Shirley Treacy Awards 2026 – Rockhampton and Mackay Finalists Announced
The 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards continued across regional Queensland on Sunday 6 September, with talented RAD students taking the stage in both Rockhampton and Mackay for the final regional rounds of this year’s Awards.
Rockhampton candidates gathered at The Theatre at the Rockhampton Grammar School Dance and Musical Theatre Academy, while the Mackay round was held at the Mackay Northern Beaches State School Performing Arts Centre.
Created to encourage and celebrate young dancers in regional Queensland, the Shirley Treacy Awards give students the chance to challenge themselves, develop their confidence and performance skills, and share their work with experienced dance professionals.
We are delighted to announce the students selected as Overall Finalists and Honourable Mentions from Rockhampton and Mackay.
Rockhampton
Grade 4/5
Ellaria Jahnke – Capricorn School of Dancing
Annabelle Terblanche – Rockhampton Academy of Dancing
Honourable Mention: Dash Duke – Capricorn School of Dancing
Intermediate Foundation / Intermediate
Lewis Jahnke – Capricorn School of Dancing
Gianna Torres – Capricorn School of Dancing
Honourable Mention: Claudia-Joy Pratt – Rockhampton Academy of Dancing
Advanced Foundation / Advanced 1/2
Kate Kernke – Rockhampton Grammar School Dance & Musical Theatre
Ella Mackie – Capricorn School of Dancing
Honourable Mention: Lila Patterson – Rockhampton Grammar School Dance & Musical Theatre
In Rockhampton, students took part in classes led by Michele Ryan and presented their work to adjudicator Samantha Simpson ARAD SS, an RAD examiner, dance educator and former professional dancer. After completing her RAD training through to the Solo Seal Award, Samantha continued her studies at The Australian Ballet School before pursuing a professional career in Australia and the United Kingdom. Now with more than 25 years’ experience in dance education, she teaches, examines and adjudicates throughout Australia and internationally and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Mackay
Grade 4/5
Dakota Darby – Aspire Performing Arts
Elle Cummings – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Honourable Mention: Olivia Meares – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Intermediate Foundation / Intermediate
Audrina Corrigan – Dance Express Mackay
Lejla Bobongie-Harris – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Honourable Mention: Souleah Pon-an – Fame Talent School
Advanced Foundation / Advanced 1/2
Claire Youman – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Demi Minns – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Honourable Mention: Peyton Cook – Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence
In Mackay, students took part in classes led by Chloe Powell and presented their work to adjudicator Karen Perring, a member of the RAD Panel of Examiners with more than 35 years’ teaching experience. Karen has worked extensively as a teacher, tutor, trainer and mentor, and examines throughout Australia and internationally. Throughout her career, she has supported students progressing to professional training and careers with leading dance schools and companies around the world.
With the Rockhampton and Mackay rounds now complete, the twelve newly selected finalists will join those from Townsville and Cairns for the final stage of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards.
The overall award recipients will be announced during the Online Awards Presentation on Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing together finalists from across regional Queensland.
Named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born RAD ballet teacher, examiner and Life Member, the Awards carry forward her commitment to encouraging young dancers and creating opportunities for students throughout regional communities.
Congratulations to all of our Rockhampton and Mackay finalists and Honourable Mentions, and to every student who participated. We also thank the teachers, families and supporters who continue to encourage and champion these young dancers.
Online Awards Presentation: Saturday 12 September 2026 | Via Zoom
Join us online as we celebrate our finalists from across regional Queensland and reveal the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards recipients.
