Released 03/03/2026
When disaster strikes, it’s the quiet work done long before an emergency that often makes the biggest difference.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 ACT Resilient Australia Awards, giving Canberrans the opportunity to recognise the individuals, organisations and projects that help keep our community safer, stronger and better prepared.
Managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, the Resilient Australia Awards feature a range of categories, including community, schools, government, business, local government, mental health and wellbeing, and photography.
Winners from each state and territory progress to consideration for the national awards.
Individuals and groups working on projects related to risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery or community‑level resilience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Nominations close 2 June 2026. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.aidr.org.au/raa
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the awards gave Canberrans the opportunity to celebrate the talent, collaboration and innovation that underpin preparedness for emergencies.
“From neighbourhood programs strengthening social connection to innovative research that transforms how we prepare for extreme weather, Canberra’s resilience is built year-round by people whose efforts often go unrecognised.
“As our city adapts to the increasing impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever that we celebrate and learn from the projects making a real difference across government, community, research and industry.”
Quotes attributable to Meg Taylor, 2025 ACT Resilient Australia Awards winner and project coordinator for Canberra Health Services’ Stormbirds Disaster Recovery Program:
“We were incredibly proud to receive the 2025 ACT Resilient Australia Award in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category for our project, ‘Promoting a shared disaster recovery approach for ACT’s children and young people’. Embedding this program across several services has created a strong network of support for children and young people impacted by natural disasters such as floods and bushfires.
“The program recognises grief as a natural response to change and fosters resilience in our youngest Canberrans. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when government and community services come together.”
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Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases