The City of Newcastle Community Awards and the Newcastle Australia Day Awards recognise individuals and organisations for service to Newcastle and the broader community.

Community Awards

The Newcastle Community Awards recognise outstanding effort and achievement by Newcastle individuals or community groups.

There are three levels of awards including the Freeman of the City, the City of Newcastle Medal and the Service Award.

Nominate for  2012 City of Newcastle Community and Australia Day Awards (144 kb) - Nominations close on Friday 12 October 2012.

The Community Awards recipients will be announced in November 2012 and the Australia Day Awards will be announced on Australia Day 2013.

The 2011 awards were presented on Tuesday 29 November 2011. Find out the 2011 award recipients.

Freeman of the City

The honour of Freeman of the City is awarded to individuals who have provided the highest level of service. It may be awarded for achievement and service to Newcastle, Australia or humanity. The award dates back to ancient times, when an exceptional person was recognised and given privileges that extended beyond the law. That is, they were given the “run of the City” and hero status.

Past award winners have been rewarded for outstanding achievement in such areas as teaching, volunteering to help the sick or disabled, scout leaders and environmental activities.

The award is generally limited to one per year while some years the award is not given.

City of Newcastle Medal

The City of Newcastle Medal is awarded to individuals, organisations or groups for service of a high degree to Newcastle and its citizens. A person not resident in Newcastle may be awarded an honorary medal. This category is limited to five awards each year.

City of Newcastle Service Award

The City of Newcastle Service Award is awarded to individuals, organisations or groups for service to a specific field of activity. This category is limited to 15 awards each year.

The goals of the Community Awards are to

• show appreciation for the service, commitment, effort and achievements that make a difference to the lives of people in Newcastle
• acknowledge community service - from quietly serving the needs of others or caring for community spaces through to heroic acts that bring fame to Newcastle
• celebrate community participation and community spirit and
• honour and recognise people and groups whose contributions, large and small, have made them role models for other Novocastrians.

Australia Day Awards

The awards recognise achievement in the fields of arts, sport, the environment, community service, career, or sustainable development.

Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year is presented to the individual judged to have made the most outstanding contribution in any field to Newcastle.

Young Citizen of the Year

The Young Citizen is presented to the individual under the age of 27 years who has made the most outstanding contribution in any field to Newcastle.

Community Group of the Year

The Community Group of the Year is presented to the cultural, social, educational, environmental or sporting group which has made a significant contribution to the community as a whole or to a specific community.

For further information call 02 4974 2841.