Phil Hafey has used his status as the current Port Macquarie-Hastings Citizen of the Year to push for more nominations in the youth category of the 2018 awards.
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The Laurieton-based volunteer – who wears numerous hats at any one time – said the younger demographic deserved to be recognised for the work they do in the community.
“I would encourage people to nominate in and for the youth category in the Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year award sections,” he said.
“We have a lot of youth who do a tremendous amount of great work in this community.
“I believe they deserve to the recognised in these awards.
“There are a lot of things happening around youth – and organised by youth – that does not currently get recognised by the wider community.”
Mr Hafey said he would like to see that change.
He praised the annual Australia Day awards as being ‘grassroots and connected to community’.
He said the vast majority of individuals and groups nominated are directly involved in projects that make this community a better place to live.
“When I was named Citizen of the Year I said that I was honoured and humbled to receive the award but it was on behalf of everyone who volunteers and who helps make our area a better place,” he said.
“We need to acknowledge what people are doing and the contributions they make.”
Mr Hafey accepted that you don’t volunteer to be rewarded. However, he said, it is nice to be recognised.
”And it is very easy to make a nomination too,” he added.
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards.
We need to acknowledge what people are doing and the contributions they make.
- Phil Hafey
Award categories include the Young Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of Year.
“There are so many people within our community doing wonderful things every day, often with little praise or thanks,” council director Jeffery Sharp said.
Council are encouraging the community to help find our local unsung heroes, whoever they might be, and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.
“It’s important that we take the time out to nominate and showcase the achievements of people who dedicate so much of their own time to benefit others across our region,” Mr Sharp said.
“Council looks forward to seeing which remarkable Port Macquarie-Hastings residents are nominated in 2018, and encourages everyone to take the opportunity to recognise and reward an outstanding group or individual this year,” added Mr Sharp.
Award recipients will be announced at the Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Award Presentation which will be held at the Glasshouse on the evening of Thursday January 25, 2018.
Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday November 30, 2017.
All nominees must be Australian citizens and live, work or study in the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area. Nominations can be submitted at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards
