Waverley Community Awards

Local Hero Awards

The Waverley Community Awards recognise the people and groups in our community who are passionate about making a difference and dedicated to making Waverley a special place to live. Held every two years, these awards connect those in our community by celebrating a shared spirit of generosity and the desire to help others.

Awards categories include:

  • Strengthening Community: Recognises the important and inspirational work of an individual in the area of community services, wellbeing and community safety.
  • Community Life: Recognises an individual that has made a valuable contribution to the community through the fields of sport, arts, recreation or culture.
  • Working Together: Recognises the outstanding work and contribution of a community group.
  • Second Nature Champion: Recognises an individual who has made a significant voluntary contribution to environmental sustainability.
  • Youth Award: Recognises the great efforts of a young person aged 12–24 who has inspired others in the Waverley community.

Community Leader Award

Waverley Council acknowledges outstanding and sustained contributions to the community through the Community Leader Award.

This award is bestowed at Council's discretion, to a winner of the Waverley Community Awards when it is determined that they exceed the below criteria in a significant way.

The Community Leader Award recognises individuals that have:

  • Demonstrated a significant and lasting contribution to the community over an extended and significant period of time;
  • Made a positive impact on the community;
  • Earned recognition by other groups, and the respect of peers; and
  • Exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to other

Things to consider before nominating

  • All award nominees must live in the Waverley LGA, and/or have served the Waverley community.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted, however community groups may be nominated by a member of that group.
  • Nominations are only for voluntary contributions and achievements, apart from the ‘Strengthening Community’ award, where nominations will be accepted for professionals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions beyond their paid role.
  • Awards will not be granted posthumously, with the exception of the Community Leader Award, which may be granted posthumously to those that have passed away within the last four years.
  • Current serving Waverley Councillors, full-time Council staff, Sitting State and Federal Politicians and current Vice-Regal Officers are not eligible.
  • Previous award winners are ineligible for nomination in the same category.
  • Nominees for the Youth Award must be under 25 years of age on 31 December of the year prior to the Awards taking place.

  • Nominations will be reviewed by an appointed judging panel. The panel’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • Consideration is given to nominee’s achievements and ongoing contribution to the community.
  • Selection of recipients is based on the information available to the judging panel at the time of judging.
  • After reviewing the nominations, the judging panel will make a recommendation to Council for endorsement.
  • After Council has endorsed the award recipients, those how have made nominations will be notified of the outcome of their nominations.
  • You may be contacted for further information if necessary.

  • Council reserves the right to change the category if deemed appropriate.
  • Unsuccessful nominations may be carried over to the following year if requested or nominated again in subsequent years.
  • Award winners will be considered for the Best of the Best Award, which is awarded every four years.
  • Council reserves the right to withdraw an award if further information or the recipients conduct draws the award into disrepute.

  • Nominations will remain confidential and only award recipients will be publicly announced.
  • All nominees will receive confirmation of receipt of application and notice if they have been successful or not.

Subscribe to the Waverley Weekly for updates. For more information, email connected@waverley.nsw.gov.au or call 9083 8916.

Stay in the loop

Find out about opportunities and events by subscribing to Council’s newsletters.


Subscribe now

Quick links