Australia Day & Community Awards
Derwent Valley Community Awards – Nominations Now Open
The Derwent Valley Community Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who help make our community a wonderful place to live, work and connect.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? Perhaps they volunteer their time, support local initiatives, inspire others or make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the Derwent Valley.
Now is your opportunity to recognise their efforts!
Nominations are now open, and we encourage community members to put forward the people and groups who deserve to be celebrated for their dedication, achievements and contributions to our community.
How to nominate
Complete the Community Awards nomination form and tell us about the person or group you are nominating, the contributions they have made and the positive impact they have had on our community.
Derwent Valley Community Awards Nomination Form (PDF)
Derwent Valley Community Awards Nomination Form (WORD)
Nominations close: Midnight Sunday 22nd November 2026
Further details regarding the Awards will be announced in due course (due to Australia Day Grant outcome and Caretaker period).
Help us celebrate the people who make the Derwent Valley a better place for everyone.
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What a day it was! With perfect weather, a fantastic location and a buzzing atmosphere, our community truly showed up to celebrate Australia Day together.
Council was proud to host the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, celebrating the individuals and groups who make the Derwent Valley such a special place to live.
We were also honoured to be joined by our Australia Day Ambassador, Stephanie Trethewey, Tasmania’s Australian of the Year 2024. Stephanie addressed the crowd with a moving and inspiring speech, delivered with warmth, confidence and authenticity, sharing powerful reflections on community, connection and the importance of supporting one another, particularly in rural and regional areas. Her words resonated deeply and were a highlight of the day.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award Recipients:
Citizen of the Year: Stacey Aldous Young Citizen of the Year: Holly Vagg Senior Citizen of the Year: Pat Gillhespey Volunteer of the Year: Kirsten Kearney Sports Person of the Year: Alex Bailey Community Event of the Year: Derwent Valley SES "Halloween House"We also acknowledge and congratulate all nominees:
Tomas Blackwell Carol Wilson Tarrant Derksen Nicola Rouleston New Norfolk Cricket Club
Front Row: Stephanie Trethewey, Holly Vagg, Pat Gillhespey, Stacey Aldous, Alex Bailey, Mayor Michelle Dracoulis
Back Row: Derwent Valley SES and Kirsten Kearney
Previous Award Recipients
| Year | Citizen of the Year | Young Citizen of the Year | Senior Citizen of the Year | Sportsperson/Group/Team | Community Event of the Year | Volunteer of the Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Stacey Aldous | Holly Vagg | Pat Gillhespey | Alex Bailey | Derwent Valley SES "Halloween House" | Kirsten Kearney |
| 2025 | Mark Lusted | Nic Kaiser | Julie Triffett | Aydan Bailey | - | |
| 2024 | - | Montanna Ward | Irene Barnes | Nayte Ackerley and Tyler Zabel and New Norfolk Cricket Club | Rotary - Derwent Valley Autumn Festival | |
| 2023 | Justin Benson | Jamie Brown | Margaret Cranney | Tyler Benson | - | |
| 2022 | Kerry Kievit and Adrian James | J'Khobi Bone | - | Ailie Morgan | - | |
| 2021 | Vanessa Fletcher | Tahlia Zabel | Geoff Williams | Kady Morgan | Banjo’s New Norfolk “Give Me 5 for Kids” | |
| 2020 | Craig Youd | Kady Morgan | John Geraghty | Anna Blackwell | 2019 Relay for Life | |
| 2019 | Martyn Evans | Alesha Moles | - | Lauren Banks (Junior) and New Norfolk Cricket Club (Team) | New Norfolk Christmas Group | |
| 2018 | Paul McMaster | Perri King | - | Matthew Byrne (Person) and New Norfolk Under 17 Women’s Football Team (Team) | Derwent Valley Suicide Awareness Group | |
| 2017 | Lexia Brown | Emma Browning | - | Madison Shaw (Young) and New Norfolk Rowing Club Under 21 men (Team) | Magra Fire Brigade Quiz Night | |
| 2016 | Joanne Radkewicz | Shakira Bone | - | Tyron Bailey (Young) | Fairview Primary School Association "Taste of Fairview" | |
| 2015 | Kerryn Bone | Ellie Hayton | - | Hannah Mann (Young) Ricky Duggan (Person) New Norfolk District Football Club (Team) | New Norfolk Anzac Day Services | |
| 2014 | John Simpson | Daniel Coppleman | - | Daniel Groom (Young) and New Norfolk Fire Brigade Competition Teams (Team) | Elsie Rayner New Norfolk Can Hope Cancer Support Group events | |
| 2013 | - | - | - | Luke Gilbert (Young) and New Norfolk Rowing Club (Team) | - | |
| 2012 | Johnny Kava | Jamie Molan | - | Kelly Graham | New Norfolk Can Hope Cancer Support Group | |
| 2011 | Sandra Hetherington | Lisa Clark | - | Matthew Byrne (Young) and New Norfolk Rowing Club (Team) | - | |
| 2010 | - | - | - | - | Launch of Tyga FM, Derwent Valley | |
| 2009 | Jacky Whitehead | - | - | Stan Harrex (Person) and New Norfolk Rowing Club (Team) | - | |