Community members are invited to nominate inspirational Corangamite Shire residents and groups for the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations for the Corangamite Shire Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards open Monday 8 September and close Monday 20 October 2025
The awards will be presented as part of the Shire's Australia Day Celebrations in Camperdown at the Theatre Royal on Monday 26 January 2026, starting at 10am.
Mayor Kate Makin invited Corangamite Shire residents to nominate people and events who deserved recognition for their contributions to the community.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contributions our many wonderful volunteers make to our community," Cr Makin said.
"Difficult times like we have experienced during the drought and cost of living crisis have highlighted the importance of community coming together and supporting one another.
"I encourage everyone to have a think and nominate someone who has given their time and energy to help others.
"A lot of volunteers are quite humble, or don't realise just how much of an impact they have on other people's lives. Putting the spotlight on their dedication accomplishments can be an inspiration to us all."
Australia Day will continue to be a major event on the Corangamite Shire calendar.
A tailored question in this year's Community Satisfaction Survey found 84% of residents supported Council continuing recognition and celebration of Australia Day on 26 January.
"There has been widespread debate around the country about how to acknowledge our complex past on January 26, which has been a public holiday under Federal legislation since 1994.
"Our national day is an opportunity to respect and honour First Nations people, early settlers and the new Australians who continue to come and call our multicultural land home."
Nomination forms and guidelines are available at corangamite.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDayAwards or by calling Council on 5593 7100.
