Nominations are now open for the 2026 Bland Shire Australia Day Awards, celebrating the outstanding individuals, teams and events that make a difference in our community.
This year, two new award categories have been introduced to recognise even more of the incredible talent and dedication across the Shire:
- Achievement in Sport Award – Recognising a person or team for an outstanding performance, commitment, or success in a sporting discipline, either as an administrator or part of a team.
- Arts and Culture Award – Honouring an individual who has achieved excellence or significant accomplishment in visual arts, performance, music, literature, film, heritage, or cultural projects.
Mayor Brian Monaghan encouraged residents to put forward the people who make Bland Shire a great place to live.
"These awards are about recognising the everyday people who go above and beyond for our community," Mayor Monaghan said. "If you know someone who makes a real difference, whether through volunteering, sport, arts or local events, now's the time to nominate them."
Award categories for 2026 include:
- Citizen of the Year – For outstanding contribution to the Bland Shire through vocational, voluntary or other activities.
- Young Citizen of the Year – For a person aged 25 or under who has provided outstanding service to the community.
- Sportsperson of the Year – For meritorious service and outstanding contribution in individual sporting pursuits.
- Young Sportsperson of the Year – For a person aged 25 or under who has demonstrated excellence and commitment in their sport.
- Achievement in Sport Award – For exceptional performance, commitment or success in a sporting discipline, including administration or team involvement.
- Arts and Culture Award – For excellence or significant accomplishment in arts or cultural projects.
- Community Event of the Year – For a local group that has organised an event bringing increased recognition or promotion to the Bland Shire.
Nominations close at 5.00pm on Monday, 24 November 2025.
Nominations can be submitted online via the Bland Shire Council website or by collecting a hard copy nomination form from the Council front counter or the Bland Shire Library.
