Some are household names in their communities. Others quietly get on with helping people, organising events or volunteering, expecting little more than a quiet ‘thank you’.
Now Tweed Shire Council is asking residents to nominate both the sung and the unsung heroes who make the region a better place, with nominations opening for the 2026 Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards.
The annual awards recognise outstanding contributions across seven categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Achiever in Community Service, Arts and Culture, Sporting Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Senior Volunteer of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
Mayor Chris Cherry said the awards were an opportunity to shine a light on the people whose efforts often went unnoticed.
‘Every day, individuals and groups across the Tweed work hard to strengthen our community, support local causes and improve the lives of others,’ Cr Cherry said.
‘The Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate their efforts and thank them for the positive impact they make.’
Among last year’s recipients was volunteer Amos ‘Moss’ Suthern, recognised for more than eight years with Tweed Palliative Support. His volunteer work includes delivering hospital beds and recliner chairs to help terminally ill people spend their final days at home.
‘To be nominated for this award in 2025 was something really special,’ Mr Suthern said.
‘But what I’m most gratified by is knowing that where I put my energies is beneficial to other people.’
Anyone can nominate an individual, organisation or community group, with nominations closing on September 25. The recipients will be announced as part of the Tweed’s Australia Day celebrations in January.
Nominate at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-
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