Every community has unsung heroes, the people, groups and teams who go above and beyond to make Lismore a better place. Now is your chance to celebrate them!

The annual Australia Day Awards recognise those who inspire, care and contribute to our city in varied and extraordinary ways.

The 2025 Lismore Citizen of the Year was Neville Graham. He was honoured for his extensive volunteering with the SES, the Police Rescue Squad, and the Westpac Helicopter, accumulating over 40 years of service to the community. 

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said this is a chance to recognise our unsung heroes who put in many hours as volunteers to make our community a great place to live and raise a family.

“One thing that has always stood out to me is that our community is full of quiet unsung heroes,” he said.

“Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people in our community who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger, healthier community with no thought of personal gain.

“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for the work they do for our community, please nominate them.

“It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete an online nomination, so please get online before the deadline and nominate today.”

Award Categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Services in the Community (Individual)
• Services in the Community (Group)
• Junior Sportsperson
• Sportsperson
• Sports Team/Club
• Environment
• Arts/Culture
• Academic Excellence – NEW!
• Contribution to Economic Excellence – NEW!

Nominations close on Sunday, 30 November.

You can submit your nomination here: https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/.../Australia-Day-Awards.