Celebrating the people in our community
Every community has people who quietly get on with helping others.
They volunteer at local clubs, organise groups and activities, lend a hand when someone needs it, raise money for a good cause, support local families or simply see something that needs doing and step in to help.
Often, they don’t think what they’re doing is anything particularly special. They’re just doing their bit.
The Community Hero Awards were introduced to recognise these people and give our community the chance to say thank you.
Now in their fourth year, the Awards bring together people from across our community to share their stories and celebrate the contribution they make, often quietly and without expecting anything in return.
For us, that’s really what the Community Hero Awards are all about.
Recognising good people doing good things in our community.
What makes a great nomination?
Community Heroes are people who do more than simply lend a hand from time to time.
We’re looking for people who have shown genuine dedication to their community, people who consistently give their time, step up when they’re needed, bring others together or have made a real and positive difference through what they do.
Your nominee might be someone who:
- has volunteered with a local organisation, club or community group;
- regularly goes above and beyond what is expected of them;
- saw something missing in the community and decided to do something about it;
- created a program, group, event or initiative that has helped others;
- has supported people through a difficult time or responded when the community needed help;
- works quietly behind the scenes but is someone their organisation or community simply couldn’t do without;
- has helped create stronger connections between people in their neighbourhood or community; or
- has dedicated their time, skills or experience to making life a little better for others.
A Community Hero doesn’t have to be the person out the front receiving the recognition. In fact, quite often they’re the person behind the scenes making sure everything gets done.
We’re not looking for perfection or grand gestures. We’re looking for dedication, contribution and genuine community impact.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I know exactly who that is,” we’d love you to nominate them.
Nomination Terms & Conditions
The Community Hero Awards recognise and celebrate the people, projects and events that make a meaningful contribution to our local community.
Nominations close Friday, 18 December 2026. No late nominations will be accepted.
The 2027 Community Hero Awards will be held on Saturday, 27 February 2027.
Eligibility
Nominations must recognise community service, volunteering, projects or events delivered during the 2026 calendar year.
We encourage local community groups, clubs and organisations to use the Community Hero Awards as part of their own annual volunteer recognition and reward process by nominating members who have made a special contribution during the year.
Nominations should demonstrate genuine community contribution, including dedication, service, leadership, initiative or going above and beyond for the benefit of others.
All eligible nominations that meet the Awards criteria will be recognised as part of the Community Hero Awards.
Special Awards
From the eligible nominations received, the judging panel will select recipients for the following Special Awards:
- Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award
- George O’Brien OAM Community Project of the Year and Runner-Up
- Community Event of the Year and Runner-Up
The decisions of the judging panel in relation to the Special Awards are final.
2024 Community Hero Awards
- Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award — Paige Robinson
- Community Project of the Year — Spinners and Weavers in the Village
- Runner-Up Community Project of the Year — Watergum Platypus Watch
- Community Event of the Year — Kombumerri History & Healing Morning
- Runner-Up Community Event of the Year — Netball Qld Primary Schools Cup at Firth Park
2025 Community Hero Awards
- Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award — Jessica Knight
- Community Project of the Year — MATE / Be There Bystander Violence Prevention Program
- Community Event of the Year — Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show
2026 Community Hero Awards
- Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award — Pippa Rose Ballie
- George O’Brien OAM Community Project of the Year — CPR Soldiers
- Runner-Up Community Project of the Year — Mudgeeraba Food & Art Trail
- Community Event of the Year — The Doyles Art Award
- Runner-Up Community Event of the Year — Hinterland Community Band 30th Anniversary Concert
Attending the Awards
The Community Hero Awards are free to attend, however tickets are essential.
A light supper will be served for all attendees to enjoy.
Dress is smart casual or organisational uniform. Award recipients are very welcome to bring a guest to share in the evening.
Further event and ticketing information will be provided following the close of nominations.
Media, Photography & Recognition
The Community Hero Awards are a public celebration of community service. Nominees and recipients may be acknowledged through the Awards ceremony, event program, website, social media, media releases and other promotional material associated with the Awards.
Photography and video recording may take place during the event, and images or footage may be used to promote the Community Hero Awards and recognise the contribution of nominees and recipients.
If a nominee or attendee does not wish to be photographed, filmed or included in promotional material, they are encouraged to contact the organisers prior to the event so that reasonable arrangements can be made.
By Submitting a Nomination
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms that the information provided is accurate to the best of their knowledge and understands that eligible nominations may be used as part of the Community Hero Awards ceremony and associated recognition and promotion.
Nominators should ensure that the person they are nominating is aware of the nomination and is comfortable with their name and contribution being publicly recognised.
For further information, please contact Cr Glenn Tozer’s Division 9 Office at division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
In their words
One of our favourite parts of the Community Hero Awards is hearing what the experience has meant to the people involved.
Whether they’ve been nominated, received an award, nominated someone they care about or simply joined us for the evening, these are some of their reflections.
“Thank you so much for recognising so many amazing volunteers in our community. What a fantastic night”Mudgeeraba Food & Art Trail
“Such an inspirational night acknowledging so many in our community
“
Melissa Knight
“The room was FULL of community heroes, and award winners, people who had all been nominated and had their names put forward for the real difference they each make to our community.”
Lions Club of Mudgeeraba Inc
“So proud to be a part of this amazing community”Kim Parry – Mudgeeraba Village MarketsThanks to the Mudgeeraba Show for the fantastic awards night on Saturday. So many amazing volunteers being recognised along with our own incredible firefighters.Mudgeeraba Rural Fire
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I nominate?
You can nominate an individual Community Hero, a community event held during 2026, or a community project delivered during 2026.
What period does my nomination need to relate to?
Nominations should recognise volunteering, community service, projects, events or contributions made during the 2026 calendar year.
How many nominations can an organisation submit?
Each community group or organisation may submit up to three nominations in total.
These can be across any of the award categories. Please complete a separate nomination form for each nomination.
What should I include in my nomination?
Tell us what your nominee, project or event contributed to the community during 2026 and why you think it deserves recognition.
You don’t need to write an essay, around 120 words is plenty. Focus on what they actually did, the difference they made and why it mattered.
Does my nominee need to know I’m nominating them?
Yes, please make sure the person you are nominating is aware of the nomination and is comfortable having their name and contribution publicly recognised.
Do I need the nominee’s contact details?
Yes. Please provide an email address wherever possible, as this will be used to contact nominees and send information about the Awards evening.
A phone number is also helpful but optional.
Can young people be nominated?
Yes. Young people aged 12–17 years may also be considered for the Simon Hinton Youth Volunteer Award.
Are individuals the only people recognised?
No. Along with individual Community Heroes, we also recognise outstanding local projects and events through the George O’Brien OAM Community Project of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards.
Will every nominee receive an award?
All eligible nominations that meet the Awards criteria will be recognised as part of the Community Hero Awards.
The Special Award recipients and runners-up are selected separately by the judging panel.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close on Friday, 18 December 2026.
When are the Community Hero Awards?
The 2027 Community Hero Awards will be held on Saturday, 27 February 2027.
Further details and ticket information will be provided to nominees and nominators after nominations close.
Does it cost anything to attend?
No. The Community Hero Awards are free to attend, however tickets are essential.
Award recipients are very welcome to bring a guest.
Can I nominate someone who has passed away?
Yes. We also welcome information about Community Heroes who have passed away during the past year so their contribution can be acknowledged and remembered.
I’m not sure if my nomination is suitable. Who can I ask?
Please contact Cr Glenn Tozer’s Division 9 Office at division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
We’d much rather you ask than miss the opportunity to recognise someone deserving.
