Australia Day 2026 Nominations Now Open
Published on 01 December 2025
The Walgett Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise the achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region.
These awards provide an opportunity to formally acknowledge those who have made an exceptional contribution or demonstrated outstanding achievement within our community.
If you know someone or a community group, committed to making the Walgett Shire a better place, we encourage you to help honour their efforts by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Walgett Shire Council Australia Day Awards.
Eligibility Criteria
• Nominations must be submitted using Council’s official nomination form.
• Nominees cannot nominate themselves.
• Council employees are eligible for the Community Champion award, provided the nomination is not related to duties performed in their role as a Council employee or in where they have received an advantage not available to the general public.
• Nominations must be received by 5.00 pm, Friday 9 January 2026.
• Each nomination must include the name and contact number of at least one independent referee who can provide supporting evidence.
• Nominees must be Australian citizens, and their contributions must relate to the Walgett Shire Local Government Area.
• Awards will be announced on Australia Day, 26 January 2025.
• Nominations may be submitted by individuals or organisations.
• Previous nominees who did not receive an award remain eligible for nomination.
Award Categories
Citizen of the Year
Australian citizens aged 24 years or over on 26 January 2025, who live, work or study in Walgett Shire and have made a noteworthy contribution during the past year and/or provided outstanding service to the community over a number of years.
Young Citizen of the Year
Australian citizens aged 23 years or under on 26 January 2025, who live, work or study in Walgett Shire and have made a noteworthy contribution during the past year and/or provided outstanding service to the community.
Senior Citizen of the Year
Australian citizens aged 60 years or over on 26 January 2025, who live in Walgett Shire and have made a noteworthy contribution during the past year and/or provided outstanding service to the community.
Volunteer of the Year
Recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution through volunteer service. Contributions may include emergency response, support for vulnerable residents, arts, culture, heritage, environment, schools, sporting organisations or community development. No age requirement.
Community Event of the Year
Open to events organised for the benefit of the community on a not-for-profit basis, including those run by incorporated associations, community groups, volunteers or other recognised not-for-profit organisations.
Community Champion
Recognises an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the Walgett Shire community or achieved significant success while representing the region with pride. Open to all residents, including volunteers, paid employees across health, education, policing and emergency services, as well as sporting groups and athletes.
Nominees should demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership or achievement beyond what is normally expected in their role. This may include community service, advocacy, mentorship, cultural or sporting excellence, or initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, pride and resilience. Nominations should provide clear evidence of the impact or benefits delivered to the community.
You can download the Nomination Form word version here: Australia-Day.docx(DOCX, 290KB)
You can download the Nomination Form fillable PDF version here: Australia-Day-Fillable-Form.pdf(PDF, 224KB)
Please return completed forms to the Council Office via admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au, in person at our offices in Walgett, Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge, or by post to PO Box 31, Walgett NSW 2832.
Or complete the online form below:
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