Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their work in the community?

They may be the person who is always at the sportsground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur. Maybe they volunteer for a local charity or community group, or are a leader of young people in our community.

Say thanks by nominating them for an Australia Day Award.

For the first time, these awards are open to applicants from across the entire Coast who have the chance to be named the inaugural Central Coast Citizen of the Year.

The awards span seven categories, and are designed to showcase locals who have shown outstanding dedication to their community, their workplace, arts, culture or sport.

The Citizen of the Year will be selected from one of the winners of the categories and will display the highest level of skill, talent and service in their chosen field and act as a role model across all facets of the broader community.

The categories for the Central Coast awards include:

• Arts, Culture and Entertainment
• Business Connecting Communities
• Community Service and Activity
• Volunteer of the Year
• Environmental
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Youth of the Year
• Central Coast Council Citizen of the Year.

We are encouraging everyone to nominate someone they know who may be worthy of this prestigious honour.

If you know any unsung heroes who dedicate their time and energy to make the Central Coast a better place, now is the time to make sure they are rewarded for their efforts by putting in a nomination.

Entries open on Monday 10 October for the 2017 Central Coast Australia Day Awards. To be eligible, applicants must be an Australian Citizen and live in the Central Coast Local Government Area.

Nominate Someone for a 2017 Central Coast Australia Day Award

Nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday 25 November 2016.

Australia Day will be celebrated across the Coast on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 January 2017. Australia Day Eve celebrations will be held at Canton Beach and Kibble Park in Gosford, with Australia Day celebrations continuing  at Wagstaffe, The Entrance and Woy Woy.