Nominations Open for 2027 Bland Shire Australia Day Awards
Bland Shire Council is calling on the community to recognise the people and groups who make a difference, with nominations now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
The awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements, community service and the contributions of people who help make the Bland Shire a great place to live.
Whether it's someone who quietly gives their time to help others, a talented young person, a sporting achiever or a group that brings the community together, Council wants to hear about the people and achievements that deserve recognition.
But while choosing who to nominate is important, taking the time to complete the nomination form properly can make all the difference.
The Australia Day Awards Committee can only judge a nomination on the information provided. Achievements, community contributions and examples of service that are not included in the nomination cannot be considered, no matter how well known the nominee may be locally.
Nominators are encouraged to provide a detailed account of their nominee's achievements, the length and nature of their service, their community involvement and the difference they have made. Supporting information and letters of support can also strengthen a nomination.
A few extra minutes spent providing clear, specific examples can help give a deserving nominee the best possible opportunity to be recognised.
Council is also encouraging nominations from across the entire Shire, including our smaller villages and rural communities.
Recent award recipients from Barmedman, Ungarie and Weethalle have highlighted the outstanding contributions being made throughout the Shire. There are deserving people and groups in every community and Council wants to see that diversity reflected in the nominations received.
Residents are also encouraged to consider re-nominating someone who has been unsuccessful in previous years. An unsuccessful nomination does not mean the person is not worthy of recognition. Their contributions remain valuable, and a new or more detailed nomination can help the committee better understand the difference they have made.
Nominations are open across seven categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Young Sportsperson of the Year, Achievement in Sport, Community Event of the Year and Arts and Culture Award.
Bland Shire residents are encouraged to think about the people, volunteers, sporting achievers and community groups who make a difference and take the time to put their names forward.
Nomination forms are available online at www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au or as a hard copy from the Bland Shire Council Customer Service Counter.
Nominations close Friday, 11 December 2026.
Give someone the recognition they deserve by putting their name forward and taking the time to tell their story.
