Traditionally, the awards showcase people within the community who inspire and work tirelessly to help improve the lives of locals in so many different ways.
Mayor of Sutherland Shire Steve Simpson said the initiative had been made even more significant this year due to the ongoing challenges that have come about due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added:
“As we have and continue to face many challenges in our community, the continued positive contributions of residents who are striving to make our community a better place – in good times and in challenging times – is even more special.”
Simpson said many community groups and residents had gone the extra mile to help others, and the awards provided a chance to acknowledge and commend them for their efforts.
The 2022 awards will see a fifth and new category introduced for Young Environmental Citizen, and the return of categories for Environmental Citizen, Community Group, Young Citizen and Citizen of the Year. The introduction of the new award was described as very exciting by last year's winner of the Environmental Citizen category Sarah-Jo Lobwein, a marine scientist.
Often, flyer printing campaigns and local media coverage has helped to spread the word about important awards such as these.
Nominations for the awards will be accepted until October 20.