Being Australian means being a good mate. The type of person who is always first to step up, serve their community and help the people around them.

The City of Canterbury Bankstown acknowledges the hard work and contribution of five individuals and one organisation who demonstrate what being Australian is all about at the annual Australia Day Award ceremony.

Council encourages residents to think about a mate who continuously goes out of their way to make a meaningful impact in other people's lives and nominate them for an award this Australia Day.

It could be a volunteer at the sports club, a local GP or an amazing school teacher.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the Australia Day Awards are a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the local heroes who often fly under the radar.

“Being Australian is all about being a good mate and stepping up when needed,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“I know through my volunteering work, how many deserving people we have in our City. People from all walks of life who do what they do out of a commitment to help others and out of love.

“The Australia Day Awards are a great way to acknowledge these people and say thank you.”

Nomination categories include:

• Citizen of the year,
• Young Citizen of the year,
• Volunteer of the year,
• Organisation of the year, and;
• The Jack Mundey Environment and Heritage Award.

Council has also extended the 2024 Awards to include a sixth category called “Woman in the Community”.
The Woman in the Community Award acknowledges women across the City for their outstanding contribution, hard work and determination.

All nominees are reviewed and judged by the Canterbury‑Bankstown Australia Day Awards Selection Committee and consideration is given to the scope of impact their contribution has on the local area.

Nominations close midnight Friday 1 December 2023.

For more information on the awards, or to nominate a person, visit cb.city/AustraliaDayAwards