News

Community awards to recognise shire’s best

By Seymour Telegraph

Sep 2, 2026

Nominations for Mitchell Shire Council’s 2027 Australia Day Community Awards have opened. Pictured are last year’s winners. Photo by Supplied

Mitchell Shire Council is calling on residents to nominate a local champion for the 2027 Australia Day Community Awards.

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The awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Wallan next January, set out to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who have made a positive impact on the shire.

There are seven award categories, and this year, two of these have been altered to allow a broader spectrum of nominees to be eligible.

The previous Access and Inclusion Award has been replaced by the Health and Wellbeing Award, while the Sports Award has been replaced by the Sports and Recreation Award.

Returning awards include Community Event of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Arts Person of the Year.

Council will also recognise the shire’s Young Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

2027 Australia Day Community Awards categories

Citizen of the Year: for individuals over 25 who have made significant contributions during the current year or over several years.
Young Citizen of the Year: for individuals aged 25 or under who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year or over several years.
Community Event of the Year: for community organisations or groups who have staged a noteworthy event in the past year.
Community Group of the Year: for groups who have provided exceptional service to the community over the current year or multiple years.
Health and Wellbeing Award: for an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community.
Sports and Recreation Award: for an individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports, recreation or physical activity.
Arts Person of the Year: for those who have shown commitment and achievement in the arts and culture.

Nominations will close at 9am on Wednesday, November 4.

When making a submission, council is asking that information included should relate to how the individual or group fits the selection criteria, their dedication or service, achievements and demonstrated excellence.

Nomination forms can be found via tinyurl.com/3hxuzy3w, and anyone requiring assistance can call council on 5734 6200.