Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live—by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2026!

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.

“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region. They are the people and groups making positive contributions to our local community,” Ms Smith said.  

There are five categories for the awards including Volunteer, Young Person, Senior Citizen, Community Groups and Community Life.  

Nominations for the five award categories open 1 August 2025 and close 29 August 2025.

All winners, including the overall winner who will be named Citizen of the Year, will be announced at an awards ceremony in January 2026. 

Citizen of the Year Award for 2025 was awarded to Happiness Habits Inc for their support to women on the Central Coast that face social isolation, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said these annual awards celebrate and recognise those who enrich and serve our community.

“The Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards are an important touchstone for our growing community, showcasing and celebrating individuals and organisations who enrich our region.

“I am calling on residents and businesses to explore the five award categories and nominate a local Coastie or local group making our Central Coast community an even better place to live,” Mayor McKinna said.

To find out more about the awards and lodge a nomination, visit Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2026 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Image caption: Photo (L-R): Australia Day Awards 2025: Betty Brown (Senior Citizen Award), Happiness Habits Inc, represented by Leonie Hanna (Citizen of the Year Award), Paul Mikkelsen (Volunteer Award, joint winner), Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna, The Bikers Hand Inc, represented by Tony Davis (Community Group Award), Louise Chiekrie (Community Life Award), Derryck Klarkowski (Volunteer Award, joint winner), and Matilda Taylor (Young Person Award).