Recognise our unsung heroes: Local Legends Awards open

Published on 31 January 2025

Surf Coast Shire Council is calling for nominations for its 2025 Local Legends Awards, seeking to recognise and celebrate unsung heroes who are making positive differences in our community.

The 2025 awards introduce four categories for nominations: Community Commitment and Community Impact awards for individuals, and Community Inclusion and Volunteer Excellence awards for groups.

Cr Paul Barker encouraged people to get nominations in before the 15 March deadline.

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

“Their contributions are significant and our Local Legends program seeks to celebrate them in fitting way. Each of 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.

“Help us acknowledge and celebrate a community contributor you know by nominating them as a Local Legend.”

Nominations are open 1 February to 15 March. People can find category details and make nominations via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends. People can also phone 5261 0600, or visit Council’s civic building at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.

Categories for individuals:

• Community Commitment Category. Pays tribute to dedicated and passionate individuals with a sustained and substantial record of commitment to people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in the Surf Coast Shire.
• Community Impact Category. Celebrates people whose community contributions have made a remarkable difference for people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Surf Coast Shire. This can include people who are innovators, leaders, pioneers or whose contributions have helped improve outcomes or supported important changes.

Categories for groups:

• Community Inclusion Category. Celebrates diversity and inclusion in community programs to enhance support for people, a community, group, or cause in Surf Coast Shire.
• Volunteer Excellence Category. Recognises a community group, organisation or committee which shows overall excellence in the way it contributes to the community, organises, and creates impact for a chosen cause.
  
  

Local Legends will be named, and all nominees celebrated, during a Council event in May celebrating National Volunteer Week. Local Legends will also be celebrated through Council’s communication channels including website, print and social media.