2026 Australia Day Awards - Nominations OPEN
Eligibility & selection criteria
In choosing the recipients of the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards, consideration is given to the nominee’s achievements in the year immediately prior to receiving the award, as well as their past achievements and ongoing contribution to the community.
- All nominees must be Australian citizens
- Self-nominations will not be accepted
- Multiple nominations have no bearing on the outcome
- An individual or group need only one nomination to be considered
- Nominations Close: 5:00pm, Friday 31 October 2025
- You must advise the nominee of this nomination to be eligible
Award Categories
Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year – 18 years of age or over on 26 January 2026
- Significant contribution to the community
- An inspirational role model for the Australian community
- Information about the impact the individual’s contribution has on the local government area
Young Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year – Under 18 years of age on 26 January 2026
- Significant contribution to the community
- An inspirational role model for the Australian community
- Information about the impact the individual’s contribution has on the local government area
Sportsperson of the Year
Sportsperson of the Year – 18 years of age or over on 26 January 2026
- Outstanding sporting achievement conducted in the spirit of fair sportsmanship
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Young Sportsperson of the Year – Under 18 years of age on 26 January 2026
- Outstanding sporting achievement conducted in the spirit of fair sportsmanship
Environmental Award
Environmental Award – Individuals or groups
- Has made a positive impact on our local environment through innovation or volunteer work to improve our waterways, our flora or fauna and our natural surrounds
- Innovative use of the Return and Earn scheme to fundraise for a meaningful cause
- Fostering partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes
Organisation of the Year
Organisation of the Year – Community Groups/Sporting Groups
- An organisation that has made a significant contribution to the Wentworth Shire community.