Nominations open for 2026 Ipswich Australia Day Awards
15 August 2025
Inspirational local heroes will be recognised at the 2026 Ipswich Australia Day Awards, with nominations open across six categories.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the annual awards honour residents who dedicate their lives to others.
“The Ipswich Australia Day Awards are an opportunity recognise the people who help make Ipswich the best place in the world to live,” Mayor Harding said.
“Across the many years of the awards, the efforts of dozens of selfless residents and charitable organisations have deservingly been highlighted to the wider community.
“Our neighbourhoods, suburbs, communities and city wouldn’t be what they are if it wasn’t for people putting others before themselves and bringing us together.
“At this year’s awards, I was delighted for Martin Shaw to be recognised as Citizen of the Year for his work in founding and managing Wounded Heroes Australia, a crisis support group for Australian Defence Force members and their families.
“I’m excited to see who will be crowned the 2026 winners at the Ipswich Australia Day Awards Ceremony on 21 January next year.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said nominations can be made across six categories, recognising a range of age groups and areas of interest.
The categories for the awards are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Cultural Award
- Sport and Recreation Award
- Community Group of the Year
“The Ipswich Australia Day Awards always attract a very strong array of nominees and I’m sure this year will be no different,” Cr Augustine said.
“The diverse range of awards categories means we can recognise people who go above and beyond to ensure Ipswich remains a supportive, inclusive, vibrant and community-minded place to live.
“The people of Ipswich are inspired everyday by the efforts of their fellow community members, so don’t hesitate to nominate them for the Ipswich Australia Day Awards.”
For more information including details around eligibility and criteria, visit the Ipswich City Council website.
Nominations close on 2 November, 2025.
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.