International Women's Day Awards and Event

The Cairns Regional Council’s International Women's Day Awards honours women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, serve as role models, and make a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in our community.

The winners will be announced at Cairns Regional Council's International Women’s Day Award Ceremony held on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

EVENT AND TICKETING INFORMATION

AWARDS INFORMATION

Nominations are now open, and we want to make sure everyone knows how to submit an eligible and impactful nomination.

Award categories include

• Woman of the Year (25 years and over, as of 1 January 2026)
• Young Woman of the Year (24 years and under, as of 1 January 2026)
• Women’s Recognition Award ($2,000 prize)

Nominees must be residents of the Cairns Regional Council area who, through their personal efforts, have made a significant contribution to the community.

NOMINATE NOW

How to nominate

To help your nomination stand out and be considered, please ensure that it:

1. Is at least 100 words long
2. Clearly aligns with the category criteria
3. Includes specific examples of how the nominee's actions relate to the category

Please note: nominators can only submit one nominee per award category.

Judging

Once nominations are closed, the judging panel will carefully review each submission.

• Cairns Regional Council may contact the nominator to verify details or request further information.
• If your nomination is ruled ineligible, Cairns Regional Council will notify you directly.

Eligibility

• Each nominee must be nominated in one of the three award categories, being either Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year or the Women's Recognition Award.
• Meet age requirements as specified above
• Nominees must reside within the Cairns Regional Council Local Government Area.
• Nominee's may be paid or unpaid workers. If paid, the nominees' achievements or contributions to the community must be above the core duties of their paid role.
• No self-nomination.
• Sitting State and Federal Politicians, Council Staff and Councillors, cannot be nominated for these awards.
• Nominations may not be made by a member of the 2026 awards judging panel.
• The nominee has not won an award in the same category in the past ten years.
• The winners will be announced at Cairns Regional Council's International Women's Day Event.

Categories and criteria

Woman of the Year (25 years and over, as of 1 January 2026):

• For those aged 25 years or older who live, work, volunteer or belong to a community group in the Cairns Local Government Area. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
• Contributes to the lives of women and girls in the Cairns community;
• Is an inspiration or role model to women and girls in Cairns community; and
• Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.

Young Woman of the Year (24 years and under, as of 1 January 2026):

• For those aged 24 years and under who live, work, volunteer or belong to a community group in the Cairns Local Government Area. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
• Contributes to the lives of women and girls in the Cairns community;
• Is an inspirational role model to women and girls in Cairns community; and
• Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.

Women’s Recognition Award ($2,000 prize):

• Open to all ages, for those who live, work, volunteer or belong to a community group in the Cairns Local Government Area. Demonstrates excellence in their chosen field;
• For women who have individual goals to contribute to the lives of women and girls in the Cairns community;
• Is an inspirational role model to women and girls in Cairns community; and
• Lives within the Cairns Local Government Area.