The NSW Government issues a number of awards for exemplary service to the community and Public Sector. 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 NSW Government State Representative Award recognises people who have represented the State of NSW in a competitive field.

Nominees of any age, who have represented NSW in a competitive field (eg. sport, music, the arts or academic), either nationally or internationally, may be nominated for the Award.

For further information please download the NSW Government State Representative Award Nomination Guidelines, FAQ and Nomination Form or email awards@dpc.nsw.gov.au. 

The NSW Government Community Service Award recognises 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 NSW State Member of Parliament is entitled to present two NSW Government Community Service Awards per calendar year.

For further information please download the NSW Government Community Service Award Nomination Guidelines, FAQ and Nomination Form or email awards@dpc.nsw.gov.au.

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 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 Public Sector Awards

The Premier's Public Sector Awards, presented since 1997, formally recognise and reward achievements of excellence within the New South Wales Public Sector. See the Premier's Public Sector Awards website.

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 within Public Sector Workforce.

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.