Australia Day
Join us for the Australia Day at the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 26 January, from 5pm to 8pm!
Celebrate the achievements of our community with the official awards presentation at 5pm, followed by a family-friendly evening of fun, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of local heroes and Aussie spirit!
Australia Day Awards
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2025 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS HAVE NOW CLOSED
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
- Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce 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.
- McDonalds Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Bowen 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.
- Tassal 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.
- Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon 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.
- Creative Connections Whitsunday Arts & Cultural Award
Acknowledges individuals or groups contributing to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
No age requirement.
- Green Energy Technologies 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.
- Bendigo Bank Cannonvale and Proserpine 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.
- Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon 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.