Now in its 22nd year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions in each state and territory across six categories: community, business, local government, government, school and photography.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said the Resilient Australia Awards were an opportunity to share inspiring stories of how communities have promoted resilience against disasters and emergencies.

"The ACT has confronted bushfires, storms and the COVID-19 pandemic and Canberrans have worked to prepare, respond and recover together," he said.

"I encourage everyone to nominate local initiatives that have made our community safer, more connected and better prepared for disasters and emergencies.

"This year a new mental health and wellbeing award has been added recognising the importance promoting the mental health of communities before, during and after a disaster."

The Resilient Australia Awards are managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and sponsored by the Commonwealth Government in conjunction with the states and territories.

Visit the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience website to make a submission: www.aidr.org.au/programs/resilient-australia-awards/