Nominations open for 2027 Somerset Australia Day Awards

Published on 18 September 2026

2026 Somerset Citizen of the Year Bruce Webber was nominated for his tireless hours of volunteering with Toogoolawah community groups and his passion for fostering the next generation of community leaders.

SOMERSET Regional Council is calling on the community to help recognise the outstanding contributions of local individuals, groups and events by nominating them for the 2027 Somerset Australia Day Awards.

The annual awards shine a light on the people and organisations who make a positive difference across the region.

Award categories include:

• Citizen of the Year: An individual who has provided their time in contributing to the community during the current year or have given outstanding service to the community over several years.
• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 16 to 30): A young citizen who has provided their time in contributing to the community during the current year or have given outstanding service to the community over several years.
• Arts and Culture Award: Celebrating an individual or group who has made a positive contribution to arts and culture in the Somerset region during the preceding year. This could include artists, musicians, performers, writers, makers and other creatives, as well as those who have worked to develop and support cultural activities and projects within the Somerset region.
• Sports Award: Open to an athlete or team which has achieved exceptional results in sporting endeavours, or to coaches, administration and officials who have provided their time in contributing to the Somerset sporting community.
• Community Group of the Year: A not-for-profit group that has made a significant contribution to the community within the Somerset Regional Council area.
• Event of the Year: This is presented to the person or group who has staged the most outstanding community event during 2026 within the Somerset Regional Council area. Events must have occurred between Monday, 1 December 2025 and Sunday, 15 November 2026.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the awards were an important opportunity to recognise the community’s unsung heroes.

“These awards highlight the incredible contributions of people and groups who make Somerset such a strong and connected community,” Cr Wendt said.

“We encourage everyone to think about those who go above and beyond to make a difference and take the time to nominate them.”

Residents have from now until 5pm, Sunday 29 November 2026 to nominate an unsung hero.

Nomination forms are available from Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/AustraliaDay