Time is running out to nominate a community hero for the inaugural Central Coast Council 2017 Australia Day Awards.

These awards are open to anyone from across the Central Coast and include the chance to be named the first-ever 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 or the arts, culture and sport.

All too often this work goes unrecognised, and these Awards are about shining a spotlight on those who give back to the Central Coast 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

The Citizen of the Year will be selected from one of the winners of these 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.

To be eligible, applicants must be an Australian Citizen and live in the Central Coast Local Government Area.

Nominations must be received by 5pm, Friday 25 November 2016. See a Full List of Eligibility Requirements and Submit Your Nomination Online