Australia Day awards and competitions open
Published on 08 August 2025
We might only be just over halfway through this year but it’s time to start thinking about Australia Day 2026.
Loddon Shire Council has opened up entries for both the Australia Day awards as well as the three competitions run to mark the day.
Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said he encouraged all Loddon residents to get involved.
“The great thing about our Australia Day events is that there really is something for everyone,” he said.
“Apart from the events themselves, which are wonderfully well organised by community groups throughout the shire, the awards and competitions recognise all those who live the spirit of our nation.”
So what are the awards and competitions, and how do you nominate or enter?
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
These recognise outstanding Australians and community groups within Loddon Shire.
Ward Citizen of the Year nominations are open to those living, or operationally based within the Loddon Shire who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community during 2025, or have given noteworthy service to the local community over a number of years. Ward Citizen of the Year nominations are open for each of the five Loddon Shire wards (Boort, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Terrick and Wedderburn).
The 2026 Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from Ward Citizen of the Year nominations.
Young Citizen of the Year nominations are open to Loddon Shire residents aged up to 26 years old as at 26 January 2026 who have made a noteworthy contribution to the local community during 2025, or over a number of previous years.
Community Group/Event of the Year nominations are open to groups or events operating within the Loddon Shire. This award aims to recognise and encourage significant contributions to community life within the Loddon Shire and to promote national pride and community responsibility.
Further information on each Award category is contained in the nomination forms available on the Council website or by emailing australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Nominations for all awards close at 4pm on Friday, 24 October 2025.
AUSTRALIA DAY COMPETITIONS
Based on the theme ‘Australian Vegetation’ Council is conducting the following competitions as part of Australia Day celebrations:
• Colouring Competition for Prep to Year 2 students
• Photographic Competition – three sections:
o Junior (Prep/Foundation to Year 6)
o Senior (Year 7 to Year 12)
o Open
• Literature Competition for school-aged children.
Anyone residing, working or attending a school within the Loddon Shire is eligible to enter.
The colouring competition picture and entry forms are available from schools within the shire, by downloading from Council’s website, or by emailing australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.
Entries must be received by 4pm on Friday, 24 October 2025.