Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who make our community thrive.
Following the success of last year's Australia Day celebrations, which saw hundreds gather in Cooke Park for a morning of music, recognition, and community spirit, Council is once again calling on residents to nominate local champions for the 2026 awards.
The 2025 event honoured a diverse group of recipients, including Citizen of the Year, Fiona Quinney, who received the award for decades of volunteer work. Reflecting on the experience, they said they were truly humbled by the award and that they would continue to do their best for those around them.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said "every year we're inspired by the stories of dedication, resilience, and generosity of our award winners. The Australia Day Awards are a chance to say thank you and celebrate what makes the people of Parkes Shire special."
Award Categories
Nominations are open for the following categories:
• Community Awards
• Cultural Awards
• Sports Awards
These awards recognise individuals and groups who have made a significant impact in areas such as volunteering, sport, arts, culture, and civic service.
How to Nominate
Nominations can be submitted via the Parkes Shire Council website, here. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes, all you need is a few details about your nominee and why you believe they deserve recognition. The deadline for submissions is 5pm, Thursday 5 December 2025.
