Nominations for the fifth annual Vision Super Local Heroes Awards are now open – so it’s time to start thinking about who you could nominate.
The awards are designed to bring much-needed recognition to local government workers in NSW and Victoria who go above and beyond for their community.
Nominations are open to all local government workers, including employees of associated organisations operated by the council, and local libraries. People can nominate themselves or others.
For the past four years, the awards have only been open to residents of Victoria but for the first time, entries are being extended to those living in New South Wales. This is a result of both our recent merger with Active Super and the consistent growth of the awards, which continue to expand in scope and impact year on year.
A $1,000 gift card grand prize will be presented to the winner of each award category and $500 gift cards to the runners-up to acknowledge the outstanding contributions they’ve made.
Nominations close on Monday 30 March 2026, and the winners and runners-up will be announced at gala awards ceremonies in Melbourne and Sydney on Thursday 14 May 2026.
Awards categories and criteria
The local government/library worker or team must demonstrate at least one of the following criteria:
Made a significant difference to a community or member of a community
Contributed to the safety of an individual or group in the community
Made a substantial contribution to the welfare of a vulnerable person or group in the community.
The award categories are based on whether the nominee works for a metropolitan or regional council, and the nature of their contribution and role at council. There are four awards categories:
Environment, Infrastructure and Recreation Local Heroes Award – Metropolitan | Environment, Infrastructure and Recreation Local Heroes Award – Regional |
Families, Health and Community Development Local Heroes Award – Metropolitan | Families, Health and Community Development Local Heroes Award – Regional |
Local council jobs can generally be classified as either indoor (typically office based, professional or community service roles) or outdoor (usually working on site, roles may require physical labour) and the categories broadly reflect this.
The aim of the awards categories is to provide everyone with an opportunity to be recognised for their specific contributions, which may not always be comparable across different locations and work environments.
Tips for preparing your nomination
An effective nomination clearly explains why the nominee is deserving of the award, what sets their contribution apart from others, and describes the impact or outcome of their contribution. Don’t just say your nominee is outstanding – prove it!
The most common mistake with nominations is that they are too short or need more detail – to catch the eye of the judging panel, it’s important to explain and include clear examples of what makes your local hero so exceptional.
Here are some more tips on writing a winning nomination:
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Don’t just list accomplishments; explain how and why they are significant. |
2. Provide concrete examples: |
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Instead of general statements, provide specific instances of where the nominee went above and beyond their regular duties. |
3. Connect to the award criteria: |
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Ensure your nomination addresses the judging criteria. |
4. Show the bigger picture: |
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Explain how the nominee’s work impacts or benefits the community. |
More information on how to nominate, including the full terms and conditions, can be found on the Local Heroes Awards page.