Nominate them in the 2021 Port Stephens Annual Awards.

Port Stephens Council is calling on the community to nominate "local heroes" who have "supported or inspired others, shown leadership or excelled in their field" as part of awards.

Announced on Australia Day, the awards are an opportunity for Port residents to recognise those who have made an important contribution to the community.

"Port Stephens is full of amazing people, and we pull together when times are tough. In the past year alone, we've dealt with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and been impacted by a natural disaster," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"These awards are a way that we can say thanks to those people who support us, lead us, inspire us and make us proud.

"Whether it's a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a coach, a volunteer or someone doing great things for our community - we want to hear about them."

In the 2020 awards, announced in Medowie on Australia Day in January, Raymond Terrace community stalwart and long-time Rotarian John Chambers was named Port Stephens' 2020 Citizen of the Year while Nelson Bay basketball coach Dan Howard claimed Young Citizen of the Year.

ALSO READ: Australia Day 2021: Praise for Port's top citizens

Eleven community members and groups were recognised in the 2020 awards.

Port Stephens Medals for distinguished service to the community were awarded to recently retired Raymond Terrace Fire and Rescue captain Dennis Peters, Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth president John de Ridder, Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Andrew Smith and Medowie Girl Guides.

Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Nelson Bay rugby union star Maya Stewart.

The Cultural Endeavour was awarded to Kay Newton and Peter Robinson, who prior to relocating to New Zealand, volunteered on many projects and contributed to historical education in the area. This included starting the Step Back Into King Street Heritage Festival.

The Environmental Award was won by Sea Shelter founders Lia and Ryan Pereira for their work with the not-for-profit marine conservation, research and rescue organisation.

The 2021 award categories are: 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.

Nominations will close 11.59pm on Sunday, October 31.

For more information and to nominate, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/awards

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