Australia Day

2024 Australia Day Celebrations
On Australia Day, we reflect on our history, its highs and its lows. We respect the stories of others. And we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.
Nominations have officially opened for the 2024 Banana Shire Australia Day Awards.
These Awards recognise the remarkable contributions and achievements of outstanding individuals and groups within the Banana Shire community. Whether it’s a local champion who inspires, a friend who works tirelessly to help others or a community group who go above and beyond, we encourage you to put their name forward.
Click the button below to nominate deserving members of our community as a heartfelt token of appreciation for their dedication.
Nominations: Close 8:00am Monday 27th November 2023
Australia Day Awards Ceremony: Award recipients announced 26th January 2024, Biloela
Nominations for the Banana Shire Australia Day Awards can be submitted by individuals, groups or organisations. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Nominations are submitted via the Australia Day 2024 Nominations Form. This form can be completed through the quick and easy nominations portal below. Alternatively, a paper copy can be downloaded for print or collected from any of Council’s Customer Service Centres or Libraries.
Upon submission, nominators will receive a confirmation email.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
Recognising exceptional contribution, leadership or achievement by individuals aged 19 years or older as of 26 January 2024.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
Recognising exceptional contribution, leadership or achievement by young individuals aged 18 years or under as of 26 January 2024.
ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD
Recognising exceptional contribution and achievement by individuals within the arts and cultural sector aged 19 years or older as of 26 January 2024.
YOUNG ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD
Recognising exceptional contribution and achievement by young individuals within the arts and cultural sector aged 18 years or under as of 26 January 2024.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Recognising the contribution and dedication of volunteers within the Banana Shire. Nominations may be for an individual of any age.
SPORTSPERSON AWARD
Recognising exceptional sporting achievement by individuals aged 19 years or older as of 26 January 2024.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON AWARD
Recognising exceptional sporting achievement by young individuals aged 18 years or under as of 26 January 2024.
SPORTS COACH, OFFICIAL AND/OR ADMINISTRATOR
Recognising the contribution and leadership of individual sports coach, officials or administrators of any age.
COMMUNITY GROUP OR TEAM
Recognising exceptional contribution and achievement of local community groups and teams. 50% of members must reside within the Banana Shire.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
Recognising the success of local community led, public events throughout the Banana Shire. Events must be held between November 2022 - November 2023.
The Banana Shire Australia Day Awards are assessed by a panel of community members and one or more of Banana Shire’s Councillors. Each year, the assessment panel changes. The assessment panel with determine award winners based only of the information provided in the Nomination Form.
Nomination Form
- Complete only one nomination per form.
- Select one award category only per form.
- Nominees can be nominated for more than one award category, however separate Nomination Forms must be completed.
- Nomination forms without a category selected will not be eligible for consideration.
- The nominator’s name will be associated with the nomination. If you wish to associate an organisation name with the nomination instead, please select this option in the Nomination Form.
Nominees
- Nominees must either reside in the Banana Shire or make a significant contribution to the Banana Shire Community.
- Nominees must be a person, team or event. Nominations for animals will not be accepted.
- The timeline for individual nominee’s achievements is not limited to within the previous twelve months. Achievements over a period of time may be included in the nomination.
- Council will verify all information provided with the nominee.
- Nominee consent is required before applications can progress to assessment by the panel.