Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025.

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.

“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region. They are the people and groups making positive contributions to our local community,” Ms Smith said. 

There are five categories for the awards including Volunteer, Young Person, Senior Citizen, Community Groups and Community Life. 

Nominations for the five award categories open 26 August and close on 27 September 2024. 

All winners, including the overall winner who will be named Citizen of the Year, will be announced at an awards ceremony in January 2025. 

The 2024 recipient of the Council’s Citizen of the Year Award was 18-year-old Matthew Blakemore. Ms Smith said Matthew was awarded the honour, for his work in building greater awareness around the needs of young people with a disability.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the awards often highlight achievements by unsung heroes across the region while encouraging excellence and community spirit. 

“The Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards are an important touchstone for our growing community, showcasing and celebrating individuals and organisations who enrich our region.

“I am calling on residents and businesses to explore the five award categories and nominate a local Coastie or local group making our Central Coast community an even better place to live,” Mr Hart said.

To find out more about the awards and lodge a nomination, visit Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025.