Gladstone Region Australia Day Awards

This award recognises an individual for their outstanding contribution and/or achievement to the Gladstone Region community during the preceding year. The winner will be an Australian Citizen living in the Gladstone Region. Community contributions and achievements may be in any area of community life, including sport and recreation, arts, events and culture, and environment and sustainability.

This award recognises an individual aged 15-25 for their outstanding achievement and/or contribution to the Gladstone Region during the preceding year. The winner will be an Australian Citizen living in the Gladstone Region. Community contributions and achievement may be in any area of community life, including sport and recreation, arts, events and culture, and environment and sustainability.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution or achievement by an individual, group, school initiative or organisation that has demonstrated leadership and commitment to protecting or enhancing the natural environment in the Gladstone Region during the preceding year. Open to individuals of any age, this award may include contributions such as environmental conservation, sustainability initiatives, climate action, protection of local ecosystems and/or community-led environmental projects.

This award recognises the outstanding achievement by an individual or group that has made a significant contribution towards the sporting or recreational achievements of the Gladstone Region in the preceding year, including official coaching, sports officials, management and administration of sport and recreation activities.

This award recognises the outstanding achievement by an individual or group aged 15-25 that has made a significant contribution towards the sporting or recreational achievements of the Gladstone Region in the preceding year, including official coaching, sports officials, management and administration of sport and recreation activities.

This award recognises the significant achievement and dedication by an individual or group who produces and promotes outstanding creative work in the Gladstone Region in the preceding year.

This award recognises the outstanding achievement by an individual or group that has delivered community events that generate civic pride and connect our community.

This award recognises the outstanding dedication and contribution by an individual to one or more areas of the Gladstone Region in the preceding year by demonstrating voluntary service, expertise and community leadership that has led to the enhancement of the activity and/or region.

• Nominees must demonstrate outstanding contributions to the community through leadership, service, or achievement.
• Nominees must be of good character and uphold values that reflect positively on the community.
• Nominees must be in good standing, with a history of ethical, responsible, and respectful community involvement.
• Nominees must not be under investigation, nor have a known or credible history of fraud, misconduct, or unethical behaviour in any personal, professional, or community capacity.
• Nominations may be withdrawn or revoked if credible concerns regarding a nominee’s character or conduct arise at any stage of the process.

Award categories may vary each year and are outlined in the nomination materials and official call for nominations. Nominees should be entered in the category that best aligns with their contributions.

• A completed nomination form, including nominee and nominator details.
• A clear and concise description of the nominee’s contributions, achievements, or impact.
• At least one referee who can speak to the nominee’s character and contributions.
• Optional supporting documents such as letters of support, media clippings, or testimonials.

To maintain integrity and community trust, the following checks will be undertaken:

Internal Council Checks

• Review of past nomination or award history.
• Check of involvement in Council-related projects, committees, grants, or governance matters.
• Seek internal feedback from relevant Council teams where appropriate.

Public Record & Online Checks

• Search of publicly available sources (e.g., media coverage, legal proceedings, online content).
• Review of nominee affiliations with charities, businesses, or community groups using ACNC and ASIC databases.
• Social media review for patterns of harmful, offensive, or discriminatory behaviour.

Disclosure Requirement (Nominee or Nominator)

• Nominees and/or nominators must declare if the nominee is or has been under investigation for any misconduct or legal issues.

• Seek clarification or additional information from nominators or referees.
• Recommend disqualification of a nominee if misconduct or reputational risk is substantiated.

• At least one referee must be provided for each nomination.
• Referees must be able to speak to the nominee’s character and contributions.
• Where applicable, additional reference checks may be conducted with organisations the nominee is involved with.

• Council reserves the right to withdraw or disqualify any nomination at any stage if concerns are substantiated.
• In cases of serious reputational risk, award revocation post-announcement may also be considered.