Nominate a local hero for the Newcastle Citizen of the Year Awards

Applications for nominations for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards are now being accepted.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year, within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual award program was a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Novocastrians over the past year.

“It’s been another challenging year as we emerge from a global pandemic that has left an indelible mark on our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Consider who among you has made a difference – it could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or local community group – and nominate them for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards.

“This is your chance to tell us whose efforts deserve formal recognition. It’s quick and easy and nominations can be submitted online.”

The 2023 award recipients, who will be selected by a panel and announced at an award ceremony in January, will join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Citizens of the Year Paralympians Lauren Parker and Kurt Fearnley OAM, and Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong, who is a finalist in the 2023 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.

Representing Newcastle and Australia in the green and gold at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships, para-triathlete Lauren Parker said the 2022 Citizen of the Year title was an honour to carry.

“I was proud to be crowned Citizen of the Year and to represent Newcastle on the world stage,” Miss Parker said.

“I love competing and to do so with the full support and recognition of my hometown means so much to me, especially when facing obstacles and challenges along the way.

"I’m so happy that I can show to the people of Newcastle that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I hope that my sporting success has brought hope to many people of the community.”

Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear until 5pm Friday 25 November 2022.

Nominees will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin, and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.