We all know someone who makes our community a better place.
They might be the person who always puts their hand up to help, gives their time to a local group, looks out for others or works quietly behind the scenes to make a difference.
Yarra Ranges Council is inviting the community to help us recognise those who go above and beyond to make Yarra Ranges a wonderful place to live by nominating them for a 2027 Community Award.
Anyone can nominate an outstanding community member for an award, with categories including:
Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year (under the age of 26)
Environmental Achiever of the Year
Young Environmental Achiever of the Year (under 26)
Community Leadership (Ian De La Rue Award)
Community Group of the Year
Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
To be eligible for an award, the nominee should be an Australian citizen and a resident of Australia and must have made an outstanding contribution to the region that has improved the wellbeing of the community over the last 12 months.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate those who give so much to our community.
“We have so many wonderful community members here in the Yarra Ranges, who volunteer their time and expertise for the betterment of us all,” he said.
“Volunteers are so often the glue that keep our communities thriving, people who put their hand up, give their time, and make their communities a better place to live.
“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate those people, the work they do and the meaningful contributions that make a real difference to their communities.
“It’s a chance to give them a very public thank you and celebrate their contribution in front of their peers, family and friends. Nominating only takes a few minutes and can mean the world to people who receive the awards,” said Cr Higgins.
Nominations are now open, and close on 13 November 2026. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony on Australia Day, 26 January 2027.
Australia Day 2027 Yarra Ranges Community Awards Yarra Ranges Council
