Australia Day Awards - January 26, 2026

Nominations Are Now Open!

Mackay Regional Council proudly hosts the Australia Day Awards Gala at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre each year which recognises local heroes who contribute positively to the community across nine awards categories.

The awards categories include:

• Citizen of the Year (aged 26 years and over as of January 26, 2026)
• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 14-25 years as of January 26, 2026)
• Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award
• Arts and Culture Award
• Community Group Award
• Environmental Achievement Award
• Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award
• Senior Sports Award (aged 26 years and over as of January 26, 2026)
• Young Sports Award (aged 14-25 years as of January 26, 2026)

Applications close Monday, January 5, 2026.

How to nominate

Read the conditions of entry and category details in the downloadable Australia Day Nomination Form(PDF, 1MB). Nominations can be submitted by post or by completing the online form below.

Australia Day Nomination

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