Nominations Open for Newcastle Citizen of the Year 2025 Awards

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to recognise and celebrate outstanding local contributors through the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Nominations are now open for this annual honour, which acknowledges individuals and groups who have made a significant positive impact in the community over the past year.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year, and the prestigious Freeman of the City.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge encouraged residents to utilise the straightforward online nomination process to highlight those who deserve recognition for their achievements and community contributions.

“The Citizen of the Year Awards offer a special opportunity to acknowledge remarkable individuals in our community who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience,” Councillor Kerridge said.

“These awards allow us to celebrate those who enhance 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.

Reflecting on receiving the award, Professor Bartlett highlighted the collective effort behind 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 include Olivia Hughes, who was named 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’s and older Australians’ health.

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

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull encouraged the community to nominate friends, neighbours, or colleagues they wish to acknowledge.

“Novocastrians are renowned for their goodwill, and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who truly embodies that spirit,” Councillor 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. Hard copy forms are also available at the City Administration Centre. The deadline for nominations is 5 pm on Friday, 6 December 2024.

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

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit City of Newcastle – Citizen of the Year.