Recognise and celebrate our Local Legends

Published on 29 January 2026

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It’s time to recognise our unsung heroes and community contributors through the Surf Coast Shire Local Legends Awards.

The program celebrates individuals and groups making positive differences in our community – whether as volunteers, organisation leaders, change-makers, innovators or more.

Nominations will be open from 1 February to 15 March and Local Legends will be named and celebrated during a Council event marking National Volunteer Week in May.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor Joel Grist encouraged people to help give Local Legends the recognition they deserve.

“I’m sure many of us know these people who make such significant contributions to our community with so little fuss, giving up that precious thing – their own time – for the good of others,” Cr Grist said.

“They share their energy, skills, passions and inspiration helping to make Surf Coast Shire a better place and help power organisations doing truly meaningful work.

“Nominate a Local Legend and help recognise their invaluable contribution to community life.”

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

For individuals:

  • Community Commitment Category. Pays tribute to dedicated and passionate individuals with a sustained and substantial record of commitment to people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Surf Coast Shire.

     

  • Community Impact Category. Celebrates people whose community contributions have made a remarkable difference for people, a community, group, organisation, or cause in Surf Coast Shire. This can include people who are innovators, leaders, pioneers or whose contributions have helped improve outcomes or supported important changes.

 

For groups:

  • Community Inclusion Category. Celebrates diversity and inclusion in community programs to enhance support for people, a community, group, or cause in Surf Coast Shire.

     

  • Volunteer Excellence Category. Recognises a community group, organisation or committee which shows overall excellence in the way it contributes to the community, organises, and creates impact for a chosen cause.

 

People can make nominations via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends, by phoning 5261 0600 or by visiting Council’s civic building at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.

As well as at the National Volunteer Week event, Local Legends will also be celebrated through Council’s communication channels including website, print and social media.

 

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