Now's your chance to pay them back by nominating them as a Local Hero of the Kempsey Shire.

Each year the Kempsey community uses the occasion of Australia Day to focus on citizenship and community with the Australia Day Awards.

After the unique and challenging circumstances of the last 12 months, the Australia Day Committee have simplified the Awards process and are simply calling for nominations for your Local Heroes - in addition to the traditional Citizen of the Year Award.

Perhaps it was the coach of your team who made it work during COVID, the legends who dropped food and supplies during the floods, or the local business who always donates to community events.

It could be a team of volunteers or the neighbour who checked on you during lockdown.

Local Heroes come in every shape and size.

Kempsey Shire Council administers the awards on behalf of the Australia Day Awards Committee and have opened nominations.

So head to ksc.pub/AustraliaDay to nominate the local hero in your life.

The Australia Day Committee is also seeking nominations for the principal annual Australia Day Award, the Kempsey Citizen of the Year Award.

The Citizen of the Year Award recognises someone who has contributed or given outstanding service to the community or been an inspiration to others, during the last 12 months, or over a number of years.

The 2020 Citizen of the Year Award was presented jointly to Stafford and Dianne Everson.

They have grown Eversons Food Processors from scratch, employing hundreds across the shire over many years.

They have never wavered in their support of various charities, community and sporting groups as well as individuals in need during challenging times.

Throughout the bushfires they arranged food drops to the upper Macleay, donated and supported to the local SES groups, and ensured that their 200 staff were kept employed even during the worst of the drought.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: