Challenging times give rise to extraordinary people contributing extraordinary service within our community impacting every one of us in some form, often without us even realising. The motivation of these individuals and groups is to simply to offer a helping hand and make a difference. The acknowledgement of their endeavours by way of a nomination in the 2027 Citizen of the Year Awards is to pay these individuals the ultimate compliment.
Nominations are now open and this opportunity to nominate may just change their life. Nominating is simple and comprises of three easy questions. Jan Chorley, CEO, Australia Day Council of South Australia says the Citizen of the Year Awards program truly represents the recognition of best of the best in our community.
“It enables appreciation and gratitude for those people and organisations that volunteer their time and expertise across all manner of activities, this is without cause or motivation for recognition and glory,” said Jan Chorley.
“If ever there was a time to pay it forward and show them their efforts have not gone unnoticed, this time is now. Nominating is easy and nominations are now open.”
The Citizen of the Year Awards is a premier award program of the Australia Day Council of South Australia. It affords an opportunity for the state-wide identification of individuals, groups, events and organisations in every Local Government area, that have made a significant contribution to their community with each Local Council announcing its own recipients.
These area recipients may then be submitted for inclusion the state level Citizen of the Year awards. Acting outside their regular employment, the individuals and organisations are eligible for the Citizen of the Year Awards may offer services including but not limited to; education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of a community.
Key Dates
Nominations open 1 October 2026
Nominations close 20 November 2026
Award Categories
Citizen of the Year Award
This is presented to someone making an extraordinary contribution to the community and may recognise outstanding service over a number of years. To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen.
Young Citizen of the Year Award
This is presented to a young emerging leader who is making a difference in their community. To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen aged over 16 years and under 30 years of age on January 26, 2027.
Community Event of the Year Award
This is presented to the person/group who has staged the most outstanding community event during the past year.
Award for Active Citizenship
A person or group delivering outstanding work or for an event or cause, staged in the community during the past year. Australian citizenship is not required.
How to Nominate
- Complete the online nomination form using the link below.
- Download and complete a nomination form, then return it to Council.
- Email completed forms to admin@nacouncil.sa.gov.au
- Post completed forms to
- Northern Areas Council
- PO Box 120
- Jamestown SA 5491
- Deliver completed forms to any Council Office:
- 94 Ayr Street, Jamestown
- 11 Main Street, Spalding
- 14 Fifth Street, Gladstone.