Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, with every council across the country calling for locals to help recognise the people and groups who make their communities better places to live.
In the New England region, Tamworth Regional, Gunnedah Shire and Armidale Regional Councils are currently taking nominations to honour local legends whose efforts strengthen, support and inspire their communities.
In Tamworth, award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and the Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award. Barraba will recognise its Citizen of the Year, the Frank Darlington Young Achiever and Community Event of the Year, while Manilla’s awards include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen, Community Event and Achiever of the Year. Nundle residents are encouraged to nominate a recipient for the Community Recognition Award.
Tamworth Regional Council Events Officer Melissa Millstead said the awards shine a light on the region’s quiet achievers.
“Every year we see incredible stories of people giving their time, skills and energy to make our community stronger, more connected, and more vibrant,” she said.
Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday, 27 November 2025, and ceremonies will be held across the region on 26 January 2026.
In Gunnedah, residents can nominate in seven categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen, Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year, Community and Cultural Achievement, Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award, Sports Person or Team of the Year, and the Ivan Towns Memorial Coach of the Year.
Council’s Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said the awards were a vital opportunity to celebrate the heart of the community.
“It’s vital that we celebrate the achievers and volunteers in our Shire. They give their time and their talents, and their heart is at the centre of it all,” he said.
Nominations in Gunnedah close at 4pm on Monday, 8 December 2025, with winners announced on 22 January 2026.
Armidale Regional Council is also inviting nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising excellence across fields including education, health, sport, the arts, the environment and community service. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen or Elder of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Service Award, Art, Drama or Music Award, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Sports Person of the Year, and Community Group or Event of the Year.
Mayor Sam Coupland said the awards celebrate those who make the region more vibrant and connected.
“These awards are about celebrating the people who make our region stronger, more vibrant, and more connected,” he said.
For details or to submit a nomination, visit each council’s website:
- Tamworth Regional Council: trcnews.au/2026AustraliaDay
- Gunnedah Shire Council: gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
- Armidale Regional Council: armidale.nsw.gov.au
If you’re in another council area, keep an eye on your council’s website of Facebook page to see when nominations open.
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