Australia Day Awards 2026

Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards 2026
Recognising Excellence in Our Community.

The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region. These awards provide a platform to publicly honour those who have made a remarkable impact or are exceptional achievers within our community.

If you know someone or a community group committed to making the Whitsunday region a better place, we invite you to nominate them for a 2026 Australia Day Award and help us celebrate their efforts.

How to Nominate:

• Download the Nomination Form here!
• or Complete the online form below.
• or Visit a Council Customer Service Centre and complete a hard copy form.
  
  

Award Categories:

1. Citizen of the Year Award
   Honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the Whitsunday Region or provided outstanding service to the local community.
   Age Requirement: 27 years or older as of 26 January 2026.
   
   
2. Young Citizen of the Year
   Recognising young individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the community or Whitsunday Region.
   Age Requirement: 16-26 years as of 26 January 2026.
   
   
3. Community Event of the Year
   A standout community event that created meaningful local impact.
   
   
4. Spirit of the Whitsundays Award
   Recognising generosity, pride and those who strengthen community connection.
   
   
5. Corporate Community Contribution of the Year
   Honouring business led initiatives or support that benefit our region.
   
   
6. Community Champion Award - Mayoral Award
   This award is selected by the Mayor to acknowledge individuals or groups from the community who have made exceptional voluntary contributions in areas such as arts, culture, sport or service.
   
   
7. Volunteer of the Year Award
   Celebrating volunteers who have significantly contributed to the Whitsunday region. This award is presented in honour of Wally Hinschen, a valued community member. No age requirement.

For more information, email info@wrc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 972 753.

Nominate today!

Return this form and supporting documents to any of Council’s Customer Service Centres located at Collinsville, Bowen, Proserpine or Cannonvale or post to: PO Box 104, Proserpine, QLD, 4800.

OR

Nominate online below!

Conditions of Entry

1. Nominees must be a resident of Whitsunday Regional Council at the time of the nomination.

2. Nominations will not be accepted if the individual or group has won an award the previous year.

3. All nominations must be received on the official nomination form. Additional information can be supplied.

4. Contact details of nominators may be forwarded on to local media.

5. Citizen of the Year nominees must be 27 years of age or over as at 26 January 2026.

6. Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be aged 16-26 years as at 26 January 2026.

7. A person who is deemed to have acted in a manner contrary to Council values will not be eligible.