Northern Grampians Shire Council will once again pay tribute to outstanding individuals and groups in 2027 and is seeking nominations for community Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged residents to shine a light on some of the shire's hardworking people and groups by nominating them for a community accolade.
"Our Australia Day ceremonies in St Arnaud and Stawell are always highlights on the calendar and serve as a great opportunity to celebrate those who make our shire a great place to live in," she said.
"We are calling on our residents to nominate people or groups who deserve public recognition and thanks for all they do."
Council leaders will present the awards on Australia Day, Tuesday, January 26, 2027.
The awards categories are, for Kara Kara ward: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group or Event of the Year; and Central and Grampians wards: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Local Hero and Community Group or Event of the Year.
Kara Kara winners will be announced at an event at Market Square, St Arnaud, which starts with a community breakfast at 8am, followed by an official ceremony at 9am.
Central and Grampians ward winners will be announced at Central Park, Stawell. The festivities will begin with a barbecue from 5pm, with the official ceremony underway at 6pm.
People can nominate for the shire's Australia Day Awards online, here.
The link also contains a list of last year's winners and examples of their contributions to the community.
Hard copies of nomination forms are also available from the council's customer service centres and libraries in Stawell and St Arnaud.
"If people want to nominate but aren't sure about the process and want to talk to someone, we are happy to help," Cr Hyslop said.
