Help recognise those who make Ballarat a better place: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ballarat Seniors Awards

The City of Ballarat is calling on the community to nominate outstanding older residents for the 2026 Ballarat Seniors Awards.

The awards celebrate people aged 60 and over, and First Nations people aged 50 years and over, who make Ballarat a fantastic place to live by generously sharing their time, knowledge and experience to strengthen the community.

Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm on Thursday 10 September 2026.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves encouraged community members to nominate someone whose contributions deserve recognition.

"The Ballarat Seniors Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the contributions of our older residents," she said.

"Submitting a nomination is a meaningful way to say thank you to someone who has made a positive impact through volunteering, leadership or community involvement.

"I encourage you to take the time to nominate someone who inspires you, whether it's a friend, family member or colleague, so they can be recognised and celebrated for their impact."

For 2025 Ballarat Senior of the Year recipient Jan Antosiewicz, the award was a meaningful acknowledgement of almost five decades of community contribution.

Mrs Antosiewicz said there are many older volunteers whose contributions often go unrecognised.

“If you think a person has or is doing a lot in your organisation or community, I would certainly recommend putting forward a nomination,” she said.

“There are a vast amount of senior volunteers contributing to Ballarat in many amazing ways and like me would never have thought that they might even be considered for such an award.”

Reflecting on her own volunteering journey, Mrs Antosiewicz said her commitment to community service was inspired by a family tradition of giving back.

“I come from a family that has always been involved in the community,” she said.

“My grandmother and mother were both very involved with organisations like Country Women’s Association, Mothers Union, Red Cross and the RSL.

“I am profoundly deaf, and this has made me determined to continue contributing to the community. The support and consideration shown by others has encouraged me to keep volunteering.”

Pictured: Cr Jim Rinaldi with Jan Antosiewicz, Ballarat Senior of the Year in 2025 

The City of Ballarat is encouraging residents to nominate the volunteers, mentors and community leaders who help make Ballarat a stronger and more connected community.

The 2026 Ballarat Seniors Awards will recognise achievement across five categories:

Community Service Award 
Recognising an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their community. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award 
Honouring an individual dedicated to improving social inclusion, connection and participation for diverse communities, including LGBTI+, people with disability, First Nations peoples and multicultural communities. 

Healthy and Active Living Award 
Recognising an individual supporting active and healthy lifestyles through community involvement and as a positive role model. 

Community Teamwork Award 
For a voluntary group, club or project that has made an outstanding contribution to the community over the past two years. 

Lifetime Achievement Award 
To recognise an individual who has provided a dedicated, continuous voluntary service or contribution to the community over many years. (Can include service prior to eligibility age)   

One outstanding nominee from these categories will be selected as the 2026 Ballarat Senior of the Year.

The winners of the 2026 Ballarat Seniors Awards will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Civic Hall on Thursday, 5 November 2026.

Eligibility
Nominations are open to Ballarat residents aged 60 years and over and First Nations people aged 50 years and over. 

How to Nominate
Submit a nomination online at https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/ageing-well-ballarat/ballarat-seniors-awards

Alternatively, collect a hard-copy nomination form at the Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong St S or at any of the Ballarat library locations. 

For any questions, please contact the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500 and ask to speak to the Ageing Well team.