Nominations are open for Kiama Council’s annual Australia Day Awards, which celebrate the achievements and contributions of people and groups within our community.

Residents of the Kiama LGA with an outstanding and ongoing record of personal and community achievements are eligible to be nominated for the Citizen, Senior Citizen (65 years or over), Young Citizen (24 years or under), or Community Group of the Year.

If you’re unsure on who to nominate, take inspiration from last year’s winners.

Citizen of the Year 2022, Maria Baden, was nominated for her humanitarian work and efforts in inviting vulnerable migrant women and their families to her Gerringong farm.

The 2022 Senior Citizen of the Year went to Helen McDermott, for her many years of community work in her leadership roles at Ss Peter and Paul, and St Mary Star of the Sea, and especially her contribution to the Gerringong & District Historical Society.

Kiama High School student, Lara Farrell, received the Young Citizen Award as a member of the Makuta advisory board, a group that was recognised for its work in the 2021 Australia Day Awards.

Last year the Community Group of the Year Award went to WIRES Illawarra for their efforts in rescuing and sheltering native wildlife in the 2019/20 bushfire.

Nominations can be made here, and close 30 October.