The Committee is keen to receive more nominations for all categories.

The NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards, proudly supported by Australia Post, will be presented on Australia Day Monday 26 January 2009 at an official ceremony in Urunga Public School. The Awards recognise outstanding achievement and service to the Bellingen Shire community.

Thanks to the generous support of Australia Post, the 2009 Bellingen Shire Citizen of the Year will be presented with a Commemorative Stamp Sheet featuring their photograph. Produced exclusively by Australia Post for the occasion, the Stamp Sheet will be a lasting memento of their achievement.

Young people have an opportunity as well to be recognised for their community work or their sporting prowess.

Awards are made in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Nominations can be made on forms being distributed throughout the Shire and are available from the Council Offices, Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo Libraries or the Secretary on 66559997 or can be downloaded from www.intercomp.com.au/australiaday.

Nominations will be accepted without a form provided they give the name, address and age (if under 18) of the person being nominated as well as the names and addresses of the two signatories to the nomination. Attach a page of why the person is being nominated and which category you are entering. Nominations will be accepted until 21 November and should be sent to Bellingen Shire Australia Day Committee, PO Box 569 Bellingen NSW 2454.