Australia Day Awards
The Rural City of Wangaratta's Australia Day Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and community groups in our region.
These prestigious awards are one of the highest honours a Council can bestow to publicly acknowledge local heroes, whose dedication and contributions may otherwise go unnoticed.
Award recipients are honoured at the annual Australia Day celebrations in King George Gardens, Wangaratta.
In addition to receiving their award, the Citizen of the Year will have their handprint carved into the Marmungan Rock in Apex Park—a lasting tribute to outstanding individuals in our community.
Nominations typically open each year during July/August.
Award Categories Include
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25)
- Community Event/Project of the Year
2026 Australia Day Award Nominations
Is there a person or organisation in our community who you believe are deserving of recognition? Why not nominate them for an Australia Day award to say thank you.
Please see the nomination form below for more information and review the criteria to confirm eligibility.
Australia-Day-Award-Nomination-Criteria-2026.docx(DOCX, 149KB)
Australia-Day-Award-Nomination-Form-2026.pdf(PDF, 297KB)
Click here to view form.
2025 Award Recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Wendy and Peter Lester - for their long-standing service to sporting, cultural and support organisations across the municipality.
- Young Citizen of the Year: Felicity Camplin - for her inspiring volunteer work locally and abroad, including coaching youth sports, supporting charities,
- Community Event/Project of the Year: Thread Together - for their organisation providing brand-new clothing to vulnerable members of our community, allowing guests to select items at no cost in a welcoming store environment.
L-R: Wendy Lester, Peter Lester, Felicity Camplin, and Aaron Wardle and Bruce Neilson from Thread Together.