Community Awards

And the award goes to...

A large number of people work tirelessly for their local communities. Some of these work in emergency relief and others in voluntary community service. And yet others become role models for our youth through their talent and commitment to sport or cultural pursuits. These extraordinary people contribute to the health and well-being of this State and give us all a reason to feel proud.

The NSW Government issues a number of awards for exemplary service to the community. The Department of Premier and Cabinet is responsible for coordinating these awards.

How can I recognise a community member's contribution?

You can make sure community members are recognised through either the NSW Government State Representative Award or the Government Community Service Award. These special awards are nominated through your local Member of Parliament.

What do the awards recognise?

The State Representative Award recognises people who reach state representative level and succeeded in a competitive field such as dance, music, sport, the arts or academia, and are now representing NSW, nationally or internationally.

The Government Community Service Award gives recognition to people throughout NSW who have substantially contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of members of their community beyond that expected in their usual occupation.

Each Member of Parliament is entitled to nominate two people or organisations per year.

Why have awards?

The NSW Government rewards achievement and service. Awards are a way the Government can acknowledge the inspiring quality many recipients share. Awards recognise a sporting team that brings home a world rugby cup. They thank brave and skilled fire-fighters who save houses from burning. They praise the tireless efforts of emergency workers who work all night to rescue the victims of landslides, or flood, without hesitation.

Does the Premier give out awards?

There are three awards issued by the Premier of NSW to members of the public. These awards are the Meritorious Unit Service Award, the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Premier's Emergency Award. The Premier also issues awards to long-serving public servants.

The NSW Government Meritorious Unit Service Award

This is awarded by the Premier, following an extraordinary event such as a disaster. It is awarded to an individual who contributed in an exemplary manner to the relief of the disaster. The individual would normally be associated with an organisation - such as the Red Cross, a volunteer with the State Emergency Service or the NSW Rural Fire Service. The organisation is consulted on the award process.

The NSW Government Outstanding Achievements Award

This is awarded by the Premier for outstanding achievement and contribution to the sporting and cultural life of the State. The award is presented to a team or group following a major event.

The Premier's Emergency Award

This new award is given to a unit and individual member of a peak emergency organisation for outstanding service to the community. This service is above what is normally expected of that individual or unit. Established in 2002, the award recognises the tireless efforts of those who support, educate and inform the community so that they are safer and healthier.

The NSW Service Medallion

This award is also presented by the Premier to public servants who have worked for forty or more years in service to the people of NSW. See our honours and awards section.

It's an honour

Twice a year national awards are given out by the Governor in their capacity as Head of State. These awards are issued from Canberra. Full details on how you can nominate someone for these awards visit It's an Honour website.