MEDIA RELEASE - Nominate a local hero for the 2024 Sutherland Shire Community Awards
Sutherland Shire Council has been calling for nominations for its annual Sutherland Shire Australia Day Awards program, to shine a light on the incredible efforts of those in our community who advocate to improve the lives of many across Sutherland Shire.
Each year, the awards program highlights the remarkable contributions from individuals and groups who generously give back to the community through their work or volunteer efforts.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for unsung heroes and inspiring individuals to be given the credit and recognition they deserve.
“This is our community’s chance to nominate a family member, friend, neighbour, volunteer, community group, acquaintance, sports coach or mentor who has made a positive impact in their lives, or the lives of those around them, and is worthy of recognition,” Mayor Pesce said.
Categories include citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, community group of the year, and environmental citizen of the year, and residents are invited to nominate individuals and groups that embody the community spirit for which Sutherland Shire is best known.
“Over the past few years, it’s been incredibly inspiring to see many volunteers and community organisations remain steadfast on delivering services that initiate positive change in the lives of others.
“I’m especially keen to hear about our future community leaders, the trailblazing young people, 25 or younger, achieving great things in our community.
“These awards remind us of the importance of giving back to our community and by submitting a nomination you can help spotlight the extraordinary efforts displayed by many throughout our community,” Mayor Pesce added.
Council welcomes nominations in four categories:
Citizen of the Year is awarded to a Sutherland Shire citizen who has made a significant imprint on our community and achieved the most distinguished performance and/or made the most outstanding contribution to the Sutherland Shire during 2023.
Young Citizen of the Year is awarded to a Sutherland Shire citizen aged 25 or younger (as at 26/1/2024) who has become a role model for their peers by achieving the most distinguished performance and/or made the most outstanding contribution to the community during 2023.
Community Group of the Year is awarded to an organised community group based in the Sutherland Shire, whose services played a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of members of the local community during 2023.
Environmental Citizen of the Year is awarded to a Sutherland Shire citizen or community group who have remained steadfast on advocating for environmental change and accomplished significant environmental achievements in the local community during 2023.
Nominations are open until Friday 13 October via Council’s Join the Conversation page: go.ssc.nsw.gov.au/AusAwards23
Award winners will be announced on 26 January, 2024.