The nomination period for the 2023 Australia Day Awards has been extended – enabling more local people to be acknowledged for their community work.

Central Coast Council is encouraging locals to recognise individuals and groups who help make the Coast a better place to live, work and play, by nominating them for the 2023 Australia Day Awards.

Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said extending the closing date of Australia Day Award Nominations has been done to ensure extra time for individuals who contribute to our community.

“We appreciate that with the recent inclement weather, many community members have been busy looking after every-day things, including supporting those in need and may not have had time to nominate their peers,” said Ms Smith.

“In extending the nomination period from the 23 October to the 30 October we are hoping to provide the community with sufficient opportunity to nominate someone they know.

“This might be individuals who are leaders in the community, or who work quietly behind the scenes, to make the Central Coast a great place to live.”

Nominations for the 2023 Australia Day close Sunday 30 October 2022 at 5pm.

The 2023 Award categories are:

• Community Group Award
  Recognises the important and inspirational work of a community organisation, in community services, well-being and community safety.
• Community Life Award
  Recognises an individual that has made a valuable contribution to the community through the fields of sports, arts, culture, or environment.
• Volunteer Award
  An individual volunteer who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work within the community. Someone who has demonstrated outstanding service, commitment, and dedication to our local community through their volunteer work in a non-paid capacity.
• Young Person Award
  Recognising the outstanding contributions of an individual of 25 years of age or under who has made a significant contribution to the community. Someone who has achieved high levels in their field and acts as an inspiration and role model to their peers.
• Senior Citizen Award
  Recognising the outstanding contributions of an individual of 60 years of age or over who has made a significant contribution to the community.
• Citizen of the Year – Overall winner
  The Central Coast Citizen of the Year winner will be selected by the Selection Panel, based on merit, from the winners of each Award Category.

Each winner from the above categories will go into the running to be named Central Coast Citizen of the Year.

For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination, search ‘Australia Day Awards’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au