Who will be Albury’s next Citizens of the Year? Nominations now open
Who are the quiet achievers shaping Albury behind the scenes? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Albury Awards, recognising the people and groups making a real difference in our community.
Pictured: The 2025 Albury Citizen of the Year, Richard Hendrie, with Albury Mayor Kevin Mack
From volunteers and community champions to leaders, innovators and creatives, the Albury Awards thank those who give without expectation and provide winners with a platform to create lasting change.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the awards are about celebrating generosity and community spirit.
“Albury is full of people who put others first – often quietly, and without reward. These awards are our chance to shine a light on them, to say thank you and to inspire others to do the same.”
The eight award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Community Group of the Year
- Active Citizen of the Year
- Environmental Citizen of the Year
- Creative Citizen of the Year
This year’s Citizen of the Year, Richard Hendrie, said the experience is something he’ll never forget.
“Being nominated and then named Citizen of the Year was a complete and utter shock – you never really know what you do in the community is valued until you’re recognised. For me, it has opened doors to important conversations in Albury – helping to bring the Mental Health Commission of NSW here to hear the voices of people with ADHD.”
He said the award gave him a chance to connect with people whose stories often go unheard.
“I was able to meet with migrant communities, and people living with disability and mental illness. Their perspectives are vital, and sometimes we need to act on what we hear. That’s the power of these awards – they make invisible voices visible.”
Mr Hendrie is also urging the community to nominate.
“If someone inspires you, put their name forward. It could change their life – and it could change our city.”
Nominations close Monday 8 December and can be submitted via the AlburyCity website. Hard copy forms are available from the AlburyCity Kiewa Street office, Albury LibraryMuseum, Lavington Library and Council community centres.
The 2026 Albury Award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 25 January at the Albury Entertainment Centre.
Learn more and nominate someone deserving here: Albury Awards | AlburyCity