Celebrating our local heroes, and the contribution of our quiet achievers is at the heart of what makes our Shire the place we choose to live, work and play.
Council is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Community Awards Program, an annual celebration recognising the unsung heroes of the Bellingen Shire who work tirelessly to strengthen our community. Nominations are now open for seven categories, including three new awards – Arts & Culture, Environment & Sustainability and Community Impact Business– which better reflect our vision of a community that is connected, sustainable, and creative.
Award Categories are listed below, so we encourage you to submit a nomination form because there are so many people in our community who are doing great things, leading by example, and giving the most precious gift they can give, the gift of their time and attention to others. So, nominate today and celebrate someone you think is deserving in our community.
Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday 23 January 2026 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall. The community is invited to come along and celebrate our nominees and winners on the night: Reserve your seat here
Award Categories
Citizen of the Year
Outstanding contribution or achievement by an individual over the age of 25 (must be over the age of 25 prior to the date of the awards ceremony)
Nomination criteria
The winner will be an inspirational role model and display continued excellence in their field and in the community.
Assessment criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:
- personal, academic or professional achievements
- contribution in their relevant field
- demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
- personal interests and community involvement
- contribution to the development of the Bellingen Shire community and/or economy
- contributions being completed on a voluntary basis or exceeding the normal requirements of the nominee’s paid work.
Young Citizen of the Year
Outstanding achievement by an individual aged 25 years or younger (must be under the age of 25 prior to the date of the awards ceremony).
Nomination criteria
The winner will be an inspirational role model and display continued excellence in their field and in the community.
Assessment criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:
- personal, academic or professional achievements
- contribution in their relevant field
- demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
- personal interests and community involvement
- contribution to the development of the Bellingen Shire community and/or economy
- contributions being completed on a voluntary basis or exceeding the normal requirements of the nominee’s paid work.
Sport & Recreation Award
This award is for sporting or recreational achievements.
Nomination criteria
Outstanding achievement by an individual or group that has made a significant contribution towards the sporting or recreational achievements of the region.
Assessment criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:
- good practice in sport, being a positive role model in sport and recreation pursuits, innovative and inclusive programs or coaching of others
- for encouraging membership and/or participation
- contributing to the outstanding management or administration of sport or recreation activities
- participating in official sporting or recreational duties in a voluntary capacity
- promoting participation and the benefits
Home Grown Hero Award
Recognises individuals or groups whose dedication and service make a real difference in the lives of others.
Nomination criteria
The winner or winners will be an inspirational role model/s and display continued excellence in their field and in the community.
Assessment criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following
- Demonstrated achievement in community and/or Indigenous engagement, volunteering, skills development, innovation, or knowledge sharing
- Exceptional leadership, resilience, and role modelling that inspires participation and strengthens social connections across families, neighbourhoods, and/or organisations.
- Building community partnerships, fostering collaboration, and encouraging membership or participation.
- Activities that create meaningful short- and long-term benefits for community welfare, wellbeing, and/or inclusion.
- Longstanding contribution through volunteer service, including in emergency response or community support roles.
Arts & Culture Award
Celebrating the cultural and artistic spirit of our community. This award recognises individuals, groups, or organisations who make an outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the community.
Nomination Criteria
Nominations must demonstrate how the individual, group, or organisation has contributed to arts and culture within our community.
Assessment Criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the followin
- Excellence and innovation in arts, culture, or creative practice including history, arts, music, performance, writing or cultural practice.
- Positive impact on the community through engagement and participation.
- Contribution to preserving, celebrating, or sharing cultural heritage and diversity
- Leadership, mentoring, or collaboration with others in the arts and cultural sector
- Evidence of lasting impact or sustainability of initiatives
Environment & Sustainability Award
Outstanding achievement by an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability and/or the protection of our local environment.
Nomination Criteria
Nominations must demonstrate how the nominee has contributed to environmental protection or sustainability within Bellingen Shire, improving the wellbeing, resilience, and/or vibrancy of our community.
Assessment Criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following:
- Excellence and innovation in environmental protection, sustainability, or climate action, including conservation, stewardship, and/or practical solutions.
- Positive impact on our community through engagement, participation, and/or partnerships in environmental initiatives.
- Contribution to preserving, enhancing, and/or restoring our local natural assets, biodiversity, and/or sustainable resource use.
- Leadership, mentoring, and/or collaboration — inspiring or involving others in environmental and/or sustainability activities.
- Evidence of lasting impact, continuity, and/or measurable outcomes of environmental practices or projects.
Community Impact Business Award
Recognises a business that has made a significant positive contribution to the Bellingen Shire community and/or economy. This award celebrates businesses that go beyond their core operations to create meaningful positive social, cultural, economic and/or environmental impact.
Nomination Criteria
Nominations must demonstrate how the business contributes to the vibrancy, resilience, and wellbeing of the community, while operating in a sustainable and ethical way. This may be business to business and/or business to community.
Assessment Criteria
Demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following
- Demonstrated positive community, economic or social impact beyond the normal scope of business operations.
- Innovation, leadership, and/or creativity in addressing community, cultural, or environmental needs.
- Commitment to sustainability, ethical practice, and/or local economic development.
- Initiatives that foster inclusion, participation, and/or collaboration within the community.
- Nominations may be for one or more specific initiatives/projects and/or ongoing community contributions
Conditions of Entry - Please read before submitting your nomination
Conditions of Entry – Community Awards
- Eligibility
- Entries are open to all persons who are residents of the Bellingen Shire.
- Nominations
- Anyone can submit a nomination, but self-nominations are not accepted.
- Nominations can be made by an individual or organisation.
- Nominations must be made through the official channels, that is, Council’s online form.
- Multiple nominations can be made. There must be one form for each nomination.
- Closing Date
- Nominations must be received by the advertised deadline.
- Supporting Information
- Nominations should include enough detail to show why the person, group, or project deserves recognition.
- Assessment
- All nominations will be reviewed by the assessment panel.
- Award Categories
- Nominations may be moved to, or considered in, another category if the panel believes it is appropriate.
2025 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year
Winner: Sara Hankin
Highly Commended: Bruce Miller
Young Citizen of the Year
Winner: Willa Herron
Highly Commended: Raji Renshaw
Home Grown Heroes Award
Individual Winner: Magda Pomroy
Community Group Winner: Dorrigo United Hospital Auxiliary
Sport & Recreation Award
Winner: Bellingen High School U16 Girls Futsal Team
Highly Commended: Urunga Football Club
For more information on the 2025 winners and nominees see BSC 2025 Community Awards Honours Local Heroes and Achievements
Nominations Open
Nominations are open from Monday 29 September and close on Monday 10 November 2025.
Forms are also available in paper format at the Council Administration building and the 3 Shire Libraries (Bellingen, Dorrigo, Urunga).