Australia Day 2027
Recognising Excellence in Our Community
The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region. These awards provide a platform to publicly honour those who have made a remarkable impact or are exceptional achievers within our community.
If you know someone or a community group committed to making the Whitsunday region a better place, we invite you to nominate them for a 2027 Australia Day Award and help us celebrate their efforts.
This year's nominations will open on 1 August and close at 4pm, 30 September.
Australia Day Award Categories
1. Citizen of the Year Award
Honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the Whitsunday Region or provided outstanding service to the local community.
Age Requirement: be 19 years or older as of 26 January 2027.
2. Young Citizen of the Year Award
Recognising young individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the community or Whitsunday Region.
Age Requirement: be 18 years or younger as of 26 January 2027.
3. Senior Sports Person of the Year Award
Celebrating dedicated sportspeople, coaches, administrators or volunteers whose passion for sports inspires others.
Age Requirement: be 19 years or older as of 26 January 2027.
4. Young Sports Person of the Year Award
Recognising young athletes whose commitment to their sport motivates others to participate.
Age Requirement: be 18 years of younger as of 26 January 2027.
5. Arts & Cultural Award
Acknowledging individuals or groups contributing to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
Age Requirement: be 19 years or older as of 26 January 2027.
6. Young Arts & Culture Award
Acknowledging individuals or groups contributing to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
Age Requirement: be 18 years or younger as of 26 January 2027.
7. Environmental Achievement Award
Acknowledging individuals or groups contributing to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
Age Requirement: no age requirement.
8. Community Group Award
Recognising individuals, groups or organisations that have positively impacted the Whitsunday Region through meaningful projects or events in the past year.
Age Requirement: no age requirement.
9. Wally Hinschen Community Volunteer Award
Celebrating volunteers who have significantly contributed to the Whitsunday region. This award is presented in honour of Wally Hinschen, a valued community member.
Age Requirement: no age requirement.
10. Mayor Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community
This award is selected by the Mayor to acknowledge individuals or groups from the community who have made exceptional voluntary contributions in areas such as arts, culture, sport or service.
Age Requirement: no age requirement.
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