We're calling on Wollongong to shine a light on our extraordinary residents and nominate those who are making a difference in our city.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Australia Day Awards, which recognise and celebrate the remarkable people who call our city home. The annual awards highlights efforts in a range of categories including Arts and Culture, Sports, Innovation, and Diversity and Inclusion.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said it's more important than ever to recognise the tremendous efforts of our residents, especially through these unprecedented times.
"We can agree 2021 is not how we imagined it, but our community have continued to support and help each other through this time, and often it's the little things that fly below the radar that can make a big difference," Cr Bradbery said.
"These awards are a perfect opportunity to highlight these extraordinary people and their positive impacts on Wollongong - whether that be through their creativity, leadership, innovation or inspiration."
Nominations for the 2022 Australia Day Awards cover nine categories, including Community Group of the Year and Wollongong to the World Award, and are open until 15 November 2021.
"With the diverse categories, we ensure we cover the range of individuals and groups who continue to excel in their field, give back to their local community and have strong connections to the city," Cr Bradbery said.
"The Wollongong Australia Day Awards is a highly valued tradition, so if you know someone or a local group who go above and beyond for their community, I strongly recommend you put them forward.
"And don't forget, anyone who is nominated for an individual category is automatically considered for the 'Citizen of the Year' Award."
Previous winners of Wollongong's Citizen of the Year include Chaplain John Kewa in 2021, Geoff Phillips in 2020 and Dr Justin Yerbury in 2019.
