Chances are you know someone who is a hard working volunteer in the Snowy Monaro community. Have you thought about recognising their efforts?

Nominations are open for the 2026 Snowy Monaro Australia Day Citizen awards, and now is your opportunity to thank the volunteer in your life.

The 2025 Jindabyne Citizen of the Year, Manuela Berchtold, said while most community minded individuals don’t chase accolades, the Australia Day awards are an important way of thanking those for their contributions.

“A couple of years ago my mum won citizen of the year, and then I’ve won it. The people nominated for these awards are people who don’t do what they do for any recognition,” Ms Berchtold, said.

She received the 2025 award for her community spirit and efforts with local business High Country Fitness.

“People in our community are incredible, how they step up, rally and help. They don’t do it for the accolades, so it is nice to recognise them.”

When Cooma’s Allan Spencer received the Cooma 2024 Citizen of the Year honour, largely for his role as the Australian National Busking Championships founder and president, he said he was shocked and overwhelmed to be recognised.

“It makes you stand-up a bit taller, it’s very nice to be recognised,” Mr Spencer said.

“I was pleased to represent the arts community, sometimes we aren’t as visible as sports. We are part of the mix that makes a great community, be it arts, sport or fundraising.

“You can’t put a dollar value on it, it’s really priceless.”

Jindabyne’s John McLoughlin, or Postman John as he is affectionately known, is no stranger to community awards.

Postman John’s famous Christmas light display and fundraising from it, in addition to his community pursuits year round, as seen him honoured at the Jindabyne awards.

He is calling on locals to nominate someone or a group they believe deserves the honour of an Australia Day award.

“The award ceremonines, particularly in regional towns like Jindabyne, are a very important part of the community and should be held every year to recognise the people who have the community what it is,” Mr McLoughlin said.

Australia Day award nomination forms for Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne can be found on council’s website or collected at any council office.