Published on 27 October 2025
SOMERSET Regional Council is calling on the community to help celebrate the outstanding contributions of local individuals, groups and events by nominating them for the 2026 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: Recognising individuals who have contributed their time to the community during the current year or have given outstanding service over several years.Young Citizen of the Year: Celebrating young people (aged 16–30) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community.Arts and Culture Award: Open to performers, musicians, actors, directors and artists, acknowledging both creative achievements and contributions to cultural development in Somerset.Sports Award: Open to coaches, administrators and officials who’ve contributed to the local sporting community, as well as athletes or teams achieving exceptional sporting success.Community Group of the Year: Honouring a not-for-profit group making a significant impact within Somerset.Event of the Year: Recognising the most outstanding community event held in Somerset between 1 December 2024 and 1 November 2025.
Somerset Regional Council 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,” Mayor 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 4 January 2026 to nominate an unsung hero.
Nomination forms are available from Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/AustraliaDay