Nominations are open for the 2027 Coffs Harbour Australia Day Awards, with residents encouraged to recognise people making an outstanding contribution to the community.
Five awards will be presented during Australia Day celebrations at Park Beach Reserve on 26 January, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and individual and group Aussie Spirit awards.
“This is about recognising the people who help to lift our community. This is your chance to sing the praises of these often unsung heroes from the rooftops,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Every year we get to thank these local champions and to hear their stories, many of which are remarkable.”
City General Manager Murray Wood said nominations could be submitted through the City of Coffs Harbour website.
“Nominating a local legend is easy. Jump on to the City website and tell us in 300 to 1,500 words how your nominee has gone above and beyond,” Mr Wood said.
“This is your chance to show your appreciation for the inspirational people in our community. Nominations are open now and will close at midnight on 1 November.”
The awards recognise achievements and contributions across areas including community service, sport, culture, education and professional life, as well as innovation, creativity and voluntary work.
The 2026 Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year, Keelan Birch, was recognised for his work as event director of the Coffs Harbour Running Festival.
Under his leadership, the festival has grown into one of the North Coast’s significant community events, attracting thousands of participants and raising $90,000 for local charities in 2025.
“Oh wow, I’m almost tearing up here,” Birch said moments after receiving the award. “Running has given me so much … it only feels natural to give back.”
Mayor Williams said information about award categories and assessment criteria was available through the City’s website, while paper nomination forms were available at the Customer Service Centre at Yarrila Place and City libraries at Toormina, Woolgoolga and the Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
“People can review the categories and the assessment criteria for each award on the City website, or pick up a paper nomination form from the Customer Service Centre at Yarrila Place or any of the City libraries – at Toormina, Woolgoolga and the Harry Bailey Memorial in town,” Williams said.
“Hearing the amazing back-stories of the people nominated for an Australia Day Award is one of the best things about serving the community as Mayor.
“We have so many amazing people in the Coffs Harbour area doing astonishing things and this is the chance to celebrate that.”
Nominations should include the candidate’s contact details and can be supported by photographs, media articles and referees who can speak to the nominee’s contribution.
Nominations close at midnight on 1 November.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.