Nominations are now open for the 2027 Douglas Shire Australia Day Awards, which recognise individuals and groups making an outstanding contribution to the community.
Awards will be presented across a range of categories, including:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Arts and Cultural Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Senior Sports Award
- Junior Sports Award
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations helping to make the community a better place.
“Many of our most deserving community members work quietly behind the scenes without seeking recognition,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and celebrate the positive impact they have on the lives of others.”
The call for nominations comes as 2026 Douglas Shire Citizen of the Year Bev Gwynne encouraged residents to recognise those making a difference in their communities.
“I was surprised when I did win it and I was thankful to the people who nominated me,” Ms Gwynne said.
“I do what I do because I love doing it, like so many volunteers and community members across the shire, but it was very nice to be recognised for it.”
Ms Gwynne said there were many deserving people whose contributions often went unnoticed.
“This community is a wonderful community and I know personally there are a lot of people out there who could get that award,” she said.
“I urge anybody who knows those people to nominate them because they need to be recognised.”
Mayor Scomazzon said previous Australia Day Award recipients had come from diverse backgrounds but shared a common commitment to serving the community.
“Whether it’s supporting a local sporting club, volunteering, organising community events, contributing to the arts or helping neighbours in need, these contributions help make Douglas Shire the special place it is,” she said.
“If someone has made a positive difference in your community, please take the time to nominate them.”
Nominations for the 2027 Douglas Shire Australia Day Awards close on November 11.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit the Douglas Shire Council website.
