The awards program celebrates Australian-wide initiatives that foster community resilience to natural disasters and emergencies such as bushfires, floods, and cyclones.
Call for nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Resilient Australia Awards, celebrating 27 years of showcasing resilience initiatives across the country.
Individuals, community groups, schools, local governments, businesses and government agencies are invited to nominate projects across seven award categories.
The Resilient Australia Awards recognise and promote efforts that make communities safer, more connected and better prepared for natural hazards.
If you have a program or initiative that should be nationally recognised and promoted, consider nominating – winners from each state and territory will also be in the running for two National Awards.
Nominations are accepted until 11.59 pm AEST on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
For more information and to nominate, visit the Resilient Australia Awards website.
About the awards
The Resilient Australia Awards recognise and promote outstanding efforts that strengthen community resilience to disasters and emergencies. Each year, the program highlights initiatives that make communities safer, more connected and better prepared for natural hazards such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and severe weather events.
Past successful projects have included activities spanning the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery spectrum — such as community engagement programs, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, education and training, mitigation work, and research that improves resilience outcomes.
Submissions for the 2026 program must relate to projects or initiatives that commenced after 1 January 2024, or demonstrate significant outcomes or enhancements since that date.
There are seven award categories to showcase efforts that enhance the community’s collective preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. Consider nominating projects or initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to building resilience and meet the eligibility criteria within the following categories:
- Business Award: private sector and businesses, including tertiary colleges and universities.
- Community Award: communities, community-based or focussed organisations, and non-government organisations.
- Government Award: State and Federal Government agencies.
- Local Government Award: local governments and local government associations.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Award: projects focussing on the mental health and wellbeing of Australian communities, before, during, and after a disaster.
- Photography Award – People’s Choice: open to individuals and groups. Please note submissions require copyright holder’s permission.
- School Award: public and private preschool, primary, and secondary schools.
If the project spans three or more states or territories, enter directly into the Resilient Australia National Award category.
For projects crossing two states or territories, choose a lead jurisdiction when entering.
Further information on the program structure and submission requirements are contained in the award guidelines.
The Resilient Australia Awards is proudly sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with the states and territories and managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR).
If you have further questions, please email resiliencerecovery@dfes.wa.gov.au
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