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General News

20 October, 2025

Nominate our best citizens

DO you know someone who makes Cairns a better place to live? Now’s your chance to celebrate them.


The 2025 Australia Day Award recipients (from left) Annette Jarrett (Citizen of the Year), Kaylea Canton (Young Citizen of the Year), and Claudio Di Bartolomeo (Volunteer of the Year) celebrated their achievements with Mayor Amy Eden earlier this year. Picture: Cairns Regional Council
The 2025 Australia Day Award recipients (from left) Annette Jarrett (Citizen of the Year), Kaylea Canton (Young Citizen of the Year), and Claudio Di Bartolomeo (Volunteer of the Year) celebrated their achievements with Mayor Amy Eden earlier this year. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Cairns Regional Council Australia Day Awards, which recognise locals whose dedication and community spirit make a lasting difference.

Awards will be presented in three categories: Citizen of the year, young citizen of the year and volunteer of the year, with winners announced at the Australia Day ceremony on 26 January 2026.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the awards highlighted the everyday heroes who brought kindness, strength and connection to the community.

“Opportunities like these remind us to pause and recognise the people who matter most,” she said. “It’s not just about the awards, it’s about showing our gratitude and celebrating the friends, neighbours and mentors who shape our lives and community every day.”

From tireless volunteers and local leaders to inspiring young people making a big difference, the awards honour those who go above and beyond for Cairns.

Nominations close 14 December 2025. Visit www.bit.ly/3J9DyEa

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