October 29, 2026
Goomeri Show Society president David Pitstock has been named the 2026 Male Senior Citizen Of The Year by Gympie Regional Council.
A GRC spokesperson said David had dedicated many years to supporting the Goomeri community, taking on leadership roles across local organisations, community events and emergency services.
As president and life member of the Goomeri Show Society, he had helped revitalise the organisation and build on the success of its annual show and New Year’s Eve Rodeo, which was named the National Rodeo Association’s 2025 Rodeo of the Year.
His commitment to the community also extended to his role as president of the Goomeri RSL chapter, where he helps organise Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations, as well as his service as a rural fire volunteer and fire warden.
David is also involved with the Goomeri Hall of Memory committee, the local Masonic lodge and works as a school bus driver.
He is also a life member and former vice-president of the Caboolture Show Society, and has previously held leadership positions with the Murgon RSL and the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society at State and Federal levels.
The 2026 Female Senior Citizen Of The Year is Carol Cunningham.
The GRC spokesperson said Carol had made a lasting contribution to the Gympie Region over two decades, supporting local police and helping community sporting groups thrive.
For the past 18 years, Carol has dedicated hundreds of hours of her time to supporting local police through the Volunteer in Policing program.
Working behind the scenes, she assists officers with administrative duties and community liaison activities, helping free up police resources for frontline responsibilities.
Her long-standing involvement has also helped build connections between police and the community, supporting crime prevention, public safety and positive relationships with local residents.
Carol has also volunteered for many years with the Gympie Golf Club and Veterans Golf, giving her time to support the local golfing community.
Carol and David received their awards in front of family and friends during a ceremony at The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre on Thursday, held in conjunction with the Gympie Region Seniors Expo.
The awards are presented annually by Gympie Regional Council as part of Queensland Seniors Month.
Mayor Glen Hartwig congratulated both recipients.
“Both Carol and David have spent years giving their time to help others, and these awards are a small but fitting recognition of their outstanding contributions to our Region,” Mayor Hartwig said.
