No job too difficult for Citizen of the Year Bruce Webber
Published on 26 January 2026
Somerset Citizen of the Year 2026 Bruce Webber at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony held Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
SOMERSET Citizen of the Year 2026 Bruce Webber is always the first to raise his hand to help.
The father of six has lived in Somerset for more than ten years and has become an invaluable member of the Toogoolawah community.
Bruce wears many hats as the president for both the Toogoolawah State School P and C and the Queensland Barrel Racing Association, and as a member of the Toogoolawah State High School P and C, Toogoolawah Show Society, Toogoolawah Rodeo Committee and Esk Jockey Club.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt presented Bruce with the Citizen of the Year award at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
Cr Wendt said Bruce was an engaged and passionate member of the community, ready to lend a hand to any cause.
“No job is too big or too difficult for Bruce, he always shows up with a smile on his face ready to man the barbecue or help set up and pack down events,” Cr Wendt said.
“Last year, Bruce introduced a barrel racing series to Toogoolawah, giving local kids a chance to compete and learn more about the sport, and also creating a brilliant fundraising opportunity for the show society to upgrade their horse stalls.
“He also brought the first op shop hobby horse barrel race to the Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo, a great addition for an already fantastic event.”
Cr Wendt said Bruce was also passionate about fostering the next generation of volunteers and community leaders.
“Bruce has passed his values onto his six children, who are often seen assisting with the same community groups he volunteers for,” Cr Wendt said.
“He’s a kind and selfless person, putting the needs of his community and future communities ahead of his own.
“He might tell you it’s all in a day’s work, but the people who know Bruce would agree he works that little bit harder than most and will always be there to help his community.”
Cr Wendt said Bruce Webber was more than worthy for the title of Somerset Citizen of the Year 2026.
“Bruce’s many tireless hours volunteering have not gone unnoticed by the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“We thank him for his dedication to Somerset and his passion for supporting the next generation of volunteers, leaders and barrel racers.”
Other 2026 Citizen of the Year nominees included Susan Pratten, Geoff Beattie, Shannon Mitchell, Graeme Lynch, and Karen Leahy.