Northern Beaches residents are being urged to celebrate the achievements of the finest citizens and events in their community by nominating those high achievers in the 2022 Australia Day Awards.
Each year Council recognises the outstanding contributions from local residents and events in six categories.
Mayor Michael Regan said despite all the challenges we have faced over the last 12 months, there are plenty of examples of amazing contributions to our community.
"There is no denying we have some extraordinary people on the Northern Beaches. Year after year I am blown away by the talented people that surround us.
"This is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on those people who have led by example, those unsung heroes who go above and beyond to ensure that our community is engaged, safe, progressive and a great place to live.
"It could be a friend, workmate, someone at your sports club or community group, a great event you attended or someone you know doing great work serving the community - nominate them now.
"The Australia Day Awards is a way we applaud amazing individuals who have served their community and have achieved incredible things," Mayor Regan said.
No one more deserving of acknowledgement is recipient Christian Barwell from Collaroy who took out this year's top honours receiving the Citizen of the Year award.
In May 2020, Christian co-founded the organisation Up & Over - a new service that aims to provide group based social and recreational activities for people living with disabilities on the Northern Beaches.
Christian, while very humble said the program aims to build and foster meaningful relationships between participants and provide activities packed with excitement and fun.
"I think a lot of people who win these awards are kind of in the same boat; they don't go out to win an award and there's such an awesome team and support network behind me that deserve a lot of credit.
"This was a great opportunity to get Up and Over out there, show what we do, and work towards our overall aim of a more accessible society," Christian said.
Now is the opportunity to recognise, nominate and show our appreciation to those who inspire and make a difference to our local community.
The 2022 Northern Beaches Council Australia Day Awards categories are:
· Citizen of the Year
· Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years and over)
· Young Citizen of the Year (under 25 years)
· Sportsperson of the Year
· Community Event of the Year
· Outstanding Community Service Award
