Ballarat Australia Day Community Award nominations now open

It’s time to celebrate Ballarat’s outstanding achievers by nominating them for a Ballarat Australia Day Community Award.

City of Ballarat CEO, Evan King said it is important to celebrate and acknowledge people who make our community stronger through their tireless efforts.

“There are so many people in our community doing great things who deserve to be celebrated,” he said.  

“The Australia Day Community Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people who have provided outstanding service and contributed to making Ballarat a leading regional city.”  

“Make sure you nominate your friend, neighbour or colleague that is doing great things so they can be recognised with an Australia Day Community Award.”  

The annual awards have three categories:

Ballarat Citizen of the Year 
The Citizen of the Year is someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our community and region. It could be over a lifetime or because of a specific event or of need.  They could have covered a range of activities and interests including areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of our community.

Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year 
The Young Citizen of the Year is a young emerging leader who is making a real difference in their community. They may be committed to bringing positive change, to bringing political and social change and moving towards becoming a local, state, or national leader of the future. Support them on their journey by recognising and rewarding their efforts. The nominated young citizen must be under 25 years of age on 26 January 2025.

Community Event of the Year 
The City of Ballarat would like to hear about events over the past year that have contributed to making Ballarat a great place to live. The Community Event of the Year Award is presented to the group or person who has staged the most outstanding community activity, either small or large, between 30 October 2023 and 29 October 2024.

Nominations for the awards will close on Monday 25 November 2024.    

The Awards will be presented at an official presentation on 23 January 2025.

The Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards are provided by the National Australia Day Council (NADC) and are administered by local Councils throughout Australia.

2024 winners were Kevin Moneghetti (Citizen of the Year), Jacob Osenaris (Young Citizen of the Year) and the Mega Ganesh Festival 2023 (Community Event of the Year).

For more information or to nominate an outstanding achiever, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ballarat-awards