Australia Day, Awards & Citizenship Ceremonies

The first step to apply for Citizenship is to contact the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 80 or visit their website.

Australian Citizenship Ceremonies

Citizenship Ceremonies fulfil the requirements under Australian Citizenship law and provide an opportunity for Mansfield Shire Council to officially welcome its new citizens. Ceremonies are conducted by the Mayor once citizenship has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs and can also be performed on Australia Day as part of our Australia Day Celebrations.

Enquiries regarding Australian Citizenship and the application process should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 80 or via their website.

Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Australia Day Celebrations and Citizen Awards

Australia Day Celebrations are held each year in Mansfield when our Citizen Award winners are announced. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony is also held during this event.

As part of our Australia Day Celebrations held 26 January each year, Council also presents Citizen Awards in five categories:

  • Citizen of the Year (28-65 years) - Presented in recognition of a noteworthy, honorary contribution in community service or for personal achievement, including sport.
  • Young Citizen (14-27 years) - For people up to the age of 28 years in recognition of outstanding achievement and contribution to the community, or for personal achievement.
  • Senior Citizen (over 65 years) - For people over the age of 65 years who have made a significant contribution to their community or for personal achievement.
  • Community Event of the Year - Presented to an individual, organisation or group in recognition of the event's valuable contribution in giving something to the local communities within the Shire.
  • Community Group or Organisation of the Year - Most outstanding group or organisation that has demonstrated  a high level of excellence and innovation and provided a significant impact on the town’s community.

Nominations for the 2027 Mansfield Shire Citizen Awards are now open.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Citizen Awards and will be accepted until 5pm on Monday 18 November.  Winners will be announced at the Australia Day Event on Tuesday, 26 January 2027 at the Botanic Park.

Categories for nominations are outlined above.  Details of the eligibility criteria are provided in the Nomination Form which can be downloaded from the link below, or collected from the Municipal Office or the Mansfield Library.  The form can also be completed and submitted online.  

Australia Day Citizen Awards Nomination Form 2027 ( PDF , 294.68 KB )

Nomination forms can be submitted via the following options:

  • By post: Australia Day Awards, Mansfield Shire Council, Private Bag 1000, Mansfield, 3724
  • Via email: australiadayawards@mansfield.vic.gov.au
  • Hand delivery to the Municipal Office, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield
  • Online form (accessed via the above link)
List of past recipients ( PDF , 1.04 MB )

Details of what's planned for Australia Day 2027 will be available on the Mansfield Victoria's High Country website events page in December.

For further details, contact Council's EA Mayor and CEO on 5775 8555.