Australia Day Awards

Australia Day Awards tile 2025.jpg

Nominations for 2025 are now open

The City of Coffs Harbour Australia Day Awards celebrate the contribution that individuals and groups make to our community.

If you know an inspirational person or community group making a difference to life in Coffs Harbour, don't miss the opportunity to show your appreciation by nominating them for an Australia Day Award.

To nominate:

1. Review the categories and their criteria

Citizen of the Year Award

Outstanding contribution or achievement by an individual.

Nomination criteria

The winner will be an inspirational role model and display continued excellence in their field and in the community. 

Assessment criteria

Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:

  • personal, academic, sporting, cultural or professional achievements
  • contribution in the relevant field
  • demonstrated innovation and creativity
  • personal interests and community involvement
  • contribution to the development of the Coffs Harbour community and/or economy
  • contributions being completed on a voluntary basis or exceeding the normal requirements of the nominee’s paid work. 

Young Citizen of the Year Award

Outstanding achievement by an individual aged 25 years or younger (on 26 January in the year the award is given).

Nomination criteria

The winner will be an inspirational role model and display continued excellence in their field and in the community. 

Assessment criteria

Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:

  • personal, academic, sporting, cultural or professional achievements
  • contribution in the relevant field
  • demonstrated innovation and creativity
  • personal interests and community involvement
  • contribution to the development of the Coffs Harbour community and/or economy
  • contributions being completed on a voluntary basis or exceeding the normal requirements of the nominee’s paid work. 

Senior Citizen of the Year Award

Outstanding achievement by an individual aged 65 years or older (on 26 January in the year the award is given). 

Nomination criteria 

The winner will be an inspirational role model and display continued excellence in their field and in the community.  

Assessment criteria 

Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following: 

  • personal, academic, sporting, cultural or professional achievements
  • contribution in the relevant field
  • demonstrated innovation and creativity 
  • personal interests and community involvement 
  • contribution to the development of the Coffs Harbour community and/or economy
  • contributions being completed on a voluntary basis or exceeding the normal requirements of the nominee’s paid work.  

Aussie Spirit Award

Awarded to an individual or group that has displayed one or more of the following: 

  • outstanding dedication and / or sacrifice in their contribution to the Coffs Harbour community 
  • acts of compassion, generosity and / or courage 
  • an inspiration to others in the community 

Their service may be short-term in nature and will have occurred in the preceding year of the awards. 

 

  

2. Fill in and submit the nomination form

Nominating is easy. Just provide 300-1500 words about your nominee and how they meet the category criteria, include their contact details and provide any supporting material. This could include photographs, media articles or referee names with contact details. 

2025 nominations are now open