Now is the chance to recognise outstanding projects delivered by local councils across Australia.
Submissions are being sought for projects that have made a real difference to communities across Australia as part of the 2026 National Awards for Local Government (National Awards).
The National Awards recognise and showcase inspirational projects local governments are delivering, ranging from affordable housing to disaster readiness and recovery.
Now in their 40th year, the National Awards feature 13 award categories, including the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council Award. This award recognises the unique challenges and significant contributions of smaller councils in rural and remote areas.
This year the Awards will recognise local councils across 13 categories:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Recognition
- Addressing Violence Against Women and children
- Affordable Housing
- Arts and Culture
- Cohesive Communities
- Disaster Readiness and Recovery
- Environmental Sustainability
- Outstanding Rural and Remote Council
- Productivity Through Infrastructure
- Regional Growth
- Road Safety
- Women in Local Government
- Workforce and Skills.
This is an exciting opportunity for eligible local councils to have their projects recognised on a national stage, highlight community spirit and celebrate the creative solutions that have delivered positive outcomes for local communities.
Projects can be entered through the National Awards for Local Government Awards Platform, which contains more detail on council eligibility. Councils may enter one or more projects, and the same project can be submitted across multiple categories.
Nominations close at 11:55pm (AEST) on Monday 6 April 2026.
Public voting will open at 9:00am (AEST) on Tuesday 7 April 2026 and closes at 11.55pm (AEST) on Monday 4 May 2026.
