City of Parramatta is calling on residents to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for the Parramatta community with nominations now open for the 2025 Citizen of the Year awards.
Each year, the awards recognise achievements in education, sport, community engagement, business, art and culture, environmental care, leadership, civic responsibility, volunteering, acts of kindness or noteworthy contributions from individuals and community groups.
Locals can nominate across four categories including Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year - in honour of David Shakespeare OAM and Community Group Award.
City of Parramatta chief executive Gail Connolly PSM said the awards recognise individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
"These awards recognise our everyday local heroes who have dedicated their time and effort to making our City a better place to live and enjoy," Ms Connolly said.
"So many of our community put others first, and this is a chance to acknowledge and honour their excellence.
"If you have a friend, family member, colleague or know someone or an organisation who has gone above and beyond in Parramatta, I encourage you to submit a nomination."
This year's Citizen of the Year recipient, Julie Crane, a community football champion bringing together players from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity and a shared love for the sport, said she was humbled by the recognition.
"Being awarded Parramatta's Citizen of the Year was so important to me and Melrose Park FC volunteers," Ms Crane said.
"It gave us the opportunity to showcase what we do in our community and the difference we try to make in people's lives.
"We get to share what we do with the hopes others can learn from it and be inspired make a positive change.
"That's why nominating your local hero is so important, it's your opportunity to be the example."
Volunteers interested in being a part of the judging panel to help assess, review and select award recipients for each of the categories can submit an Expression of Interest by 5pm, Tuesday 8 October 2024.
Award recipients will be announced at a ceremony in January next year in the lead up to our Australia Day celebrations.
Nominations close 5pm, Wednesday 13 November 2024.
