Nominations open for 2026 Nambucca Valley Community Awards

THE Nambucca Valley National Celebration Day Committee has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Nambucca Valley Community Awards, to be held on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee, who is also a member of the organising committee, encouraged all residents to get involved in this year’s celebration by recognising people who make a difference in the community.

“This Nambucca Valley Community Awards is going to be exceptional next year – a major celebration of our community and new citizens,” Mayor Lee told News Of The Area.

“We have so many talented, humble and giving residents and our celebration on 25 January will be about recognising them. “If you know of someone who has been outstanding in the area of community service, the environment, being a good neighbour or someone who has excelled at playing sport or being a team player, please nominate them by 28 November.”

Nomination forms are now available at Macksville and Nambucca Heads libraries, Council’s Administration Centre, or online at the Nambucca Valley Council website.

Residents can nominate individuals and groups across a wide range of categories, including Citizen of the Year, Senior and Young Citizens of the Year, Indigenous and Young Indigenous Citizens of the Year, as well as awards for Services to the Community, Environmental efforts, Good Neighbour recognition, Cultural Achievement, and both Junior and Senior Sports Awards for individuals and teams.

To celebrate the spirit of the awards, Council will also be featuring past recipients on its social media channels in the lead-up to the 2026 event.

These stories will be shared on Facebook and Instagram, providing a glimpse into the inspiring contributions of previous Citizens of the Year.

Nominations for all awards close on Friday 28 November 2025.

By Mick BIRTLES