Lismore, you have three weeks to submit your nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, which, this year, feature two new categories: Academic Excellence and Contribution to Economic Excellence.

The Awards are held annually to recognise people who give back to the community through volunteering, community work or who excel in sports or other endeavours.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the Awards were a chance to recognise our unsung heroes who put in many hours as volunteers to make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

“One thing that has always stood out to me is that our community is full of quiet unsung heroes,” he said.

“The Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger, healthier community with no thought of personal gain.

“This year, we have also added to new categories, Academic Excellence and Contribution to Economic Excellence.

“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for their work for our community, please nominate them.

“It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete an online nomination, so please get online before the deadline and nominate today.”

Categories are:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Services in the Community (Individual)
• Services in the Community (Group)
• Sportsperson/Team (Junior)
• Sportsperson/Team (Senior)
• Environment
• Arts/Culture
• Academic Excellence
• Contribution to Economic Excellence

To make a nomination, go to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close on Sunday, 30 November 2025.