Liberty Family Church has called on the public to put forward nominations for the National Day of Thanks Local Hero Awards.
Coordinated by Liberty Family Church, and supported by Central Coast Council and Gosford Business Improvement District, the awards recognise local heroes who work to improve the community.
The focus for the 2017 Local Hero Awards has been volunteers in police, emergency services and trade sectors, although anyone who performs an act of service will be considered.
Event coordinator, Ms Deborah Warwick, said it was a chance to give back to those who consistently went above and beyond to help others.
“It could be people in emergency services or police or the trades, like the guys up on the poles in the storm trying to get the power back on, or it could be people who work on preserving the sand dunes,” Ms Warwick said.
Now in its fifth year, the awards have seen steady growth, reflecting community interest and the area’s social cohesion.
Ms Warwick said there were about 25 heroes at the first ceremony compared to more than 40 at last year’s ceremony.
She said: “It’s really great to see the community getting behind it and coming out to support their heroes.”
Past winners of the awards included police officers, charity workers and community volunteers, but Ms Warwick said the awards were open to anyone.
“It can be for the person in the community who is just always doing good deeds,” she said.
Kim Jones, senior leader at Liberty Family Church, also called for the public to nominate a local hero.
Ms Jones said it was a great chance for the community to show their gratitude and appreciation.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate a person in either of these groups,” she said.
“It’s our chance to say thank you and honour you for what you do.”
Winners of the awards will be presented with a certificate of honour at the National Day of Thanks Free Family Fun Day and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 27, at Kibble Park, Gosford.
Nominations can be lodged online at libertyfamilychurch.com.au or nomination forms can be collected from Imperial Centre, Gosford, or from Liberty Family Church, Erina Street, Gosford.
Nominations close at 5:00pm on May 12.
Source:
Media release,
Apr 7, 2017
Kim Jones, Liberty Family Church
Interview,
Apr 13, 2017
Deborah Warwick, Gosford Business Improvement District
Tynan King, journalist