Nominations are now open for Newcastle’s 2019 Australia Day Awards.
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The awards, announced during the city’s Australia Day celebrations, recognise the people that go above and beyond for the community.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city was looking for inspirational role models to be nominated for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year.
“These awards recognise an individual's or group's outstanding achievements and contribution to the community for the past year,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This could be in the arts, science, engineering, sports or any other field of endeavour.
“The aim is not just to award people with high profiles - we also want to hear about the quiet achievers who work tirelessly and often thanklessly to make the world a better place.”
Mark Hughes, a former Newcastle Knight and creator of a foundation that has raised more than $1.75 million for brain cancer research, collected the 2018 Citizen of the Year award.
Previous winners include Newcastle refugee advocate Sister Diana Santleben, Paralympian Kurt Fearnley, and former University of Newcastle Chancellor and clinical psychologist Professor Trevor Waring.
University of Newcastle student Irini Kassis was named the city’s 2018 Young Citizen of the Year after representing Australia at the International Model United Nation in London, leading the UN Equity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women committee.
NOVA for Women and Children was named community group of the year in 2018 for its work with women at risk of homelessness.
Nominees must be residents of the Newcastle local government area, Australian citizens and must be turning at least 16 years of age in 2018.
Community Group of the Year nominees can be from outside the LGA, but in exceptional circumstances.
“Nominating someone is simple, so we want to see as many worthy people as possible nominated and considered for these annual awards,” Cr Nelmes said.
A panel of judges will consider each nomination on its merits.
The awards will presented at a ceremony on January 26, 2019.
Hard copy nomination forms can be downloaded from City of Newcastle's website and can also be completed and lodged online.
Nominations are open until 5pm on Monday, November 19.
