Award eligibility

Nominees must reside within the Cairns Regional Council Local Government Area.
Nominee's may be paid or unpaid workers. If paid, the nominees' achievements or contributions to the community must be above the core duties of their paid role.
No self-nomination.
Sitting State and Federal Politicians, Council Staff and Councillors, cannot be nominated for these awards.
Nominations may not be made by a member of the 2027 awards judging panel.
The nominee has not won an award in the same category in the past ten years.
The winners will be announced at Cairns Regional Council's Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

Nominations close Sunday 20 December 2026

Award category *

Citizen of the Year (21 years and over):

For those aged 21 years or older who live, work, volunteer or belong to a community group in the Cairns LGA. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
Contributes to the Cairns community;
Is an inspirational role model to the Cairns community; and
Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.

Young Citizen of the Year (20 years and under):

For those 20 years and under who live, work, volunteer or belong to a community group in the Cairns LGA. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
Contributes to the Cairns community;
Is an inspirational role model to the Cairns community; and
Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.

Volunteer of the Year (open to all ages):

Open to all ages for those who live or volunteer for a community group, sporting group or event in the Cairns LGA. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
Contributes to the Cairns community in a volunteer capacity;
Is an inspirational role model to the Cairns community because of their volunteer work and
Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.

Nominator details (your details)

Your nomination is confidential - we don't tell the nominee who nominated them.

But we do need your details so the judges can get in touch if they require more information.

Title *

First name *

Last name *

Organisation (if applicable)

Mobile number *

Email address *

Phone number

Award nominee's details

Title of nominee *

Nominee's first name *

Nominee's last name *

Organisation (if applicable)

Address *

Suburb *

Postcode *

Nominee's email *

Nominee's mobile *

Nominee's phone

(For youth category) nominee's age as at 31 December 2026

Application

How has the nominee made an outstanding contribution to the community? (Min 100 words) *

Why do you believe your nominee should be considered for an award? (Min 100 words) *

Has the nominee's contribution to the community been longstanding? (Min 100 words) *

In what way is the nominee an inspiration or role model? (Min 100 words) *

Has the nominee received other publicity or recognition for their achievements? *

Please upload any documentation highlighting their achievements.

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This could include newspaper clippings, certificates, awards flyers, photos ...

Please upload a headshot of the nominee (Must be a jpg or png file and a minimum of 500KB) *

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I agree to the terms and conditions listed below. *

Terms and conditions

Nominations must address the specific criteria.
Please include as many relevant details about the nominee/s as possible. (A maximum of two pages can be added with further information to support your nomination).
No school reports, personal documents etc. are to be submitted. Cairns Regional Council staff may contact the nominator for clarification or to obtain further information.
Nominees cannot be nominated for multiple categories.
Nominators can only submit one nominee per award category.
A nominee has the right to abstain from taking part in the 2027 awards process.

Cairns Regional Council – Information Privacy Statement

Your personal information has been collected for the purpose of assessing your application. The collection of your information is authorised under the Local Government Act 2009. You are providing personal information which will be used for the purpose of delivering services and carrying out Council business. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and will be accessed by persons who have been authorised to do so. Your information will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given Council permission to or the disclosure is required by law.