Each year, Hawkesbury City Council honours outstanding citizens at a special Australia Day ceremony acknowledging their dedication, passion and impact on the Hawkesbury community.
The search has begun for Hawkesbury's quiet achievers, community champions and inspiring volunteers, with Hawkesbury City Council officially opening nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Residents are being encouraged to nominate the individuals, organisations and events that make a positive difference to life across the Hawkesbury, with nominations closing on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The annual awards recognise outstanding contributions across a wide range of community activities, celebrating those who dedicate their time, skills and energy to improving the lives of others.
This year, Council has expanded the awards program to include nine categories, with the introduction of a new Event of the Year Award recognising the organisers behind the Hawkesbury's many cultural, sporting, environmental, educational and community events.
The award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Local Hero Award
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Environmental Award
- Arts and Cultural Award
- Community Organisation of the Year
- Commemorative Plaque
- Event of the Year (new for 2027)
Mayor Les Sheather said the awards provide an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the people whose contributions often occur quietly behind the scenes.
"In the Hawkesbury we are lucky to have many individuals and groups dedicating their time and energy towards causes and vocations that make a huge impact on our community," Cr Sheather said.
"Nominating these people or organisations for an Australia Day Award is a great way to acknowledge them and say thank you for their dedication and hard work."
New Award Recognises Community Events
The introduction of the Event of the Year Award reflects the growing importance of community events in bringing people together and showcasing the Hawkesbury.
From agricultural shows and festivals to sporting competitions, environmental initiatives, cultural celebrations and educational events, organisers now have the opportunity to receive formal recognition for the work that often takes months of planning and relies heavily on volunteers.
Celebrating Local Achievement
The Australia Day Awards have become one of the Hawkesbury's highest civic honours, recognising residents whose efforts strengthen community life through volunteering, sport, environmental stewardship, emergency services, arts, culture, youth leadership and community service.
At the 2026 Australia Day Awards, Bruce Earle was named Citizen of the Year in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the Freemans Reach Rural Fire Brigade and the Freemans Reach Cricket Club.
Bailey Carle received the Young Citizen of the Year Award for his dedication and achievements in basketball.
Time to Shine a Light on Local Heroes
Many recipients of past Australia Day Awards have been nominated by friends, neighbours, sporting clubs, community groups or local organisations rather than nominating themselves.
Council is encouraging residents to look around their own communities and consider the people who quietly make the Hawkesbury a better place to live—whether through volunteering, mentoring young people, caring for the environment, organising events or supporting local charities and sporting clubs.
Nominations for the 2027 Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards are now open and can be submitted through Hawkesbury City Council's website.
The closing date for nominations is Sunday, 11 October 2026.Hawkesbury City Council is inviting the community to celebrate the people, groups and events that make our community stronger by nominating them for a 2027 Australia Day Award. Nominations are now officially open!
Nominations for 2027 are now open and can be made by visiting www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/your-council/citizenship-and-awards/australia-day-awards. Nominations close on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
