The Hills Shire Council knows that some of the most important work in a community happens without applause. The person who turns up every week, the volunteer who never asks for credit, the group that keeps a neighbourhood connected: these are the people the council wants residents to think about as nominations open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne says the Shire has no shortage of residents and community groups who go above and beyond. They help others, build local connections and change things for the better, often without anyone noticing.
For her, the awards are a formal way of noticing, and a chance to shine a light on those who have given so much to the Hills. She is asking residents to pause, think of someone they know who deserves to be celebrated, and put their name forward.
There are five places for that person or group. Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year and Sporting Citizen of the Year recognise individuals, while Community Group of the Year honours a team effort. Young Citizen of the Year is open to people aged 24 years or under as of Wednesday 20 January 2027. Every nominee must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in the Hills Shire local government area, and must have made a positive contribution to the community over the past year.
Finalists will be announced in the lead up to Australia Day 2027. Nominating takes a few minutes online: visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au, search for “Australia Day Awards” and complete the form. Nominations close at 12pm on Monday 9 November 2026.
