2026 Community Awards open for nominations

Published on 20 January 2026

Logo on teal background

Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are open from Monday 19 January to Friday 6 March.

Council is accepting nominations for people, events and activities that have made significant impacts on the lives of others in Hepburn Shire.

Categories:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Young Citizen of the Year (25 years or younger)
  • Community Event of the Year
  • Hepburn Together Award

Successful nominees will be announced at an event on Tuesday 19 May at The Warehouse – Clunes from 5 to 7 pm. Council has decided to host the event during National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) this year to better align the event with the celebration of volunteers.

Mayor, Councillor Tony Clark, said that our volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and that those who have made outstanding contributions should be nominated and thanked.

“Volunteers devote time and energy to making a difference to their communities whether it be coaching sports teams, advocating for those in need, providing meals at events and for vulnerable people or always putting their hand up to help,” he said.

“We are pleased to be able to host this event and encourage everyone to take the time to nominate someone who is working tirelessly for their community. It’s a chance to thank those in our community who are giving up their time to support others,” he said.

Nominations can be made online.