Shirley Treacy Awards 2026 – Townsville Finalists Announced
The Royal Academy of Dance is pleased to announce the finalists from the Townsville round of the Shirley Treacy Awards 2026, held on Sunday 16 August at the Denise Glasgow Performing Arts Centre.
The Shirley Treacy Awards celebrate and reward talented RAD students from regional Queensland, providing candidates with an opportunity to showcase their skills, build confidence and perform in front of a live audience.
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Townsville round, and a special congratulations to the following candidates who have progressed as Townsville Overall Finalists:
Grade 4/5
Maggie Denmead – The Dance Collective
Everly Franzmann – The Dance Collective
Intermediate Foundation / Intermediate
Zara Boldery – The Dance Collective
Owen Reed – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Advanced Foundation / Advanced 1/2
Zoe Early – Robyn Croft
Christopher Neilson – Ann Roberts School of Dance
The finalists were selected following performances adjudicated by Susan Sargison, and will now progress to the final stage of the Shirley Treacy Awards.
Townsville’s finalists will be judged alongside finalists from the Cairns, Rockhampton and Mackay rounds, with the overall winners to be announced at the online Shirley Treacy Awards Presentation on Saturday 12 September 2026 via Zoom.
The Shirley Treacy Awards are named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born RAD ballet teacher, examiner and Life Member who made a significant contribution to the dance industry throughout her life.
We wish all Townsville finalists the very best as they progress to the final stage of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards, and congratulate all candidates, teachers and families who contributed to a wonderful day of dance in Townsville.
Shirley Treacy Awards 2026
Online Awards Presentation: Saturday 12 September 2026 | Via Zoom
Further details about the online presentation will be shared ahead of the event.
