Ballina Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards

Behind every strong community are people who give their time, dedication and compassion to make a difference. Nominating in the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards is your chance to say thank you and shine a light on their contribution.

The 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Award nominees have now been announced! View the full list here. 

Categories include:

• Young Citizen of the Year (30 years or under) – recognise young achievers making a difference.
• Senior Citizen of the Year (60 years or over) – celebrate the wisdom and dedication of our seniors.
• Volunteer Award (individual or group) – applaud those who selflessly support our community.
• Arts and Culture Award (individual or group) – celebrate creative visionaries enriching our culture.
• Environmental Award (individual or group) – acknowledge eco-warriors protecting our environment.
• Sports Award (individual, team, coach, sports administrator) – honour sports excellence and contributions.
• Community Event of the Year (event held during 2025) – spotlight outstanding events that brought us together.

The 2026 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from all nominees across all categories.

You're invited!

The Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony is a special community event that brings people together to reflect, celebrate and recognise the contributions that strengthen our shire.

The morning will feature a Citizenship Ceremony, presentation of the Ballina Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards, and a special performance by Ballina Players, featuring cast members from their recent production Georgy Girl: The Seekers Musical.

Sandra Jackson will MC the event, with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader presenting the awards and recognising the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups from across the shire. This inclusive event is open to everyone and provides an opportunity to celebrate the everyday people whose efforts make a lasting difference in our community.

When: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 9.00am – 11.00am
Where: Lennox Head Cultural Centre, 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head

(JPG, 134KB)

(JPG, 197KB)

(JPG, 88KB)

(JPG, 69KB)

(JPG, 230KB)

(JPG, 81KB)

(JPG, 100KB)

(JPG, 270KB)

(JPG, 588KB)

(JPG, 101KB)

(JPG, 126KB)

(JPG, 128KB)

(JPG, 83KB)

(JPG, 78KB)

(JPG, 151KB)

(JPG, 226KB)

(JPG, 138KB)

(JPG, 173KB)