Australia Day

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Australia Day Citizens Awards and Council is encouraging members of the community to nominate any outstanding members of our community in one of the Citizen Award categories outlined below.

In our local community there are many quiet achievers who work tirelessly for others. The Australia Day Citizens Awards are an ideal opportunity for us all to recognise the efforts of these individuals. 

We encourage your group to nominate community members for any of the above categories. 

Please ensure you submit one nomination form for each nomination for it to be considered.

To be valid, nominations must be received at Oberon Council by no later than Friday 25 October 2024. Please submit your nomination to Oberon Council PO Box 84, OBERON NSW 2787 or email council@oberon.nsw.gov.au. 

Download the 2025 Australia Day Awards nomination form here.(PDF, 225KB)

Citizen of the Year - Recognising an outstanding individual whose contributions have significantly enhanced the Oberon community through leadership, service or achievements. 

Young Citizen of the Year (25 and under) - Honoring a young person aged 25 or under who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the community, showing leadership, initiative and positive impact. 

Sportsperson of the Year - Celebrating an individual who has excelled in their sport, showcasing talent, dedication and sportsmanship, while contributing to the local sporting community.

Young Sportsperson of the Year (25 and under) - Awarded to a young athlete aged 25 or udner who has achieved remarkable success in their sport and inspired others with their commitment and performance.

Sports Team of the Year - Acknowledging a sports team that has achieved excellence, demonstrated sportsmanship and teamwork, and brought pride to the Oberon community through their accomplishments. 

Community Event of the Year - Recognising a community event that has made a significant impact, fostering unity, participation and positivity within the Oberon community. 

Volunteer or Volunteer Group of the Year - Celebrating an individual or group whose efforts have made a substantial difference, showing dedication, compassion and selflessness.

Environmental Champion of the Year - Honoring a person or group committed to environmental stewardship, advocating for sustainability, conservation and positive environmental change in Oberon.

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip. In contemporary Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation, and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new immigrants into the Australian community.

The meaning and significance of Australia Day have evolved over time. Unofficially, or historically, the date has also been variously named "Anniversary Day", "Invasion Day", "Foundation Day", and "ANA Day".[3] 26 January 1788 marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (then known as New Holland). Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. On New Years Day 1901, the British colonies of Australia formed a Federation, marking the birth of modern Australia. A national day of unity and celebration was looked for. It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories had adopted use of the term "Australia Day" to mark the date, and not until 1994 that the date was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories.

In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Australia Day Honours list and addresses from the Governor-Generaland Prime Minister. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, unless it falls on a weekend in which case the following Monday is a public holiday instead. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies, the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia

Source: OpenCities