Nominations open for Newcastle Citizen of the Year Awards

City of Newcastle is giving the community a chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Novocastrians as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Nominations are now open for the annual accolade, which honours locals who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in the community during the past 12 months.

Individuals and groups can be nominated across various categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Freeman of the City.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the easy online process to nominate someone who deserves to be recognised for their achievements and contribution to the community.

“The Citizen of the Year Awards provide us with a unique opportunity to acknowledge people in our community who have shown remarkable dedication and resilience,” Cr Kerridge said.

“These awards allow us to celebrate their contribution to Newcastle's spirit and wellbeing, from tireless volunteers and inspiring leaders to young advocates and dedicated community groups.”

In 2024, the Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Professor Nathan Bartlett for his pioneering research into respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Professor Bartlett reflected on receiving the award for his innovative work, which has significantly contributed to improving health outcomes both locally and globally.

“I was honoured to receive the Citizen of the Year award on behalf of my dedicated research team and everyone who has supported our work,” Professor Bartlett said.

“It was humbling to join the ranks of such remarkable Novocastrians who have come before me, and I look forward to seeing the next Citizen of the Year continue this legacy of community contribution.”

Previous recipients have also included Olivia Hughes, who received Young Citizen of the Year for her exceptional volunteer work and charitable fundraising. Senior Citizen of the Year went to Professor Julie Byles, a health advocate and influential researcher on women and older Australians.

LIVEfree Project was recognised as the Community Group of the Year for their work in promoting wellbeing through community programs like Thrive Dental and Shine Bright.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull encouraged the community to nominate a friend, neighbour or colleague who they want to acknowledge.

''Novocastrians are known for being good-willed and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who truly embodies that spirit," Cr Pull said.

"This award is about formally recognising those among us who make a meaningful difference, often without the daily recognition they deserve."

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open and can be submitted online via the City of Newcastle website. Hardcopy forms are available at the City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre. The deadline for nominations is 5pm, Friday 6 December 2024.

Award recipients will be selected by a panel including the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, and previous award winners, and announced at a ceremony in January.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear.