2026 Citizen of the Year Awards

Every small gesture, every volunteering hour and every act of kindness helps to weave the rich fabric of our community. Across South Australia, the Citizen of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on those people who quietly go above and beyond — the unsung heroes whose efforts often pass by unnoticed.

What are the Citizen of the Year Awards?

The Awards are an initiative run by the Australia Day Council of SA in partnership with all 69 councils across South Australia. They aim to recognise individuals (and organisations) whose contributions strengthen community life, build social connection and enhance the wellbeing of their local area.

There are 4 award categories:

• Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Community Event of the Year Award
• Award for Active Citizenship

These categories allow for recognition not only of lifetime service and leadership, but also of emerging contributors, community projects and sustained grassroots efforts.

Why your nomination matters

Many of these outstanding contributors work behind the scenes, without seeking praise or accolades. Yet their work (educating, caring, supporting, organising, uplifting others) is often at the heart of what makes a community thrive. The Awards give us all a chance to say “thank you” and ensure their efforts are acknowledged publicly.

How to nominate

Nominating someone is straightforward:

1. Visit www.citizenoftheyear.com.au to access the nomination form.
2. Select the appropriate award category.
3. Tell us who you are nominating
4. Describe how they have positively impacted our community
5. Submit by the closing date

You don’t need to write a long essay; simply capture the key contributions and the difference made.

You can also download a hardcopy PDF of the nomination form HERE, or forms can also be collected at the Civic Centre.

Key dates you need to know

• Nominations close: 16 November 2025
• After nominations close, submissions will be assessed by an Assessment Panel, which will make recommendations to Council for an award recipient in each applicable category.
• Recipients will be announced in January 2026 and publicly celebrated on Australia Day, 26 January 2026.

Let’s recognise our local champions

Do you know someone who gives generously of their time, energy or expertise? Maybe it’s a volunteer, a community leader, someone who quietly supports others, or an event that brings people together. Now is your chance to ensure their work is honoured and their story shared.

Please visit www.citizenoftheyear.com.au and nominate your local hero today.

More information?

You can read more information about the Citizen of the Year Awards, including past award recipients here.

For more information about the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, please contact the District Council of Yankalilla at (08) 8558 0200 or council@yankalilla.sa.gov.au.