Is there someone at your sporting club who organises weekend BBQs? Maybe you know a group of volunteers running popular community events? What about a neighbour who endlessly goes the extra distance to support those in need, or whose quick actions saved a life?
Up, down and around the Northern Beaches there are hundreds of people volunteering on their own or through organisations and events that make a huge difference to local life. And while they don’t seek a pat on the back, they’re all worthy of it.
Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a local Australia Day 2026 Award.
The local Australia Day Awards are supported each year by Northern Beaches Council, which invites residents to share stories of everyday heroes.
Just being nominated for an Australia Day Award is a heartfelt thanks – and a chance for community celebration – for everyone involved.
From beach clean ups and much-loved fundraising events to surf lifesaving and SES volunteering, sports mentoring, coaching and athletic endurance, to trauma support and domestic violence advocacy, last year’s award recipients represented a wide span of ages and were recognised for diverse experiences.
But what unites them all is that they were humbled by their nominations and deeply proud of their wins.
There are seven categories that you can nominate for in the 2026 Awards:
• Citizen of the Year
• Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years and over)
• Young Citizen of the Year (under 25 years)
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Outstanding Community Service Award
Simply head to https://northernbeachesaustraliadayawards.awardsplatform.com/, register your details, read through the eligibility and assessment criteria and fill out the form.
Your quick submission will help Council pay it back to the unsung individuals, groups and events that make life on the Beaches so special.
So, what are you waiting for? You have until Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Article sponsored in support of local news and local heroes
