What’s Happening?
Toowoomba Regional Council is reminding residents to nominate outstanding individuals, community groups and events for the 2027 Toowoomba Region Australia Day Awards.
Nominations close on Saturday, 31 October 2026, giving residents a final opportunity to recognise people making a difference across the region.
Council’s Australia Day Coordinating Working Group chair, Councillor James O’Shea, encouraged residents to recognise those who contribute their time and expertise to local communities.
“Our local government area has hundreds of citizens who devote their time and expertise to running organisations, programs and events that contribute to all sectors across the Region,” Cr O’Shea said.
Why It Matters
The awards acknowledge the dedication and community spirit of people who help strengthen connections across the Toowoomba Region.
“Our community is greatly enriched by the dedication and community spirit of these individuals, whose efforts help create stronger, more connected and vibrant communities across the Region. We all know someone who contributes countless hours of assistance to run programs, facilities or events for the benefit of fellow residents. I encourage residents to nominate these selfless individuals and community groups or events for an Australia Day Award. It is a fitting reward to be nominated and then considered for the various award categories.”
“Taking a few minutes to complete an online nomination form is a way to honour someone who selflessly contributes to the fabric of our towns, our city and our Region.”
Local Impact
Residents across Toowoomba’s city and surrounding towns have an opportunity to put forward people, organisations and events for recognition.
Cr O’Shea encouraged residents to consider those who inspire others or make a positive contribution to their communities.
“If someone in your community inspires others, brings people together or makes a positive difference, now is the time to recognise their contribution,” he said.
By The Numbers
- 26 years: The age requirement for the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year categories. Council specifies older than 26 and under 26, respectively.
- 18 years: The age threshold for senior and junior Sports Awards, with eligibility assessed as of 26 January 2027.
- 7 award categories: The listed categories cover individual recognition, cultural contributions, sporting achievements, community groups and community events, counting the Sports Awards as one category.
Zoom In
The 2027 Toowoomba Region Australia Day Awards include the following categories:
- Citizen of the Year: For a person older than 26.
- Citizen of the Year – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Young Citizen of the Year: For a nominee under 26.
- Cultural Award
- Sports Awards: Senior nominees must be older than 18 as of 26 January 2027. Junior nominees must not be older than 18 on that date.
- Community Group of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
Zoom Out
The awards recognise contributions across different areas of community life, from individual service to sporting and cultural activities.
They also provide an opportunity to acknowledge community groups and events that contribute to life across the region.
What To Look For Next?
Residents have until 31 October 2026 to submit their nominations.
Applications can be completed online through the Toowoomba Regional Council Australia Day nominations webpage.
Council is encouraging residents not to wait until the final day to recognise someone deserving of an award.