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 2027 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 across 8 different categories, with the Ian J Cooper Access and Inclusion Award now joining the Community Awards Program.
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 Categories
The awards program features eight categories that reflect the diverse ways people contribute to our Shire and highlight the values that matter most to our community.
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.
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 who demonstrates sustained commitment, compassion, and positive impact within 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
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
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 following:
- 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.
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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
Ian J Cooper Access & Inclusion Award
This award recognise individuals, organisations, businesses or community groups that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving access, inclusion and participation for people with disability within the community.
Nomination criteria
The Ian J Cooper Award will be presented as one award category with one overall winner.
Nominations must demonstrate how the individual, business, organisation, service or community group has made an outstanding contribution to improving accessibility, inclusion and participation for people with disability across the Bellingen Shire.
This may be through improvements to physical accessibility, inclusive practices, services, programs, advocacy or innovative approach
Assessment Criteria
Nominations will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Demonstrated contribution to improving access, inclusion and participation for people with disability.
- Impact and Benefit: Evidence of meaningful outcomes, such as removing barriers, improving experiences, increasing participation or creating broader community benefits.
- Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership, commitment or initiative in promoting accessibility and inclusion, including advocacy, awareness-raising or influencing positive change.
- Innovation and Creativity: Creative, innovative or best-practice approaches that address barriers or create more inclusive opportunities for people with disability.
- Sustainability and Ongoing Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to creating lasting improvements and embedding accessibility and inclusion into ongoing practices, services or activities.
Contributions may include, but are not limited to, improvements to buildings, facilities, public spaces and infrastructure; inclusive events, programs and services; employment or education initiatives; community engagement; advocacy and awareness; or other initiatives that make the Bellingen Shire more accessible, inclusive and welcoming.
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. If the nominee does not reside in the Bellingen Shire, their contributions must clearly benefit the people, places, or communities of the Shire.
Nominations
- 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.
- Current Bellingen Shire Council Staff and Councillors cannot be nominated for an award.
- Unsuccessful nominees can be re-nominated in following years.
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.
Submit your nomination here
Please contact Council if you require a paper copy of the nomination form.
Community Awards Ceremony
Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 28 January 2027 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