Nominations for the Australia Day 2022 Awards are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise Central Coast individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the awards are more important than ever after a year of unprecedented challenges.

“An Australia Day nomination is a wonderful way to honour the local leaders who go the extra mile for our community,” Ms Vaughan said.

“There is no denying that the past few years have presented unprecedented challenges and in the midst of it all we’ve seen individuals and groups step up and make a difference in our community.

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

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Australia Day Awards celebrate the Central Coast’s diversity, values, national achievements and hopes for the future.

“We’ve demonstrated tremendous resilience as a community in 2021 and there are so many individuals and groups who deserve recognition,” Mr Hart said.

“The breadth of the Australia Day Award categories mean that a diverse range of contributions will be recognised, and I encourage the community to nominate the local heroes they believe should be acknowledged.”

The 2022 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 business or enterprise 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.

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

Nominations open Monday 11 October at 9am and close Friday 12 November at 2pm.

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

ENDS