Simply the best: Celebrating Maitland's "better than all the rest"

Maitland City Council is calling on the community to recognise and celebrate the people, groups, and organisations who make a difference, through its annual Awards and Recognition Program.

Nominations are open until Sunday 23 November 2025, at 11:59pm, with winners announced at the official Australia Day ceremony on Monday 26 January 2026.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the program highlights the outstanding achievements and generosity of those who strengthen our community.

“Every year, the Awards and Recognition Program allows us to celebrate the heroes among us, the volunteers, creatives, athletes, and leaders whose efforts inspire us all,” Mayor Penfold said.

“We encourage everyone to nominate someone whose dedication, achievement and passion make a real difference in our city.”

The program honours outstanding contributions in the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year: Celebrating individuals who have made notable contributions to Maitland inareas such as education, health, culture, and the environment.

• Young Citizen of the Year: Recognising the exceptional commitment of young individuals under 25to the Maitland community.

• City of Maitland Medal: Awarded to a Maitland-focused organisation or group for their outstandingvoluntary service.

• City of Maitland Service Award: Honouring individuals for their dedicated voluntary service to the Maitland community.

• Sportsperson of the Year: Acknowledging an individual for significant achievements in non-professional sports within Maitland over the past year.

• Creative Arts Person of the Year: Recognising artistic contributions through various forms ofexpression, including art, writing, music, and movement.

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For more information or to submit a nomination, visit mait.city/AnnualAwards Monday 27 October 2025