Celebrate a local champion in your community
Published on 14 August 2026
The search is on to find local achievers in the Western Downs, with nominations now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
The Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community who have made a positive impact and contribution throughout the region.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said residents are encouraged to nominate the outstanding individuals and community groups that make a lasting difference in our region.
"Our region is bursting with talented and hard-working individuals who deserve recognition through the Australia Day Awards," Mayor Smith said.
"The Australia Day Awards are held yearly and allow the community to highlight the people who invest their time in making our thriving and vibrant communities an incredible place to live, work and play.
"With nominations now open, this is the perfect time to submit your nomination and acknowledge the difference our locals are making.
"Australia Day is a great time to come together as one community and celebrate the people that make our region so great."
The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the success of those throughout the six districts with categories including local volunteering, arts, and sport.
Regional awards categories include Citizen of the Year Award and Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Recipients of the Regional Sports Award and Regional Creative Arts Award are selected from local award nominees.
The Western Downs 2027 Australia Day Award nomination categories are:
Nominees eligible from across the Western Downs:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year (aged 30 years or younger)
To be selected from nominees in each district across Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan:
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Community Organisation Achievement Award
- Local Creative Arts Award
- Local Sports Award - Junior
- Local Sports Award - Senior
To be selected from successful local nominees in each district (above):
- Regional Sports Award
- Regional Creative Arts Award
Nominations for Australia Day Awards are open until 15 November 2027. Winners will be announced at local Australia Day events across the region on Tuesday 26 January 2027.