We are seeking Expressions of Interest from local residents to fill community representative positions on the 2026 Australia Day Awards Assessment Panel.
The Australia Day Awards celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions from local residents and events each year.
About the Assessment Panel
The purpose of the Australia Day Awards Assessment Panel (the Panel) is to provide independent advice to Northern Beaches Council on the assessment of Australia Day Award Nominations.
The Panel will provide comments and scoring for eligible nominations and determine the final list of Award recipients to be presented by Council for the 2026 Australia Day Awards in accordance with the 2026 Guidelines and Criteria.
Membership of the Panel comprises 5 community members. One of these 5 positions will be offered to the current Citizen of the Year (2025). In addition, 2 staff members will serve as non-voting facilitators of the panel.
Assessment Panel Member Responsibilities
All members of the panel have an obligation to meet the responsibilities of the role outlined on page 2 of the Terms of Reference.
Key Dates & Time Commitment
- Expression of interest period: 8 September – 17 October 2025
- Successful applicants notified: By 29 October 2025
- Panel members complete individual online assessments of all nominations(1): 5 November – 26 November 2025
- Assessment Panel Meeting (Dee Why Council): Monday 1 December 2025, from 4.30pm
(1)A 3-week period is provided to review what is estimated to be up to 60 nominations.
Fee Paid to Panel Members
Panel members are paid a fee of $250, recognising the contribution required to complete all tasks including review of applications, scoring, Panel meetings and other relevant business required by the Panel.
Appointment
Submissions will be assessed by Northern Beaches Council staff in accordance with the Appointment of Community and Stakeholder Representatives to Council Committees Policy.
Close Friday 17 October 2025, midnight
Contact information
For more information please contact volunteers@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or phone 8495 6564