Douglas Shire Council has announced nominations are open for the 2023 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations across eight categories celebrate Douglas locals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ for the community in the past 12 months. Volunteers, sports stars, environmental advocates, artists, and every day high achievers will be in the running for civic recognition in January next year.
“Whether it’s a local community group, sporting club or your neighbour who is a dedicated volunteer, please think about nominating them for a 2023 Australia Day award.”
Douglas Shire Mayor, Michael Kerr

Australia Day Awards are open to Douglas Shire residents and community groups that have made an outstanding achievement or contribution within the community.
The award ceremony will be held at 10am on 26 January 2023 at the Port Douglas Community Hall.
The eight award categories for 2023 are:
- Citizen of the Year recognises outstanding members of the community for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement;
- Young Citizen of the Year recognises young citizens aged 25 years or under (on 26 January 2023) for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement; and
- Senior Citizen of the Year (over 65 years of age as of 26 January 2023) recognising senior citizens for their personal endeavours, achievements, and community involvement, or given outstanding service to the local community.
- Volunteer of the Year recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to the social, recreational, environmental and economic quality of life in the community through their endeavours on behalf of individuals, organisations, charities, service groups, clubs, churches, sporting groups, health or youth.
- Arts and Cultural Award recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to arts and culture in the community.
- Environmental Achievement Award recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to the environment.
- Senior Sports Award recognises sports people for their personal endeavours and achievements in their sporting code.
- Junior Sports Award (Aged 18 years or under at 26 January 2023) recognises young sports people for their personal endeavours and achievements in their sporting code.
Nominations close Friday 18 November 2022.
To nominate a local legend, please complete a nomination form at Council’s website here
Nomination forms are also available at Council’s Administration Office and Port Douglas Community Hub.
MEDIA RELEASE/ Douglas Shire Council