Hawkesbury locals have a fresh chance to put forward the people quietly holding their community together. Hawkesbury City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, the region’s annual recognition of residents and groups who go above and beyond.
Nine categories are up for grabs this year, spanning everything from sport to environment to the arts. New for 2027 is the Event of the Year Award, created to recognise the organisers behind the festivals, fairs and gatherings that give the Hawkesbury its character.
Mayor Les Sheather is urging residents to nominate the people who quietly shape daily life in the Hawkesbury — the volunteers, carers, coaches and organisers whose work often goes unnoticed.
Last year’s ceremony honoured seven individuals and one business, including Bruce Earle, named Citizen of the Year for his long service with the Freemans Reach Rural Fire Brigade and cricket club, and teenage basketballer Bailey Carle, who took out Young Citizen of the Year.
Nominations close Sunday, 11 October 2026, and can be lodged through the council’s website.