Each year our Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards give local governments across the state an opportunity to honour individuals and organisations who make a real difference.

These awards recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution over the past year or have dedicated many years of outstanding service to their community.

Outstanding contributions may span a wide range of fields, including education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary work, business, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion, or any endeavour that advances and enriches community life.

The Community Event of the Year Award recognises an individual or group that delivered an exceptional event in 2025, creating a lasting impact on the local community.

This award celebrates events that brought people together, showcased community spirit, and demonstrated excellence in planning, creativity, and execution. Whether it was a festival, fundraiser, cultural celebration, or sporting event, the recipient will have gone above and beyond to engage participants, foster inclusion, and leave a positive legacy for the region.

Nominate a local hero/or event
Anyone can submit a nomination - simply tell us who they are, what they’ve achieved, and why they deserve recognition. Or likewise, tell us about why the Community Event deserves to be recognised.

Assessment of nominations
Nominations are reviewed against the award criteria, focusing on individuals or organisations who have made a significant and positive impact on the community.

Selection of award recipients
A panel considers all eligible nominations and selects the award recipients based on their contribution and service.

Celebrate with us
Winners are announced and presented with their awards at Council’s Australia Day event, where we recognise and celebrate these award recipients with the community.