Categories and nomination information

Categories and nomination information

Nominations for awards are across the following categories. Select from the list below to find out more about each award and the selection criteria of entry for these awards.

General conditions of entry are as follows: (see each category for age restrictions)

  1. Nominees must reside within the Richmond Valley local government area and are an Australian citizen.
  2. Nominations will not be accepted if an individual has won the same category in previous years.
  3. Nominations must be submitted on Richmond Valley Council’s official Australia Day nomination form.
  4. Nominations must be received by midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025.
  5. The decision of the Australia Day Selection Committee is final and correspondence will not be entered into in regards to that decision.
  6. Awards will not be granted posthumously.
  7. Contact details of nominators and nominees may be forwarded to local media.

Richmond Valley Australia Day Awards Nomination Criteria

How to nominate?

You can nominate a Richmond Valley citizen for an award by completing the 2026 nomination form.

For further information contact the Richmond Valley Council Events Team on 6660 0300.

  • Citizen of the Year (25 years of age or over)

    Recognises an outstanding resident of the community for their personal endeavours, achievements and community input.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Has made a significant contribution to the community
    • Has shown achievements in community activities, academic, sporting, personal, cultural, environmental and/or social responsibility.
    • Has been an inspiration/role model to the community.
    • Has the work been undertaken on a volunteer or paid basis?
    • Has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the community, which has benefit to others.
    • Length of service

     

  • Young Citizen of the Year (24 years of age or under)

    Recognises an outstanding resident of the community for their personal endeavours, achievements and community input.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Has made a significant contribution to the community.
    • Is the nominee pro-active in solving youth issues?
    • Has shown outstanding achievement in academic, sporting, cultural, environment or civic responsibility.
    • Has been an inspiration/role model to the community.
    • Is caring, compassionate and sharing.

     

  • Sportsperson of the Year (18 years of age and over)

    Recognises the committed sportsperson, coach, administrator or official whose actions inspire and encourage others and enrich the community through sport.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • What personal goals objectives or achievements has the nominee fulfilled?
    • Demonstrates outstanding performance within their field (representative level, recognition of service, achievement within the sporting club).
    • Demonstrates an encouraging amount of effort by participation within their club, training their personal best and commitment to their sport.
    • Has been an inspiration/role model.
    • Has made a special contribution to the club development.
    • Has the work been undertaken on a volunteer or paid basis?
    • Displays the qualities of sportsmanship and a sense of fair play.

     

  • Young Sportsperson of the Year (17 years of age or under)

    Recognises a committed sportsperson whose actions inspire and encourage others and enrich the community through sport.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Demonstrates outstanding performance within their field (representative level, recognition of service, achievement within the sporting club or school).
    • Exhibits a high level of commitment to both practice and game schedule.
    • Contributed significantly to the team’s season and/or to the success of the team.
    • Exhibits positive qualities on and off the field including leadership, team work and loyalty.
    • Displays the qualities of sportsmanship, respect of coaches, teammates, opponents and officials, as well as a sense of fair play.

     

  • Volunteer of the Year (25 years of age or over)

    Recognises volunteers who have provided outstanding service to the community.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • How does the nominee exemplify the spirit of community service?
    • The nominee inspires others to engage in volunteer services.
    • Demonstrates initiative, leadership and creativity in their services to others.
    • List volunteer activities undertaken by the nominee and indicate length of service to the community.
    • What impact has the nominee made in the course of their time volunteering and what were the benefits received from that?

     

  • Young Volunteer of the Year (24 years of age or under)

    Recognises volunteers who have provided outstanding service to the community.

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Demonstrates commitment to volunteering.
    • Inspires others to engage in volunteer services.
    • Demonstrates initiative, leadership and creativity in their services to others
    • How does the nominee overcome barriers to volunteering, such as disability, family or school commitments

     

  • Community Organisation of the Year

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Ensures programs and services are welcoming and accessible to all community members.
    • Promotes and values cultural understanding and diversity within the community.
    • Is a voice for the community and leads positive change
    • Consider initiatives or programs the nominee has undertaken that benefits the community.

  • Sports Team of the Year

    Consider the following criteria when nominating:

    • Displays the qualities of sportsmanship, respect of coaches, opponents and officials, as well as a sense of fair play.
    • Demonstrates an encouraging amount of effort by participation within their club, training and commitment to their sport.
    • Has made a special contribution to the club development.
    • Demonstrates fair play, respect and positive conduct on and off the field.
    • How the team contributes to or supports its local community beyond competition

Have Your Say...

Quick Contact

"*" indicates required fields

Search Council's website

Type your search query here to find relevant pages on the Richmond Valley Council site.