Recognising those who have made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Rockhampton Region and/or given outstanding service to the local community. Must be older than 30 years as at 26 January 2027.

Recognising young people who have made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Rockhampton Region and/or given outstanding service to the local community. Must be aged between 15 years and 30 years as at 26 January 2027.

In recognition of individuals who have made a noteworthy contribution to the community or enhanced social interaction among the community through their involvement with community groups, charity organisations or similar.

This award recognises the significant achievement and dedication by an individual or group to the arts and promotes outstanding creative work in the Rockhampton Region.

Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement in sport. Must be older than 18 years as at 26 January 2027.

Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement in sport.  Nominees must be between 12 years and 18 years as at 26 January 2027.

Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement through their involvement within their club, organisation, committee or executive position.

Recognising individuals, informal groups or formal organisations that have made a significant and beneficial contribution to the wellbeing or liveability of the Rockhampton Region through projects, activities or events.

1  The nominee must reside within the Local Government boundary of Rockhampton Regional Council.

2  Under exceptional circumstances consideration may be given where the nominee has made an outstanding contribution to the Rockhampton Region but reside outside the Local Government area.

3  Nominees must be an Australian Citizen.

4  Nominations for the Rockhampton Region Australia Day Awards 2027 must be received by Sunday, 13 December 2026.

5  Nominees must be over the age of 12 as of 26 January 2027

6  Entrants in individual categories automatically qualify for nomination to the Citizen of the Year or Young Citizen of the Year Award. Entrants may also be nominated in more than one category.

7  Previous award winners may only be nominated for a different category. Previous recipients of any awards will not be eligible to win that same award again.

8  Nominations are to include as much detail about the nominee as possible, as this is the only information that the judging panel will use to assess nominations. See form for further details.

9  Please do not send original supporting documentation, as all documentation will be retained by Rockhampton Regional Council.

10  Nominees must be notified of your intent to nominate them for an award.

11  Rockhampton Regional Council employees and their families are eligible to apply for the awards.

12  The judging panel will only consider unpaid service to the community. Please clearly delineate between paid and volunteer.

13  The judging panel, at their discretion, may choose to swap a nominee into a more suitable category.

14  The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

15  Please return completed nominations via one of the following:

• Online: Nominations can be submitted online using our easy-to use web form at www.rrc.qld.gov.au/AustraliaDayAwards
• Post:   Attn: Mayor’s Office Rockhampton Regional Council, PO Box 1860, ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4700
• Deliver in person:  At one of Council’s Customer Service Centres:
• • Rockhampton: 232 Bolsover Street
  • Gracemere: 1 Ranger Street
  • Mount Morgan: 32 Hall Street

Please provide as much information as possible against the selection criteria for the award category you are nominating for.

Please note: Each award category has its own selection criteria. Only complete the criteria relevant to your nominated category.

The judges can only judge the information provided in the nomination form. 

Citizen/Young Citizen/Community Service/Sports Official/Arts and Culture Award

• What has the nominee done to make an outstanding contribution to the Rockhampton Region?
• Length of time the nominee has contributed to the community in their field.
• What has the nominee done to be an inspirational role model?
• Awards and achievements received within the community (e.g.  Life Membership, OAM, Club Awards), outline the field of contribution and/or relevant news article (please attach a copy)
• Please outline nature of contribution (e.g. committee member, volunteer or mentor - paid employment is NOT eligible).

Community Initiative/Event Award

• How did the initiative or event contribute to the Rockhampton Region?
• How did the initiative or event involve the community?
• Has the initiative or event left a positive legacy for the Rockhampton Region?

Sportsperson and Junior Sportsperson of the Year

• Please list awards and achievements (specify Local, State, National or Olympic level)
• Length of time the nominee has dedicated themselves to the sport.
• What has the nominee done to be an inspirational role model?
• How has the nominee’s achievements contributed to the Rockhampton Region?

2026 Citizen of the Year – Shirley Mathers

2026 Young Citizen of the Year – Shikira Stehbens

Community Service Award – Greg Heath

Sportsperson of the Year – Stephen Kele

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Annalea Taylor

Sports Official of the Year – Shannon Roati

Arts & Culture Award – Jodie Hiron

Community Initiative/Event – Moo & Coo

Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Fitzroy Community Hospice

Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Uncle George James

Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - David Barber

2025 Citizen of the Year - Christine Dobele

2025 Young Citizen of the Year - Jarryd Lebeter

Sportsperson of the Year - Shane Iker

Sports Official of the Year - Rod Pratt

Community Service - David Grenfell OAM

Arts & Culture Award - Dr Les Killion

Community Initiative/Event - Rockhampton Riding for the Disabled Association

Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - The Shelter Collective

Community Service Commendation - Peter Curtis

Citizen of the Year - Ivan Richardson

Young Citizen of the Year – Brooke Lacey

Sportsperson of the Year – Samuel Durkin

Sports Official of the Year – Ricky England

Community Service Award – Malcolm and Lisa Holmes

Community Initiative Award -Jan Davison

Cultural Award – Merle Cole and Vicki Cope

Certificate of Commendation – Henry Boswood

Certificate of Commendation – Rockhampton Cancer Council QLD Volunteer Branch

Citizen of the Year – Steve and Debbie Richards

Young Citizen of the Year – Molly Cottam

Sportsperson of the Year – Georgia Ralphs

Sports Official of the Year – Allan Laver

Community Service Award – Rosslyn McKendry

Community Initiative Award – Capras Community Care Program

Cultural Award – Rita Philippi

Certificate of Commendation – Bob Newby

Citizen of the Year: Jennifer Hilcher

Young Citizen of the Year: Molly Cottam

Community Service Award: Gary Murray

Community Initiative Award: Rockhampton Relay For Life

Cultural Award: Shelby Ward

Sportsperson of the Year: Joel Coughlan

Sports Official of the Year: Craig MCormack