Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards

The nominations open on Wednesday 5 August 2026 and close on Monday 5 October 2026 at 11.59pm.

Nominees must have a connection to Greater Dandenong through living, working, studying, volunteering, taking part in community activities, or making a positive contribution to the Greater Dandenong community. Please check the requirements for the specific award category before submitting a nomination.

Nominations are assessed against the criteria for the selected award category. The award assessment panel looks at things such as achievements, community impact, leadership, innovation, commitment, and contribution over time. Providing detailed information in your nomination will help the panel make it’s its assessment.

Yes. An individual or group can be nominated in multiple categorised. However, they can only receive one award in a calendar year. 

Yes. The Awards Assessment Panel will decide whether one or both people are eligible to receive the award.

You will need:

• Your contact details (the nominator)
• The nominee’s contact details
• At least one referee

• Information about the nominee’s achievements and community contributions.
  You may also provide supporting documents such as information or documentation such as newspaper articles.

• Diversity and inclusion information (optional)

A referee must:

• Not be the nominator,

• Not be a family member of the nominee, 

• Be able to talk about the nominee’s achievements and contributions

Referees may be contacted for more information. At least one referee is required.

Anyone can nominate an individual, group or organisation. 

• Community groups and organisations can nominate themselves.

• Individual nominees cannot nominate themselves.

Yes, you can download the nomination form above and email the completed form to austday@cgd.vic.gov.au. 
If you nominate the same person or group in different categories, you must complete a separate form for each category.

Yes. If you need help, contact the Festival and Events team at austday@cgd.vic.gov.au or (03) 8571 5090. Staff can assist with:

• The nomination process,

• Eligibility requirements

• Supporting information needed for your nomination

It is recommended that you let them know of the nomination. This helps them understand the process, provide any required information and attend the Awards Ceremony on 26 January.

Yes. You can nominate the same individual or group again in the following year.

Yes. Previous recipients may be nominated again, if they meet the eligibility requirements for the award category. However, the same achievement or contribution cannot receive the same award more than once. 

A strong nomination clearly explains the nominee’s achievements, contribution to the Greater Dandenong community, and the difference they have made. Providing specific examples and referee details will help the Assessment Panel understand the nominee’s impact.

Council staff first check that nominations are complete and eligible. Eligible nominations are then reviewed by the Awards Assessment Panel, which decides the award recipients.

The panel includes:

• Councillors

• Community representatives.

The panel may:

• Present more than one award in a category

• Decide not to present an award if no suitable nominations are received.

Council officers will review all nominations to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. If a nomination is incomplete or not eligible, the nominator may be contacted for clarification or additional information where possible. Nominations that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not proceed to the Assessment Panel.

Yes. Information provided in the nomination is only used to manage and assess the awards program. Panel discussions and decisions remain confidential.

After nomination close:

1. Eligible nominations are reviewed.
2. Referees may be contacted.
3. The Awards Assessment Panel selects the recipients.
4. Nominees and nominators are notified and invited to the Awards Ceremony on 26 January.

These questions help Council understand who is engaging with the awards program and identify opportunities to improve accessibility, equity and inclusion. Responses are optional, are not provided to the Assessment Panel, and do not influence award decisions.

Yes. The Greater Dandenong City Council may withdraw an Award if new information about recipient’s conduct could damage the reputation of the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards. 

Yes. The Ceremony is open to the public. Registration will be required and will open before the ceremony in January 2027.