We all know someone who is always putting their hand up to help out with a local charity, school or sports club. That is what makes Lane Cove one of the most liveable areas in Australia.
In the last Census, 17.9% of people aged 15+ reported volunteering.
Now is your time to nominate someone who makes a difference in our community. Nominating is not complicated, and a couple of minutes of your time will make someone feel very special.
The Lane Cove Citizenship Awards are an annual initiative run by Lane Cove Council to recognise residents, volunteers, community groups and local businesses who make a meaningful contribution to life in Lane Cove.
The awards celebrate people who go above and beyond to strengthen the community through leadership, service, creativity, sustainability, sport and inclusion.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Lane Cove Citizenship Awards and close on Thursday 19 March 2026.
Full details on categories, eligibility and how to nominate are available here.
Locals are encouraged to nominate individuals or organisations whose efforts have had a positive impact on Lane Cove, regardless of the size of their contribution. Many past recipients have been quiet achievers whose dedication might otherwise go unrecognised.
Award recipients will be honoured at the Citizenship Awards Presentation Evening, to be held on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, where Council will formally acknowledge the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.
What are the Citizenship Awards Categories?
The Citizenship Awards include a wide range of categories.
Young Achiever
For a resident aged 12–25 who has achieved excellence in any area of life.
Music / Culture / Art
Recognises a local resident who has made a significant contribution in artistic or cultural fields — this could be as a musician, painter, dancer, writer, performer, arts educator or cultural organiser who enriches community life.
Sport
For a resident who, whether as an athlete, coach, administrator or volunteer, has made a significant contribution to sport in the Lane Cove community or achieved notable success in their sporting field.
Workplace General
Awarded to anyone who works in Lane Cove — employer or employee — and has made a meaningful contribution to their workplace, industry, or the broader community. For example, a business that employs young locals, or sponsors or donates to local charities or community groups
Community Service
Recognises a resident whose voluntary or organised service has had a positive and measurable impact on the community. This is one of the most popular categories for local volunteers.
Access and Inclusion
For an individual, business, or organisation that has actively improved accessibility for people with a disability or others facing barriers.
Sustainable Citizen
Awarded to an individual from Lane Cove who has demonstrated leadership or achievement in sustainability. They may have had anenvironmental, social, cultural, or economic sustainability impact that has benefited the Lane Cove LGA.
Sustainable Organisation
Recognises a business, school, or community group in Lane Cove that has made significant progress or contributions in sustainability, such as environmentally responsible practices or community wellbeing programs.
Sustainable Development
This category celebrates a single development or project within Lane Cove that has promoted sustainability through environmentally friendly design, community benefit, or innovation in the built environment.
Leadership
Honours a resident who provides inspirational leadership or serves as a role model within the community, often motivating others to get involved or improve local life.
Outstanding Business
Awarded to a business operating in the Lane Cove LGA that demonstrates excellence in business practice and makes a notable contribution to the community. This could be through employment, support of local initiatives, or community partnerships.
Citizen of the Year
The premier community honour. This award is given to a resident of Lane Cove who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to community life, or who has achieved exceptional accomplishments that boost community identity and pride.
Previous Citizens of the Year 2019 – 2024
Lindsay May – read more here
Michelle Casiglia – read more here
John Devine – read more here
Bridget Kennedy – read more here
How Do I Nominate?
Full details on categories, eligibility and how to nominate are available here.
Check out the reel below to hear directly from two past recipients of these awards. Video credit Lane Cove Council.
Neighbour Day Award
“Neighbours Every Day” is Relationships Australia’s social connection campaign that promotes the benefits of social connection and builds capacity for all to make and maintain respectful relationships year-round. This award is for a Lane Cove resident who is a great neighbour. A person who has gone above and beyond to support their neighbourhood with an initiative, an act of kindness and who promotes social connection.
See who was nominated as a great neighbour in 2024 here.
See was nominated as a great neighbour in 2022 here.
Our cover photo has been digitally altered to remove the date of the Citizenship Award – if you are interested the date was 2024
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