THEIR areas of interest include the environment, people with disabilities, charitable organisations, sporting clubs and children.
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And their selfless passion involves providing the creativity, expertise, nurturing and old-fashioned elbow grease to improve their community.
They are the nominees for this year's Lake Macquarie's Australia Day Awards and will be honoured in a ceremony at the council chambers on Monday, January 19, from 6.30pm.
Categories include Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year.
Mayor Jodie Harrison said each of the nominations was well deserved.
"All of the nominees are of a high standard, and it is very humbling to hear of their inspired, dedicated and selfless work," Cr Harrison said.
Citizen of the Year nominees:
■ Suzanne Pritchard, of Carey Bay, as president of Coal Point Progress Association, and a member of various other local groups, has dedicated her life to protecting and enhancing the natural environment for future generations.
■ Grace McLean, of Booragul, founded NFP Connect, a networking group that has had a profound effect in the non-profit sector.
■ Peter Meek, of Barnsley, has not let his personal battle with cancer distract him from his commitment to nurturing children to reach their full potential through his work as a soccer coach and swimming instructor.
■ Elizabeth Evans, of Belmont North, volunteers to help feed and clothe needy local families and co-ordinate events to help locals overcome hardship.
Young Citizen of the Year nominees:
■ Emily Ogden, 17, of Belmont, is an outstanding leader with Warners Bay Girl Guides.
■ Montana Rumore, 16, of Wyee Point, is a dedicated fund-raiser and an active advocate for the Morisset and Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show.
■ Kasey Brett, 21, of Croudace Bay, is a fulltime speech pathology student who volunteers to help people with cerebral palsy.
● The Lakes Mail is proud to support the 2015 Lake Macquarie Australia Day Awards - and to celebrate the achievements of the nominees.