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GOPIO AWARDS

The GOPIO Awards celebrate the achievements, dedication, and impact of individuals and organisations of Indian origin who are making a difference. These awards recognise excellence across community service, business, youth leadership, professional contributions, and cultural engagement.

Each award category highlights the values of inclusion, innovation, resilience, and service, reflecting the spirit and diversity of our growing Indian-Australian community.

Whether it’s a young changemaker, a dedicated frontline worker, a successful entrepreneur, or a lifelong community volunteer—GOPIO honours those who inspire, uplift, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Let us come together to recognise the people who embody leadership, compassion, and cultural pride in everyday life.

Award Categories

AWARD CATEGORY

Business Excellence Award

This award celebrates business owners, entrepreneurs, or enterprises of Indian origin who exemplify innovation, ethical practice, and community contribution. The honoree will have achieved professional success while upholding values that support local economic development and cultural engagement.

Nominees may also be recognised for initiatives such as mentoring young professionals, supporting multicultural events, offering job opportunities, or philanthropic contributions that positively influence the broader community.

Youth Excellence Award

This award highlights the outstanding achievements of a young individual under 25 years old who has shown exceptional promise in their field — be it academics, leadership, the arts, sport, science, innovation, or social activism.

The ideal recipient is someone who uses their talents to lead by example, raise awareness, promote culture, or contribute to social good. This is a chance to recognise emerging changemakers who represent the next generation of Indian-Australian leaders.

Excellence in Service Award

This award honours professionals of Indian origin who demonstrate dedication, integrity, and exceptional performance in service-based roles, including but not limited to: Healthcare, Education, Public service and administration, Hospitality and tourism, Retail, construction, and trades.

These individuals often go above and beyond in their roles, embodying a strong work ethic, compassion, and commitment to quality service that uplifts both individuals and communities. This award shines a spotlight on the everyday heroes who represent Indian-Australian values in the workforce with pride.

Community Impact Award

This award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to serving the Indian and multicultural communities in Far North Queensland.

Whether through organising events, volunteer work, advocacy, mentoring, or establishing platforms for inclusion, the recipient has made a measurable difference and continues to strengthen social harmony, empower voices, and build cultural bridges. The honouree is someone who inspires others through actions and initiatives that enhance wellbeing and foster belonging.

Friend of India Award

This unique award is open to individuals, organisations, or community groups who are not of Indian origin but have made a significant impact in supporting, promoting, or collaborating with the Indian community.

Recipients may include educators, media professionals, local leaders, cultural institutions,Community Leaders, Volunteers,or businesses that have shown genuine friendship, solidarity, or partnership with the Indian diaspora. This award celebrates those who help to foster deeper intercultural understanding, advocate for inclusion, and champion the richness of Indian heritage in Far North Queensland.

Fill up the form to Nominate for an award

Award Category

Please choose an award category for nomination
Community Impact Award
Business Excellence Award
Excellence in Service Award
Youth Excellence Award (Under 25)
Friend of India Award (Open to non-Indians)

Nominator Details (Your Details)

Nominee Details (Whom you are nominating)

Referee Details

Nomination Statement

Please describe why you are nominating this person or organisation. You may include:

  • Their achievements and contributions

  • Impact on community/industry/youth/culture

  • Years of service or dedication

  • Unique qualities that make them a role model

  • Any relevant outcomes, awards, recognitions, or innovations

  • Minimum 150 words, maximum 500 words

  • You may also attach supporting documents (PDF, photos, resume, news articles, etc.


I declare that the information provided in this nomination is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have read, understood, and agree to abide by all the rules and eligibility criteria outlined for the GOPIO Awards.

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GOPIO Awards - Official Rules & Guidelines

The GOPIO Awards are designed to honour outstanding individuals and organisations who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and service within the Indian and multicultural communities of Far North Queensland. Please read the following rules carefully before submitting your nomination.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nominees must be Australian residents.

  • Nominees for Youth Excellence Award must be under 25 years.

  • Nominees for the Friend of India Award must not be of Indian origin but must have significantly supported Indian culture or community.

  • Nominees for other awards must be of Indian origin.

  • Self-nominations are permitted but must include one referee.

  • Executive team of GOPIO Cairns Inc are not eligible.

Nomination Rules

  • Each person or organisation may only be nominated for one category.

  • Each nominator may submit multiple nominations, but a separate form is required for each nominee.

  • Nominations must include a detailed nomination statement (150–500 words) outlining why the nominee is deserving of the award.

  • Supporting documents (photos, articles, letters of support, etc.) are encouraged.

  • Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered.

Judging & Selection

  • All nominations will be reviewed by an independent judging panel appointed by GOPIO Cairns Inc.

  • Judges will assess nominations based on:

    • Relevance to award category

    • Impact and contribution

    • Innovation or leadership

    • Alignment with community values

  • The decisions of the judging panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes.

Important Dates

  • Nominations Open & Close: To be Announced in social media post

  • Winners Announced: At the Cairns Indian Festival 

 Awards Presentation

  • Award winners will be recognised on stage during the official program.

  • Winners will receive a commemorative trophy and official certificate.

  • Winners may be asked to participate in post-event media, interviews, or future community programs.

General Conditions

  • By submitting a nomination, the nominator agrees to allow GOPIO Cairns to use the content and any accompanying media for promotional purposes.

  • All information provided will remain confidential and used only for award selection purposes.

  • GOPIO Cairns reserves the right to withdraw an award if any information provided is found to be false or misleading.

Submit your nomination at: www.gopiocairns.org.au
Contact us at: gopiocairns@gmail.com

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