Australia Day Awards
2026 Australia Day Awards
The Charters Towers Region Australia Day Awards are a celebration and an opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution that individuals, community groups and organisations make in our Region. We are looking for someone that is great at what they do, beyond what would reasonably be expected in their profession, contributes to the Charters Towers Region and inspires those around them. Everyday people are encouraged to apply - you don't have to be famous, we're looking for the unsung heroes in our community. If you know of a person or community group who make a difference to life in the Charters Towers Region, don't miss the opportunity to nominate them for an Australia Day Awards.
Nominations open 9am Monday, 22 September.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Nominees for the Australia Day Awards Program must:
- be an Australian Citizen;
- reside within the Charters Towers Regional Council region;
- be nominated by a person or persons other than themselves;
- not be involved in the administration of the Australia Day Awards Program (including the selection process); and
- not be a sitting member of Local, State, or Federal Government.
The Australia Day Awards Program offers eight (8) award categories:
Citizen of the Year
Recognises individuals for their outstanding contribution, for their personal endeavours, achievements and service to the community during 2025.
Young Citizen of the Year (Aged under 25 years as at 26 January 2026)
Recognises young individuals for their outstanding contribution, for their personal endeavours, achievements and service to the community during 2025.
Community Event of the Year
Recognises an event that has made an outstanding contribution to the community within the Charters Towers Regional Council region and was held between December 2024 and November 2025.
Sportsperson of the Year
Recognises individuals for their sporting achievements, their actions which inspire, enrich and encourage others and who have made a significant contribution towards the sporting achievements of the region during 2025.
Young Sportsperson of the Year (Aged under 25 years as at 26 January 2025)
Recognises young individuals for their sporting achievements, their actions which inspire, enrich and encourage others and who have made a significant contribution towards the sporting achievements of the region during 2025.
Sports Administrator of the Year
Recognises individuals for their significant contribution to sport and/or the community as a Coach, Official or Administrator during 2025.
Cultural Person of the Year
Recognises individuals for their outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the community through actions which encourage, enrich and inspire others during 2025.
Young Cultural Person of the Year (Aged under 25 years as at 26 January 2025)
Recognises individuals for their outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the community through actions which encourage, enrich and inspire others during 2025.
Selection – Significant contributions & achievements
Nominees will be judged against the following selection criteria:
- Contribution to the local community;
- Contribution and commitment in their field;
- Community memberships;
- Inspirational role model for the community; and
- Demonstrated achievement in their field (Sports, Arts & Culture Awards only).
Nominated individuals will be assessed by a Selection Panel.
The information you provide is the ONLY information the Selection Panel have to choose the winner.
You may know this person well, but the Selection Panel may not!
Tell us as much as you can about your nominee and include specific descriptive details and examples rather than general statements.
Please also provide/upload any supplementary material including photos and media that may strengthen your nomination.
The Selection Panel may seek additional information from other sources that are deemed appropriate and relevant to the assessment of the nomination.
The selection panel reserves the right to place nominees in an alternative category if considered more appropriate.
If nominations are either limited or not of a sufficiently high standard, the panel reserves the right not to recommend an award for a particular category.
Winners announced
How and when will winners be announced?
All nominees will be invited to attend the Charters Towers Regional Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony.
Winners will be announced at the special awards ceremony held on Australia Day for nominees, their guests and the community.
Successful nominees under each program category will receive an award and a certificate of recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate for more than one category?
Yes, however, the Selection Panel reserves the right to consider a nominee under an alternate category to that which they were nominated.
Note, an individual cannot receive two Australia Day Awards in the same year.
Can I nominate the same individual for the same category next year?
Yes, however, an individual cannot receive the same award in consecutive years.
They are eligible for awards under alternative categories.
What are the opening and closing dates of the nominations?
2026 Award Nominations will be open from 9:00am on Monday, 22 September until 4:00pm Friday, 28 November 2025.
What information is required to nominate an individual?
You will need to provide the below information to nominate an individual for an Australia Day Award:
- Nominee contact details; and
- Nominee achievements and contribution to the community.
It is strongly encouraged to provide any supporting information or documentation such as newspaper articles.
Where can I get a nomination form?
Nomination forms are available here and from the Excelsior Library.
I am a nominee, how will I know if I've been successful or unsuccessful?
All nominees will be sent an invitation to attend the Charters Towers Regional Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony where award winners will be announced.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at the Charters Towers Regional Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January 2026.
What do winners receive?
Award winners will each receive an award and certificate of recognition.
Can I nominate the same individual next year if they are unsuccessful?
Yes. Individuals are eligible to reapply/be nominated next year if they are unsuccessful this year.