Council is calling for nominations for Australia Day Awards 2026.
'Every Australia Day we recognise the many ordinary people who do extraordinary things to help others and make Queanbeyan-Palerang the amazing place that it is,' said Mayor Kenrick Winchester.
'This year, we have two additional categories, adding Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Organisation of the Year awards. These awards will be presented alongside the Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.'
'Awards will be presented at ceremonies in Braidwood, Bungendore, Captains Flat, and Queanbeyan on Australia Day in January 2026.'
'We have so many brilliant individuals and organisations that make our community such a great place to live. Who in your community should be recognised for the efforts they put in?'
'We had some inspiring stories last year, such as Majorie Lemin the Citizen of the Year in Braidwood who was recognised for her service to the community including leadership of the Braidwood Book Fair, and Anthony Rayner, Bungendore's Citizen of the Year, who shows quiet dedication and selflessness, particularly as part of the Bungendore Tigers.
'Or in Queanbeyan, where Jerikye Williams was the Young Citizen of the Year for his work with music and young First Nations People, who inspires young people to stay in school and work hard to achieve their goals. While you're thinking about who to nominate, I encourage you to read about all last year's winners on our website.'
'The nomination process is simple, just complete the online form on Council's website by Monday 1 December 2025.'
Eligibility for the awards:
- Nominees must be Australian citizens.
- Young Citizen Award is for people aged between 16 and 30 years.
- The Citizen Award is for people aged between 31-65.
- The Senior Citizen is for people aged over 65.
- Those who have previously won an Australia Day Award are not eligible to be considered for nomination in the same category again. Those who have previously been nominated, but have not received an Award, are eligible to be nominated again.
Find further eligibility details and the nomination forms at www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/Australia-Day-Awards
