The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region. These awards provide a platform to publicly honour those who have made a remarkable impact or are exceptional achievers within our community.
If you know someone or a community group committed to making the Whitsunday region a better place, we invite you to nominate them for a 2025 Australia Day Award and help us celebrate their efforts.
How to Nominate
Award Categories
- Citizen of the Year
Honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the Whitsunday Region or provided outstanding service to the local community.
Age Requirement: 26 years or older as of 26 January 2025.
- Young Citizen of the Year
Recognises young individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the community or the betterment of the Whitsunday Region.
Age Requirement: 14-25 years as of 26 January 2025.
- Senior Sports Award
Celebrates dedicated sportspeople, coaches, administrators, officials or volunteers whose actions inspire others to engage in their chosen sport.
Age Requirement: 26 years or older as of 26 January 2025.
- Young Sports Award
Recognises young athletes whose dedication and efforts encourage others to participate in their sport.
Age Requirement: 14-25 years as of 26 January 2025.
- Arts & Cultural Award
Acknowledges individuals or groups contributing to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
No age requirement.
- Environmental Achievement Award
Honours individuals or groups with a passion for the environment, demonstrating a commitment to conservation, preservation and education efforts.
No age requirement.
- Community Group Award
Recognises individuals, groups or organisations that have made a significant and positive contribution to the Whitsunday Region through impactful projects, activities or events over the past 12 months.
No age requirement.
- Community Volunteer Award
Celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact as volunteers in the Whitsunday region. This award is presented in honour of Wally Hinschen, a valued community member who made substantial contributions to the region.
No age requirement.
Sponsor an Australia Day Award
Are you a local business or organisation interested in sponsoring one of these prestigious awards? Complete the online sponsor form below to be considered or download a sponsorship agreement form. Sponsorship donations must be valued at a minimum of $100 in credit, product, or cash and will be presented to recipients at the Australia Day Awards ceremony in Airlie Beach on 26 January 2025.
Sponsor Recognition
We are committed to recognising your business' valuable support throughout the event. As a sponsor, your business will receive:
- Logo placement on all event promotional materials, including the event program and social media.
- Acknowledgment during the awards ceremony, with your business name announced when the sponsored category is presented.
- An opportunity to present the award to the category winner, offering direct visibility in front of attendees.
- Recognition on our website and across our digital platforms post-event, further enhancing your business’ profile in the community.
By sponsoring an award, you’re not only supporting a significant community event but also gaining meaningful exposure for your business.
Download the Sponsorship Agreement
