Nominations are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the individuals and groups who make our community a better place to live.
From dedicated volunteers and community leaders to young achievers, sporting champions, environmental advocates, artists, academics and local innovators, the awards recognise contributions that deserve to be celebrated.
Every community has its unsung heroes. The people who give their time, help others, achieve extraordinary things and make a lasting difference.
Lismore is no different. But recognising them depends on someone taking the time to put their name forward.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said that too often, the people most deserving of recognition were the least likely to seek it.
“Every one of us knows someone who goes above and beyond for others, often without expecting a single thing in return,” he said.
“They might be the person who keeps your sporting club running, the neighbour who is always helping others or someone whose achievements have brought pride to our community.
“But here’s the thing. If nobody nominates them, their efforts may never receive the recognition they deserve.
“Don’t assume someone else will do it. Take a few minutes, put their name forward and give them the opportunity to be recognised.
“These awards are about celebrating the people who make Lismore what it is. And that recognition starts with you.”
The 2027 Australia Day Award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Aboriginal Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Sportsperson
- Junior Sportsperson
- Sports Team/Club
- Services in Community (Group)
- Services in Community (Individual)
- Arts/Culture
- Environment
- Academic Excellence
- Contribution to Economic Excellence
Nominations can be completed online and are open to individuals and groups who meet the award criteria.
To nominate someone, visit the Australia Day Awards page on Council’s website .
Award recipients will be recognised as part of Lismore’s Australia Day celebrations in January 2027.
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 30 November 2026.
To view the award criteria and submit a nomination, visit Council’s Australia Day Awards webpage .
PHOTO: 2026 Lismore Citizen of the Year Rebekka Battista (left) with Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg.
