What’s Happening?
Nominations are open for the 2027 Townsville Australia Day Awards, recognising people who contribute to and support the local community.
Townsville City Council is inviting nominations for volunteers, young leaders, creative talents, environmental contributors and sporting achievers. Nominations close on Monday, 9 November 2026.
Why It Matters
The awards recognise Townsville residents who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of others and contribute to the community.
Council says the awards provide an opportunity to recognise quiet achievers whose efforts can sometimes go unnoticed. Nominees could include a neighbour, friend or someone known through a local school, church or community group.
Local Impact
The awards give the Townsville community an opportunity to recognise people making a difference across several areas of community life.
They cover contributions through volunteering, arts and culture, sport, environmental sustainability and broader community involvement.
By The Numbers
- Seven award categories are available for the 2027 Townsville Australia Day Awards.
- Nearly 70 foster children were supported over 15 years by 2026 Citizen of the Year Nicole McLachlan and her husband Nathan.
- More than $12,000 was raised for the Cowboys Community Foundation through efforts involving 2026 Community Volunteer Award recipient Townsville Hike & Explore.
Zoom In
The awards span seven categories, recognising contributions across community service, arts and culture, sport and environmental sustainability. Categories include Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, alongside awards for arts and culture, community volunteering, senior and junior sport, and environmental excellence and sustainability.
Townsville residents can nominate someone whose contribution fits one of these categories, with Council noting that the online submission process takes only a few minutes to complete.
Zoom Out
Previous recipients show the range of contributions recognised through the awards. The 2026 winners included people and groups involved in foster care, charitable work, storytelling, community activities, sport and environmental sustainability.
The awards aim to recognise people whose work helps create a diverse, friendly and strong Townsville community.
What To Look For Next?
Community members can submit nominations before the November closing date, with nomination information and award details available through the Townsville City Council Australia Day Awards page.
