Nominations are now open for the 2024 Australia Day Awards to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of local residents, community groups and events.
Each year Council acknowledges special individuals and event organisers who make a difference in our community across several award categories.
This year will see a new category introduced - Community Group of the Year and for the first time ever the Outstanding Achievement Award is open to non-Australian Citizens.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said there are plenty of unsung heroes in our community that deserve an accolade.
“Wherever I go, I am constantly taken aback by the many people who are doing incredible things in our community. Now is the time for friends, family and colleagues to nominate these very special people and have them recognised for their efforts in making the Northern Beaches an amazing place,” Mayor Heins said.
“This program is really about honouring those individuals or groups at a grass root level who make a difference and impact our lives. If you know someone like this, then nominate them now.”
This year’s seven award categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years or older)
- Young Citizen of the Year (under 25 years)
- Outstanding Community Service
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
- Community Group of the Year
The 2023 Citizen of the Year, Rachel Jackson from Belrose, said the awards are a great way to recognise ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community.
“I’m so grateful for being nominated and recognised as Northern Beaches Citizen of the year,” Ms Jackson said.
“I believe that each one of us in our community can play a valuable part to help those who are less fortunate or have no family support. Nominate someone who’s different, who goes unnoticed, who believes in what they do and follows through with what they say.”
To nominate someone or an event you believe is worthy of a tribute or for more information, visit Council's website. Nominations close 30 October 2023.
The awards will be presented in a ceremony to be held on 25 January 2024.