MEDIA RELEASE - Nominate your local champions for Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year awards

The selfless contributions and stellar achievements of some of the Sutherland Shire’s unsung heroes are once again set to be recognised, with nominations now open for Sutherland Shire Council’s annual ‘Citizen of the Year’ awards.

Local residents are once again being called upon to nominate the groups and individuals that have made a difference within our community, with this year’s awards set to take on an added dimension to recognise some of the outstanding sporting achievements of local residents.

For the first time Council will present awards for the Sports Citizen of the Year and Young Sports Citizen of the Year, in recognition of the strong sporting culture which is such an integral feature of life in the Sutherland Shire.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said that these awards play an important role in acknowledging and praising the outstanding efforts and achievements of people throughout our community.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for unsung heroes and inspiring individuals to be given the credit and recognition they deserve and we need your nominations to make this happen,” Mayor Pesce said.

“I’m calling on local residents to get involved and nominate the people who make a difference in our community – it might be a family member, friend, volunteer, community group, sports star or mentor who has made a positive impact in your life or the lives of those around them.

“This year, we are thrilled to expand the scope of these awards to honour the extraordinary talents and dedication of our local sportspeople. Getting out and getting active is such a pivotal feature of life here in the Sutherland Shire, so it’s only fitting we recognise some of the amazing sporting talent our region produces.”

As part of Council’s program of awards, honours will be given to local residents nominated in the following categories:

  • Citizen of the Year: Awarded to a Sutherland Shire citizen who has made a significant impact on our community with distinguished performance or outstanding contributions during 2024.
  • Young Citizen of the Year: For citizens aged 25 or younger who have become role models through distinguished performance or outstanding contributions during 2024.
  • Community Group of the Year: Recognising organised community groups based in Sutherland Shire whose services have enhanced local community wellbeing during 2024.
  • Environmental Citizen of the Year: For individuals or groups steadfast in advocating for environmental change and achieving significant environmental milestones in 2024.
  • Sports Citizen of the Year: Celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements in sports by a Sutherland Shire citizen.
  • Young Sports Citizen of the Year: For young athletes (25 or younger) whose sporting achievements and contributions have made a significant impact.

“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,” said Mayor Pesce.

Nominations are open until 14 October 2024, with award winners to be announced on 26 January 2025. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/local-hero