Victorian Councillor Service Awards
The Victorian Councillor Service Awards recognise the contribution of Victoria's long-serving councillors and mayors.
Recipients will be recognised at the Councillor Service Awards Dinner on Thursday 22 October 2026 at Pullman on the Park, Melbourne. Tickets will be available from September 2026.
Nominations Now Open
Award nominations open Monday 27 July 2026 and close at 5.00pm on Friday 31 August 2026. Late nominations will not be accepted.
Years of Service Award
Recognises serving councillors who have completed:
- 10 years
- 15 years
- 20 years
- 25 years
- 30 years
- 35 years
of cumulative service as a councillor in Victoria.
Service may be accrued across more than one municipality and does not need to be continuous.
Mayor Emeritus Award
Recognises serving councillors who have completed three years (36 months) as mayor in Victoria.
A year as mayor means 12 months in office. Service may be accrued across more than one council and does not need to be continuous. This award may only be received once.
Service Awards Eligibility
- Eligibility is based on the service the nominee will have completed by the end of the 2026 council year.
- Approved leave, including parental leave, extended sick leave and leave to stand for political office, counts as service.
- Periods of suspension or stand-down do not count as service.
- Nominees must be currently serving councillors in good standing.
Recognition at the Awards Ceremony
- Some councillors and mayors reach their service milestone after the awards ceremony but before the council year concludes in November.
- To ensure timely recognition, awards may be presented on a conditional basis. The award becomes final once the milestone is reached and would only be withdrawn if the nominee ceased to hold office, or was suspended or stood down, before reaching the milestone.
How to Nominate for Service Awards
Nominations must be submitted via the form by a council officer, such as a Councillor Support Officer, Governance Officer or Chief Executive Officer. Councillors cannot nominate themselves.
Complete the online nomination form and attach all required documentation, including:
- Evidence of nomination endorsement and confirmation of service history from the councillor's or mayor's current council CEO
- Evidence of nomination endorsement and confirmation of service history from the CEO of any municipality where the councillor or mayor formerly served
- Evidence that the nominee consents to the nomination and use of their name and photograph as part of the awards program
- A professional headshot of the nominee (JPEG or PNG).
Nominations must be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 31 August 2026 via the online form.
- Incomplete nominations may not be considered.
- Email nominations will not be accepted.
- Late nominations will not be accepted.
What Happens After a Nomination is Submitted?
- The council contact/nominator will receive an acknowledgement email.
- The MAV will assess eligibility and advise the nominator of the outcome within two weeks of receiving a completed nomination.
- Successful nominees and nominating councils will receive information about registering for the Councillor Service Awards Dinner.
- Recipients unable to attend the Awards Dinner will receive their award via post to the relevant council postal address.
Councillor Service Awards Gala Dinner
Thursday 22 October 2026
Pullman on the Park, Melbourne.
Registrations for the celebratory awards dinner open in September 2026.