Gunnedah Shire residents are being encouraged to “nominate your mate” for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, with nominations now open across 12 categories.
The awards recognise the achievements and contributions of community members over the past 12 months, with categories covering community service, sport, creative achievements, accessibility and inclusion, and community events.
The 12 award categories are:
Citizen of the Year (21 and over)
Young Person Achievement Award (20 and under)
Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year
Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
Ivan Towns Memorial Award
Community Achievers Award
Sports Person of the Year (all ages)
Creative Achievement Award
Rising Star Award (12–24 years)
Access and Inclusion
Community Group of the Year
Community Event of the Year
Gunnedah Shire mayor and Australia Day Working Group chair Colleen Fuller said nominating for the awards was an important way to give back to those who give to the community.
“The working group has introduced a number of new categories this year, and we have also revised the criteria of some of the existing awards to enable more people to be acknowledged for their contributions,” she said.
“Behind every successful community group, sports club and local initiative are people willing to step up and give of their time and their talents.
“Recognising their efforts is a meaningful way to thank them for all they do, but we can’t do that without you, so I encourage you to fill in a nomination form today.”
To nominate, residents can pick up a paper copy at council facilities or visit gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day
Nominations close at 4pm on Monday 30 November.
Grants available for Australia Day events
The council is also encouraging residents to celebrate Australia Day 2027 by holding community events with the support of the Village Grant and Community Activity Grant.
Progress associations and hall committees within Gunnedah Shire’s villages are invited to apply for grants of up to $500 to assist them in hosting events and activities.
Applications are available at gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/r1pqdfbf0xr6sqg/
The Community Activity Grant of up $250 will help cover the costs of hosting an activity for local not-for-profit community-based organisations.
Applications are available at gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/s18zowg500rqcg2/
“If you have some great ideas for events or activities that will bring people together and showcase local community spirit, now is the time to make it happen,” Cr Fuller said.
“This funding can help turn great ideas into memorable Australia Day celebrations.”
Applications for the village and community grants close at 4pm on Monday 30 November.
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