Surf Coast Shire seeks nominations for 2025 Local Legends Awards

NOMINATIONS have opened for the Surf Coast Shire’s 2025 Local Legends Awards.

Held annually, the awards program recognises and celebrates the community’s unsung heroes.

This year, the shire has introduced four award categories, two recognising individuals and two recognising groups, including organisations, committees and community groups.

The categories are:

• Community Commitment, which celebrates individuals with “a sustained and substantial record of commitment” to people, a group, organisation, community or cause
• Community Impact, which recognises individuals whose contributions have made a “remarkable difference” for people, a group, organisation, community or cause
• Community Inclusion, which celebrates a group for its inclusive community programs that “enhance support” for people, a group, organisation, community or cause, and
• Volunteer Excellence, which recognises a group that displays “overall excellence” in its community contributions, organisation and impact.

Cr Paul Barker encouraged residents to help acknowledge and celebrate those making a positive difference in the community by nominating them as a local legend.

“Local legends contribute around us every day in countless, unrecognised and often selfless ways, helping our community in a variety of ways,” he said.

“Their contributions are significant and…the four awards categories aim to provide a fitting tribute to each of our nominated local legends.

“People of all ages can be nominated, and we hope to see nominations of people from all walks of life.”

Nominations close March 15, with this year’s local legends to be announced at a celebration event during National Volunteer Week in May.

To nominate an unsung hero, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends

Nominations can also be made via phone on 5261 0600 or in person at the Surf Coast Shire’s civic building at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.