Community Volunteer Awards 2026
Edward River Council is proud to celebrate the region’s volunteer heroes through the Community Volunteer Awards 2026. These awards recognise outstanding individuals who give their time, talent, and energy to support local organisations and strengthen our community.
Three age-based categories honour volunteers at every life stage - young, adult and senior participants - acknowledging their leadership, service and community spirit.
Finalists and award recipients will be celebrated during National Volunteers Week, with the official Volunteer Celebration Lunch to be held Friday 22 May 2026 at the Edward River Library.
1. Nominations: 1 April – 19 April 2026
Community members are invited to put forward the volunteers who make a real difference in the Edward River region. Nominations are open for three award categories:
- Young Volunteer of the Year – 24 years and under
Nominees under 18 must provide parental consent.
- Adult Volunteer of the Year – 25 to 64 years
- Senior Volunteer of the Year – 65 years and over
To be eligible, nominees must have contributed at least 20 hours of volunteer service to a not‑for‑profit community group between June 2025 and May 2026.
Submit a Nomination Now!
Nomination forms are available:
- Online:
- In person: get a hardcopy nomination form at Edward River Council Customer Service Centre
This is your chance to highlight someone who inspires you - someone whose quiet dedication helps build a stronger community.
2. Community Voting: 1 May – 15 May 2026
Once nominations close, the community takes the lead. Profiles of all eligible nominees will be published on Council’s website, allowing residents to read about their contributions and cast a vote for their preferred finalist in each category.
Voting will be available:
- Online via Council’s website - a link will be provided on this webpage once Voting opens on 1 May 2026.
- Via hard‑copy ballots available at Council facilities (from 1 May 2026)
The community’s votes determine the 2026 award winners, ensuring the program truly reflects community voices and local appreciation.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Nominations: 1–19 April 2026
- Community Voting: 1–15 May 2026
- Volunteer Celebration Lunch: 22 May 2026, Edward River Library
- Finalist Invitations: Issued prior to event day
Edward River Council encourages everyone to take part - nominate a volunteer who inspires you, and join the community in voting to recognise their impact.
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