In a year where community spirit and support has been especially important, it is only fitting that the 2020 awards will recognise residents who have supported others during the challenging COVID-19 times.

Port Stephens Council has now opened nominations into the 2020 Port Stephens Annual Awards. The winners will be named on Australia Day in January.

"If you know someone who has given back to their community or done something extraordinary during this particularly difficult time, show them you care by nominating them today," the council's community development and engagement coordinator, Amber Herrmann, said.

"The annual awards are a great way to show someone you appreciate the contribution they make to our community.

"This year, we're seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Freeman of Port Stephens, the Port Stephens Medal, Sportsperson of the Year, Cultural Endeavour and Environmental Citizen of the Year."

Environmental advocate and Plastic Free Port Stephens founder Alicia Cameron was named the 2019 Port Stephens Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day celebrations in Raymond Terrace in January.

Raymond Terrace junior rugby league coach and mentor Tasmyn Fellows was named Young Citizen of the Year.

Sportsperson of the Year went to Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Union all-rounder Dion Cooper; Rhys Fabris secured the Cultural Endeavour Award; Nigel Waters claimed the inaugural Environment Award; Mambo Wanda Wetlands Reserves and Landcare Committee collected a Port Stephens Medal, as did Seaham Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Donald "Steve" Jones and Kenyon Windeyer from Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network.

Mr Windeyer collected his medal four months before his death in May.

For her commitment and service to several volunteer groups in Port Stephens, function coordination and fundraising, Corlette's Lorraine Nicol was inducted as a Freeman of Port Stephens.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer asked residents nominating members of the community in the 2020 awards to recognise those who have supported others during this challenging time.

"2020 has been a tough year for many and I think it's more important than ever to recognise and celebrate those local heroes who have gone above and beyond to support our community. Whether it's volunteering, supporting others, being a role model or excelling in their own field - we want your nominations for the people who make Port Stephens great," he said.

Nominations close on November 30.

To nominate a person in the Port Stephens Annual Awards, and for category parameters, head to: portstephens.nsw.gov.au/live/community/community-awards.

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