Tomaree Heroes is the brainchild of Nelson Bay Rotarian John de Ridder, who hopes to give community members who tirelessly donate their time and shun the spotlight an appropriate place for recognition.

"Similar to the Pride in Workmanship Awards, we would be identifying people in the community who are not just volunteers but are each an inspiration," Mr de Ridder said.

The idea came from a similar scheme currently run in Sydney.

Mr de Ridder, an economist, attended a seminar at Sydney Town Hall recently where a presentation of the city's heroes was shown.

Each slide featured a different person, complete with a photo of them undertaking the action which had made them a hero.

"I thought 'that sounds like a good idea' and discussed it with Rotary."

While still in the early stages of development, it is hoped people from all sectors of the Tomaree Peninsula would come forward and nominate a person they felt had gone unnoticed in their volunteering or their contributions to the local community.

Criteria would be formulated for the nominations, as would nomination forms.

Mr de Ridder suggested a special dinner and, where possible, an article in the Examiner highlighting the work the hero had undertaken would be the best way to celebrate those selected as Tomaree Heroes.

More discussions on the initiative will be held before the community would be invited to shine a light on their heroes.