NOW is the time for locals to consider who they would like to see recognised for having made a significant contribution to the Sawtell community.
Nominations have opened for the two categories in 2027 – Sawtellian, and Young Sawtellian, of the Year.
Sawtellian of the Year has been running for many years and at noon on Centre Stage on New Year’s Day at the 107th Sawtell Super Fun Day, a community event run by the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh will recognise two Sawtellians for their outstanding contribution to the community.
The big day takes place on the Village Green at Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.
“Although we received no nominations for the 2026 Young Sawtellian of the Year, introduced in 2021 to mark the 101st Fun Day, we trust that some of our many young achievers will be nominated for recognition in 2027,” Sawtell Chamber of Commerce Fun Day convenor Keith Bensley told News Of The Area.
“Anyone up to the age of 18 as of 31 December 2026, who has made a significant contribution to the Sawtell community, is eligible for nomination.”
Popular local community worker Maureen Darby was the 2026 Sawtellian of the Year in recognition of her work with the Uniting Church of Sawtell’s Uniting U with Friendship (UUFIT) program and many other community activities.
Mr Bensley said any person, club, school or organisation could nominate up to two people they considered worthy of recognition.
Nominations can be one for each category or two for any one category but the nominee’s contribution must relate to the community of Sawtell.
“Nominating someone is easy, simply drop us an email to sawtellfunday@gmail.com and we will send you a nomination form for you to complete and return to us,” Mr Bensley said.
“Nominations are highly competitive and be sure to give your nominee a good and detailed resume and reference because what you write has to convince the judges of who should receive the awards.”
Judging is by secret ballot.
Any questions, give Keith Bensley a call on 0438 269 210.
Nominations close on 30 November 2026.
By Andrea FERRARI
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