Nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Community Awards announced

The City of Ballarat is set to recognise its 2026 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year at a special recognition ceremony next Thursday night.  

The annual Australia Day Community Awards are provided by the Australia Day Council and are administered by Local Government Authorities throughout Australia, on behalf of each council.  

These awards recognise the unsung heroes of our community who make Ballarat such a great place to live, work and visit.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said these awards shine a light on those who go above and beyond to make our city a better place for everyone.

“It’s inspiring to see so many individuals and groups stepping up to lead and create positive change. These awards remind us that every contribution matters,” she said.

“We’re thrilled by the number and calibre of this year’s nominees and thank everyone who took the time to put forward these outstanding community members and events.

“Many of these efforts happen quietly, without fanfare, yet they have a lasting impact. Recognising these individuals and groups ensures their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed and hopefully inspires others for years to come.” 

2026 Ballarat Citizen of the Year nominees

The Citizen of the Year is someone who has made an outstanding, but often quiet, contribution to our community and region. It could be over a lifetime, or as a result of a specific event or need.  

This may include a range of activities or interests such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of a community. Nominees are those who inspire others, often the unsung heroes who give and give, expecting nothing in return but are making a real impact.

Nominees for Citizen of the Year include: 

• Leah Ashton
• Heidi Biggin
• Brayden Dorney
• Maureen Hatcher
• Jeff Rootes
• Christine Segaert
• James (Jim) Waight

2026 Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year nominees

The Young Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a young person aged 25 years or less who is already showing leadership, passion, and commitment to the community and region even as they are starting on their journey.

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. The award supports them on their journey by recognising and rewarding their efforts.

Nominees for Young Citizen of the Year include:

• Paige Boss
• Evie Charleson
• Elsie Day
• Jade Ellis
• Charlie Franc
• Gemma Gale
• Jackson Glen
• Maddi Huf
• Casey Jones
• Marley Kennedy-Slater
• Brendan Monaghan
• Isaac Postlethwaite
• Gabriela Romeo
• Tanika Schumann
• Elijah Sheikh
• Enshi Tian
• Delaney Troon

2026 Community Event of the Year nominees

The Community Event of the Year is presented to the group or person who has staged the most outstanding community activity, either small or large, between 30 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.  

The award recognises outstanding events that provide opportunities to get together and celebrate communities, our region, multiculturalism, and what makes Ballarat a wonderful place. 

Nominees for the Community Event of the Year include:

• Ballarat Duathlon State Championships
• Hand in Hand Ballarat Gala
• Grill’d City Support Event

Read more about the nominees on the Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards page.