Central Coast Council is seeking nominations for the Australia Day 2020 Awards, which recognise individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the prestigious awards honour local leaders who go the extra mile in a range of different ways.

“Our coast-wide Australia Day awards are an opportunity to recognise members of our community who make a real difference,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Australia Day nominees and winners are often unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make the Coast a better place to live.”

The 2020 Award categories are:
 
Arts, Culture and Entertainment 
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form and made a significant contribution to arts, culture and entertainment on the Coast.

Business Connecting Communities
Awarded to a local businesses or enterprises with less than eight fulltime employees that has established a genuine involvement and long-term value to the life of their community.
 
Community Service and Activity
Awarded to an individual or group responsible for creating community activities or services that benefit the Coast. 

Environmental 
Awarded to an individual who is leading the way in sustainability and making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.

Sportsperson of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has shown acts of sportsmanship and team building, been an outstanding sportsperson or made significant contributions as organisers or promoters of sports on the Coast. 

Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to an individual (26 years and over) who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our local community. 

Youth of the Year 
Awarded to an individual (25 years or under) who has succeeded in his or her chosen field, acts as an inspiration to his or her peers and has made a significant contribution to the Coast community.

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

Mayor Lisa Matthews said she encourages all community members to nominate individuals and groups who are worthy of the honour of a Central Coast Australia Day Award.

“We all know someone who make the Central Coast a better place – by the work they do for others and their vision and passion for our community,” Mayor Matthews said. 

“These awards provide the opportunity to celebrate that contribution.” 

Nominations open Monday 30 September and close Friday 8 November 2019.

For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards