Seventeen people from the Northern Territory have been named as nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominees were recognised in four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero. Their work covers youth mentorship, education, First Nations culture, volunteering, community advocacy and healthcare. National Australia Day Council CEO Carrie Leeson said the nominees share a commitment to caring for others. The Northern Territory award recipients will be announced on November 9 in Darwin, with the ceremony livestreamed online.
Corangamite residents have one more week to nominate community members and groups for the 2027 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards. Nominations, which opened on 14 September, now close at 5 pm on Friday 30 October. Mayor Kate Makin said the awards recognise people who support others and keep local clubs, reserves, pools and halls running. The awards will be presented at the Shire's Australia Day event at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown on Tuesday 26 January 2027, starting at 10 am.
Mackay Regional Council has opened applications for Australia Day event grants, with community groups encouraged to apply. Not-for-profit groups can apply for up to $1000 to support a free Australia Day event held within the council area on Tuesday, January 26, 2027. Organisers must be a registered not-for-profit group or hold a letter of support from one. Mayor Greg Williamson said the council supported 11 community events for Australia Day 2026. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, November 22 and are made through the council website.
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Toowoomba Regional Council is urging residents to nominate individuals, community groups and events for the 2027 Toowoomba Region Australia Day Awards. Nominations close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Councillor James O'Shea, chair of the council's Australia Day Coordinating Working Group, said many local people give their time and skills to organisations, programs and events across the region. Seven award categories are available, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Murweh Shire Council Australia Day Awards. The awards recognise people and groups who make a difference in the community, including volunteers, local clubs and event organisers. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Group or Event of the Year, and the Spirit of Murweh Award. Nominations close on Wednesday 9 December 2026.
Junee Shire Council has opened nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, which recognise volunteers, sporting stars and community groups. Residents can nominate people across five categories, including Citizen of the Year, Team of the Year and Sports Award. Nominations close at 4pm on Friday, November 27, 2026. Nominations can be made online, or by completing a form available from the council website, the Junee Library, the Junee Junction Recreation & Aquatic Centre or council chambers. The awards will form part of the shire's 2027 Australia Day celebrations.
Sunshine Coast residents are being invited to nominate volunteers, community leaders and organisations for the 2027 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards. Nominations close on November 30, and winners will be announced at a ceremony on January 22, 2027. Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the awards honour people who often work quietly without seeking recognition. Seven categories are included, among them Citizen of the Year and Environment. Last year's Citizen of the Year, Dr Selina Tomasich, founded the non-profit Hair Aid, which offers hairdressing training and free haircuts to people experiencing poverty.
Nominations for the Upper Lachlan Shire Australia Day Awards close on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Recipients will be announced at events on Tuesday, 26 January 2027. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Young Sportsperson of the Year, Agricultural Person of the Year and Event of the Year. The Event of the Year category covers events held between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. Nominations opened on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
Junee Shire Council has opened nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, inviting residents to recognise individuals and groups who strengthen the community. Eligible contributions span volunteering, community service, sporting achievement, and arts and culture, as well as people who simply go beyond what is expected to help others. The five award categories are Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Team of the Year, Sports Award, and Arts & Community Award. Nominations close at 4:00pm on Friday, 27 November 2026, and can be submitted by downloading and returning the form, or completing it online.
Burke Shire Council has invited residents and organisations to nominate candidates for its Local Government 2027 Australia Day Awards. The annual awards honour individuals and groups for their contributions to the community. Three categories are open: Community Champion of the Year, Young Community Champion of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Nomination forms can be collected from the council office or downloaded from the council website. Submissions close at close of business on Wednesday 9 December 2026, and winners will be presented at the 2026 Australia Day event.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards. The awards recognise individuals, groups and events that have made a valuable contribution to the Ballarat community. There are three categories: Ballarat Citizen of the Year, Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Nominations close on 31 October 2026, and recipients will be announced at a presentation ceremony in January 2027.
