Surf Coast Shire Council is looking for 2025’s Local Legends to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes making a positive difference in the community.
Award nominations opened on February 1, with awards available across four categories. Local Legends will be named, and nominees celebrated, during National Volunteer Week in May.
Councillor Paul Barker said people of all ages and walks of life can be nominated for the awards and encouraged people to get nominations by March 15.
“Each of the four awards categories aim to provide a fitting tribute to each of our nominated Local Legends,” he said.
“Their contributions are significant, and our Local Legends program seeks to celebrate them in a fitting way.
“Local legends contribute around us every day in countless, unrecognised and often selfless ways, helping our community in a variety of ways.
“Help us acknowledge and celebrate a community contributor you know by nominating them as a Local Legend.”
Award categories for individuals included Community Commitment, for people dedicated and passionate about the community, and Community Impact, for people whose community contributions have made a remarkable difference.
Categories for groups featured Community Inclusion to celebrate diversity and inclusion in community programs and Volunteer Excellence for groups showcasing overall excellence for community contributions.
Last year, Local Legend recipients were Claire Osborn for forming the Surf Coast Little Athletics Club, Hutch Hussein for helping people feel included, and Sue Saw for supporting children through their learning.
Matt Benson was also recognised for his volunteer work with the charity Ocean Mind, alongside Jules Haddock for helping manage mental health through art.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends for more information, find category details, and make nominations. People can also phone 5261 0600 or visit council’s civic building at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.
