Locals who have gone above and beyond to serve our community will be recognised with the announcement of the 2021 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards.
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The awards will be announced on the morning of Tuesday, January 26.
This year our national day focuses on the theme of our collective story, and with new chapters being written every day, it allows us all the opportunity to reflect on our nation, our achievements, and most importantly our people.
A total of 17 nominations for this year's award categories were received with 11 citizens and six community groups being nominated across five categories.
Young Citizen of the Year nominees are Blake O'Connor, Luke Meier-Smith, Molly Kemp and the Senior Citizen of the Year nominees are Gordon Gray, John Eggert and Phyllis Hollis.
Judy Love and Susan Baker are in the running for Environmental Citizen of the Year and the Community Group of the Year nominees are the Fellowship of Australian Writers Port Macquarie-Hastings, Friends of Mrs York's Garden, Port Macquarie Rotary Club, NSW RFS Lake Cathie Brigade, The Hastings Education Fund and Wauchope Show Society Ltd.
The Citizen of the Year nominees are Ellen Crepaz, Lisa Willows and Robyn Rawson.
Mayor Peta Pinson is pleased all nominees are receiving well-deserved recognition for their contributions.
"There are so many in our community who give so much, and ask for so little in return," Cr Pinson said.
"Without these dedicated and passionate people, our community would lose the spirit that makes our region a wonderful place to live in... our people, our mateship, our culture, and giving everyone from all walks of life a fair go."
Recipients of Australia Day Awards will be announced during the official ceremony at the Glasshouse, commencing at 9.30am.
Those wishing to attend this free event will need to reserve a ticket by calling or dropping into the Glasshouse customer service desk.
The event will be streamed on YouTube for the greater community.
The ceremony is a part of a greater calendar of COVID-safe activities and celebrations planned for Australia Day.
The calendar of events kicks off with Hastings Summer Waves. Head to Westport Park from 8am to enjoy a day of entertainment, featuring some of our best local talent, including a Bee Gees tribute band.
There's plenty on the agenda including seated live entertainment, comedy shows, magic shows, market stalls, arts and crafts booths, and tasty food stalls.
After you've enjoyed the sunshine and entertainment, cool down at one of the Australia Day pool parties at Laurieton Pool and Wauchope Pool.
If you're daring enough to try something new, join the Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders for a "come and try" day.
For those feeling a little more chilled, look out for the marine display floating along the Hastings River and the market stalls in Town Green.
Vessels from our Maritime Museum, Flamin' Dragons and Marine Rescue will be on our beautiful Hastings River between 10am and 2pm.
Due to COVID NSW Health regulations, bookings are essential for all planned events, excluding the marine display, as numbers are strictly limited.
Book your tickets and find out more about the Australia Day events at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay.
For more information about our Australia Day Award nominees, head to pmhc.nsw.gov.au/AusDayNominations.
For more information on the ceremony livestream, head to pmhc.nsw.gov.au/AusDayLivestream.
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