2026 Shellharbour Community & Australia Day Awards
Nominations are now open!
Shellharbour’s highest civic honour. Who will be our 2026 Citizen of the Year?
Shellharbour City Council’s Community and Australia Day Awards recognise exceptional people and groups who strengthen our city. We celebrate compassion, generosity, bravery and outstanding service.
Who can be nominated
Residents, community groups and local businesses with a clear connection to Shellharbour are eligible. We are seeking people who have made a significant positive impact on our community. Their contribution may come from many years of service or from a single remarkable act. For detailed criteria and examples, see the categories below.
What to include in a nomination
Tell us all about them! Describe what the nominee/s did, what impact it had and when. Explain the difference their actions made for people, groups or the community. Include evidence where you can such as results, testimonials, photos, media coverage, awards or data. Provide contact details for a referee who can verify the contribution. Share their story and help us honour excellence in Shellharbour.
How to nominate
1. Read the category information on this page
2. Read the 2026 Community Awards Terms and Conditions.
3. Prepare your application information
4. Submit your nominate online by 11.59pm, Sunday 30 November 2025.
Click here to submit your nomination form.
2026 Award Categories
2026 Citizen Of The Year
This award celebrates an exceptional individual whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the Shellharbour community. It highlights significant achievement, leadership and positive influence.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 26 years or over as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and live, work or study in the Shellharbour local government area.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year
This award recognises a young person who has demonstrated leadership, community involvement and a commitment to positive change. It shines a light on emerging leaders who inspire others.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 25 years or under as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and live, work, volunteer or study in the Shellharbour local government area.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Athlete of the Year
This award honours a sportsperson who has achieved outstanding results and shown exemplary sportsmanship. It acknowledges excellence at club, regional, state or national level.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 26 years or over as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and live, work, volunteer or study in Shellharbour or represent a Shellharbour club.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Young Athlete of the Year
This award acknowledges a young sportsperson who has shown remarkable performance, promise and commitment. It recognises achievement in competition and dedication to fair play.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 25 years or under as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and live, work, volunteer or study in the Shellharbour local government area.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Service to Sports
This award recognises outstanding service that strengthens local sport. It celebrates the coaches, officials, administrators and long-term volunteers who grow participation and support clubs.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 26 years or over as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and have a clear connection to Shellharbour.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Community Group of the Year
This award recognises a community group whose programs or projects have significantly enhanced local wellbeing and cohesion. It highlights teamwork, innovation and measurable community impact.
Eligibility
Nominees must be community groups based in or serving the Shellharbour local government area.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Community Capacity Builder
This award celebrates efforts that build skills, participation, resilience or leadership in the community. It acknowledges initiatives that create social, cultural or economic benefits.
Eligibility
Nominees may be individuals aged 26 years or over, community groups or local businesses connected to Shellharbour.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises exceptional unpaid service that delivers tangible benefits for local people, groups or places. It highlights dedication, reliability and meaningful results.
Eligibility
Nominees must be 26 years or over as at Wednesday 31 December 2025 and live, work, volunteer or study in the Shellharbour local government area.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Outstanding Contribution to the Arts
This award celebrates excellence or leadership in the arts that has expanded access, participation or creative outcomes. It acknowledges work that leaves a lasting cultural impact.
Eligibility
Nominees may be individuals aged 26 years or over, community groups or local businesses connected to Shellharbour.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
2026 Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion
This award recognises actions that foster inclusion, equity and belonging. It celebrates efforts that remove barriers to participation and improve outcomes for diverse communities.
Eligibility
Nominees may be individuals aged 26 years or over, community groups or local businesses connected to Shellharbour.
For full eligibility, nomination and judging details, please see our Terms and Conditions.