Australia Day Awards & Ceremony

The annual Federation Council’s Australia Day Awards honours and acknowledges individuals and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over several years.

The ceremony will include the announcement of the Federation Council Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen of the Year Award, Local Hero Award - Individual, Local Hero Award - Sports, Local Hero Award - Community Group as well as recognition of the Student Achiever Award recipients.

Award recipients will be announced at the official Australia Day Award Ceremony on Monday 26 January 2026 in Corowa.

The Awards are provided by Federation Council, and decided by Council’s Elected Australia Day Awards Panel.

Federation Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards and Ceremony is assisted by the National Australia Day Council.

Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone who has given outstanding service to your community? Would you like to shine a spotlight a local hero in your town? Are you a member of an amazing community or sporting group which deserves recognition?

If so, consider submitting a nomination for the 2026 Federation Council’s Australia Day Awards via the online form below. Nominations are open until Sunday 16 November 2025 (closing date has been extended).  

Before completing a nomination form, we recommend that you review the 2026 Australia Day Awards Guidelines(PDF, 276KB).

Click here to view form.