Australia Day Awards 2027

Share Australia Day Awards 2027 on Facebook Share Australia Day Awards 2027 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Australia Day Awards 2027 on Linkedin Email Australia Day Awards 2027 link
Cockatoos

Nominations open 1 August for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, giving the Whitsunday community the opportunity to recognise outstanding individuals, groups and volunteers who make a positive difference across the region.

Nominations can be submitted online via SmartyGrants

Residents are encouraged to nominate someone making a difference in our community through service, sport, arts, culture, environmental work or other contributions. Nominations close at 4pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Mayor Ry Collins encouraged residents to take the time to nominate someone who goes above and beyond.

“Every day across the Whitsunday Region, I see people volunteering their time, supporting others, protecting our environment, inspiring young people and creating opportunities for our community,” Mayor Collins said.

“These awards are an opportunity to shine a light on those incredible individuals and groups who often work quietly behind the scenes and deserve to be recognised for the difference they make.”

A total of 10 award categories are available in 2027, including:

  • Citizen of the Year Award
  • Young Citizen of the Year Award
  • Senior Sports Person of the Year Award
  • Young Sports Person of the Year Award
  • Arts & Cultural Award
  • Young Arts & Culture Award
  • Environmental Achievement Award
  • Community Group Award
  • Wally Hinschen Community Volunteer Award
  • Mayor Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community

Mayor Collins said nominations could come from anyone in the community and encouraged residents, groups and organisations to recognise someone making a difference. “You don’t have to look far to find amazing people doing extraordinary things in our region,” he said.

“Whether it’s a neighbour who regularly lends a hand, a volunteer who dedicates countless hours to a local club, a young person achieving great things, or a group creating positive change, we want to hear their stories.”


Award recipients will be recognised at Council’s 2027 Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2027.

Further information on the Australia Day Award celebrations will be provided at a later date.

Nominations open 1 August for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, giving the Whitsunday community the opportunity to recognise outstanding individuals, groups and volunteers who make a positive difference across the region.

Nominations can be submitted online via SmartyGrants

Residents are encouraged to nominate someone making a difference in our community through service, sport, arts, culture, environmental work or other contributions. Nominations close at 4pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Mayor Ry Collins encouraged residents to take the time to nominate someone who goes above and beyond.

“Every day across the Whitsunday Region, I see people volunteering their time, supporting others, protecting our environment, inspiring young people and creating opportunities for our community,” Mayor Collins said.

“These awards are an opportunity to shine a light on those incredible individuals and groups who often work quietly behind the scenes and deserve to be recognised for the difference they make.”

A total of 10 award categories are available in 2027, including:

  • Citizen of the Year Award
  • Young Citizen of the Year Award
  • Senior Sports Person of the Year Award
  • Young Sports Person of the Year Award
  • Arts & Cultural Award
  • Young Arts & Culture Award
  • Environmental Achievement Award
  • Community Group Award
  • Wally Hinschen Community Volunteer Award
  • Mayor Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community

Mayor Collins said nominations could come from anyone in the community and encouraged residents, groups and organisations to recognise someone making a difference. “You don’t have to look far to find amazing people doing extraordinary things in our region,” he said.

“Whether it’s a neighbour who regularly lends a hand, a volunteer who dedicates countless hours to a local club, a young person achieving great things, or a group creating positive change, we want to hear their stories.”


Award recipients will be recognised at Council’s 2027 Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2027.

Further information on the Australia Day Award celebrations will be provided at a later date.