Australia Day Awards

2026 Winners

2026 Citizen of the Year - Robb Evans

Robb Evans founded Liv’s Legacy in honour of his daughter, Olivia, who died from anorexia nervosa at 15. Robb has turned grief into action, securing over $56 million for eating disorder research and treatment programs, including hospital-in-the-home services and therapy dog programs at Alfred Health and Monash Children’s Hospital. His advocacy helped Australia legislate a minimum social media age of 16, and he represented the nation at the UN General Assembly to promote global protections. Robb’s work has transformed care for families and influenced national policy. Robb was also nominated for 2026 Australian of the Year (Sept 2025). His courage and determination continue to create lasting change.

2026 Citizen of the Year Nominees

• Brijal Parikh 

• Caroline Roff 

• Coral Belrost 

• Kim Thomsen 

• Lisa Ann Hicks 

• Moira Eveleens 

• Queyea Tuazama 

• Robb Evans

• Renuka Vijayakumaran 

• Stephen Paul Hicks 

• Sonya Boloski 

• Vanessa Kewish 

2026 Senior Citizen of the Year Winner - Maureen Timms

Maureen Timms has been an outstanding volunteer with Palliative Care South East since 2012, contributing more than 150 hours through the companionship program. In 2025 alone, she dedicated at least 30 hours to supporting clients and the palliative care team. Maureen consistently goes above and beyond, taking on extra clients and offering exceptional care and support. Her commitment extends beyond PCSE as she also volunteers with Relay for Life, Monash Casey, and St John of God, reflecting her deep dedication to community service. Even while taking a short pause after the passing of her last client, Maureen continues to inspire through her generosity and positive example. Her compassion and selflessness make her a true role model and a deserving nominee for Senior Citizen of the Year.

2026 Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees

• Maureen Timms
• Merle Mathisen 
• Ted Godwin 

2026 Young Citizen of the Year Winner - Eliza Owen

Eliza Owen has shown exceptional dedication to her community through volunteering with the Emerald SES and CFA. From a young age, Eliza supported logistics and welfare during major storms—even when her own home was destroyed. Officially joining SES at 15, she quickly became a trusted team member, assisting with storm response, flood recovery, landslides, and community engagement. Her calm leadership during the February 2024 storm, where she played a critical role in a rescue operation under extreme pressure, demonstrates her resilience and professionalism. Eliza has earned her CFA five-year service award and is recognised as a youth leader in Emerald and Cockatoo. She achieved all this while completing VCE and recovering from the loss of her family home in the 2021 storms. Eliza’s strength, positivity, and commitment make her an inspiring role model for young people. 

2026 Young Citizen of the Tear Nominees

• Eliza Owen
• Keilah Joy Dewar 
• Priyansh Parikh 

2026 Community Event of the Year Winner - Emerald Arts Society Annual Art Exhibition

For 55 years, the Emerald Arts Society has hosted its Annual Art Exhibition, a highlight of the local calendar. Held over the Cup Day weekend at the Emerald Hills Hub, the exhibition showcases works from adults and young artists through to its “Next Generation” section supporting young and emerging artists. Featuring paintings, sculpture, drawings, and mixed media, the event attracts entries from across Victoria and interstate, giving emerging and established artists the chance to display and sell their work. Supported by Cardinia Shire grants and local business sponsorships, the exhibition includes categories for different mediums and age groups. A dedicated committee spends six months preparing for the show, which features more than 200 exhibits and draws over 400 visitors across four days. This long-standing event celebrates creativity and strengthens community connections through art.

2026 Community Event of the Year Nominees

• Emerald Arts Society Annual Art Exhibition
• Officer Community ANZAC Day Dawn Service 
• Sing for Unity 

Nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards are closed

 The award categories are:

• 2026 Citizens of the Year
• 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year
• 2026 Young Citizen of the Year
• 2026 Community Event of the Year

Nominations for our Australia Day Awards are closed. 

You can find out more information about nominating for an Australia Day Award on our Nominate for an Australia Day Award page. 

Nominations for the Australia Day Awards usually open from around August/September and close around October/November each year. 

Council promotes the opening of nominations on our website, social media platforms and in our publications. Find out more online at News, Publications and Media. 

Previous Australia Day Award winners

See more previous years’ Australia Day Award nominees and winners at:

• 2025 Australia Day Award winners
• 2024 Australia Day Award winners
• 2023 Australia Day Award winners
• 2022 Australia Day Award winners
• 2021 Australia Day Award winners