reduce road trauma and promote safer driving practices throughout the Ipswich Police District.
Senior Constable Shantelle Dowell from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said the awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond to improve road safety outcomes in the community.
“The upcoming awards aim to raise awareness and highlight the importance of road safety across the Ipswich Police District by recognising the efforts and achievements of individuals, organisations and groups working to reduce road trauma,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
The awards are open to people and organisations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting road safety, whether through their employment, volunteer work, community projects or educational initiatives.
To be eligible, nominated projects or achievements must have been undertaken within the Ipswich Police District and implemented during the 2024–25 financial year. Activities must also align with Queensland road safety legislation and traffic regulations.
Judges will assess nominations across several key criteria, including achievement, sustainability, collaboration and innovation.
Projects that have successfully promoted road safety, reduced road trauma and delivered measurable benefits to the community will be considered. Particular attention will also be given to initiatives that provide long-term benefits, involve partnerships with other agencies or introduce creative approaches to road safety education and awareness.
“The awards are designed to recognise people who are making a genuine impact in our community,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
“We know there are many individuals and organisations working behind the scenes to improve safety on our roads, and this is an opportunity to celebrate those efforts.”
An independent judging panel will review all nominations and may move entries into alternative award categories if deemed appropriate.
Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Wednesday, 19 August, at the Jacaranda Function Centre in Goodna.
The event will also feature guest speaker Wayne Hawking, who will share his family’s personal experience following a serious road crash that left his wife paraplegic. Organisers hope his story will serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting consequences road trauma can have on individuals, families and communities.
Police say the awards come at an important time as road safety remains a major focus across the region.
Motorists are being reminded to avoid the “Fatal Five” risk factors that contribute to serious crashes, including speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, fatigue and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“Every choice made behind the wheel matters,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
“Driving under the influence, speeding, driving while distracted or fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt can place your life and the lives of others at serious risk.”
Nominations for the 2026 Ipswich Police District Road Safety Awards close at 4pm on Monday, 27 July.
Nomination forms are available by emailing dcpc.ipswich@police.qld.gov.au or through the Queensland Police Service’s MyPolice website.
Police are encouraging residents to take the opportunity to recognise those who are helping make Ipswich roads safer for everyone.
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