Sat. Nov 16th, 2024

Tamworth Regional Council is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Tamworth Regional Sports Awards and Local Legends Awards.

These award events shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, contribution and dedication, that define our local legends and achievers. 

The Tamworth Regional Sports Awards celebrate the champions in our community with categories recognising individuals and teams in: Junior and Senior Sports Stars of the Year, Coach of the Year, Junior and Senior Sports Teams of the Year, Sports Development, Ken McKenzie Award for services to sport, Cara Hickson Award for special achievements, and the Local Achiever Award. There is also the Tamworth Olympic Honour Wall and Tamworth Regional Sporting Hall of Fame for those that meet the criteria.  

Tamworth Regional Council Sport and Recreation Development Officer Richard Willis says “Tamworth is lucky to have a prominent sporting culture and exceptional facilities with opportunities for people to excel. These awards are a perfect way to recognise the outstanding achievements that our community has made”. 

The Local Legends Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to the community in categories such as: Volunteer of the Year (youth and adult), Access (business, community or individual), Community Inclusion, Sustainability, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. These awards celebrate the tireless efforts of those who contribute to our community in diverse and impactful ways. 

Tamworth Regional Council Coordinator Events and Operations Michaela Stevens says “Every year, we are amazed by the incredible nominations we receive showcasing the widespread dedication within our community. I encourage people to nominate as it is a great way of honouring those who go above and beyond to make our community better”. 

Ensure that your sporting champions receive the recognition they deserve by nominating for  the Sports Awards before 5pm, Tuesday 15 October at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/sports awards and nominating for the Local Legends awards before 5pm, Thursday 17 October,  2024 at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/local-legends

Individual Awards 

Junior Sports Star of the Year – Nominees must be 17 or under as at 14 October 2024

Senior Sports Star of the Year – Nominees must be 18 or over as at 14 October 2024  

Cara Hickson Special Achievement – The award honours a person, club or team for a sporting achievement made under exceptional circumstances or being involved in an out of the ordinary sport. 

Ken McKenzie Services to Sport – Recognises services by volunteers and administrators for any length of time. This may be cumulative over a number of years or for a significant event/activity during the eligible period. 

Local Achiever – Open to all ages for achievements made at a local level either in a single performance or over a season. 

Coach of the Year – For those who have excelled in sports coaching. 

Team/Club Awards 

Junior Sports Team of the Year – All team members must be 17 or under as of 14 October

Senior Sports Team of the Year – At least half of the team must be 18 or over as of 14 October

Sport Development Award – May include sport promotion, growth, facility development, events, admin/service improvements, education by a club/organisation. 

Honours Awards 

Tamworth Olympic Honour Wall – Nominees must have represented and/or been selected for Australia in a playing or coaching capacity, in a competitive sport at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. 

Tamworth Regional Sporting Hall of Fame – Nominees must have represented and/or been selected for Australia in a playing capacity, in a competitive sport at a senior* level that is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, the AIS or any other national body.

Local Legends Awards Criteria 

Access Awards – For building an accessible and inclusive community through removing basic environmental barriers for people living with a disability. 

Volunteer of the Year Award – Recognises both the time and commitment of individuals to volunteering and their community 

Excellence in Sustainability Award – Recognises the contribution of an individual or community group in championing sustainability in the Tamworth LGA. 

Excellence in Performing Arts Award – Recognises an individual or community group who has worked to champion excellence in the performing arts and has actively made a difference to deliver excellence in the performing arts. 

Excellence in Visual Arts Award – Recognises an individual or community group who has worked to champion excellence in visual arts and has actively made a difference to deliver excellence in visual arts. 

Community Inclusion Award – Recognises an individual or community group who has worked to champion inclusion in our community e.g. developed new/innovative ways of making the community more inclusive or advocating to increase inclusion. 

Gift of Time Recognition – Gift of Time recognises the total amount of hours volunteered with a group or organisation and the amount of registered volunteers an organisation or group has. All submissions made in this category will receive recognition if they meet the criteria. 


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