Welcome to AFF
BobH
There are awards for 20000 miles or less, but none of much use from Australia.
Fly Smart economy awards within europe are only 15,000 miles but can only be booked between 2 weeks and 4 days of travel.
Upgrades within south-east asia on LH are only 10,000 or 15,000 miles (depending on class).
Upgrades within europe on OU and JP (and LO, LH and OS excl within Poland, Germany and Austria) are only 10,000 or 15,000 miles (depending on class).
Upgrades within US, Canada, asia or oceania on UA are only 10,000 or 15,000 miles (depending on class).
There's a 3000 mile discount for booking award online. But currently only LH, LO and OS award flights can be booked online (I think SQ and NH are being added soon).
Did you know you can also buy up to 10,000 miles (currently 20% bonus)? Or if SEN or HON status (I'm guessing not as your miles are due to expire) you can go into overdraft.