If you’ve ever been told to “turn left in 500 metres” in a calm, reassuring voice, chances are you’ve already met Karen Jacobsen.
Known worldwide as The GPS Girl®, Karen (pictured) is the voice that guided a billion drivers out of wrong turns and now she’s guiding herself to Hinchinbrook for Australia Day.
Karen isn’t just a voice in your dashboard. She’s an international performer, songwriter, and speaker whose piano-driven songs have graced US network television.
She’s shared the stage with music royalty — Norah Jones, Neil Sedaka, Cyndi Lauper —and belted out the national anthem at Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, and even Suncorp Stadium. (That’s right, she’s navigated from New York to North Queensland without a single “recalculating.”)
Her career is a GPS route of achievements: author of two books, a professional speaker featured in The New York Times crossword, and composer of the AIR Award-nominated Misogyny Opus, premiered by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
After 20 years in New York City, Karen co-founded the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and now presides over the Whitsundays Writers Festival because even Siri needs a creative outlet.
Mayor, Ramon Jayo says Hinchinbrook is thrilled to have Karen join the celebrations.
“Karen’s story is inspiring, her talent is incredible, and her voice, well, it’s iconic. We’re honoured she’s part of our Australia Day program,” Mayor Jayo said.
Catch Karen at the Official Awards and Ceremony from 9am at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham on Monday, 26 January 2026 then head straight to the Making Waves Australia Day Pool Party from 11.30am to 4pm at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre at 31 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
