About the awards

Shellharbour City Council is proud to be recognised as a “very neighbourly organisation” by the Neighbours Every Day Organisation. Neighbours Every Day is Relationships Australia’s social connection campaign promoting the benefits of social connection and building capacity for everyone in Australia to make and maintain respectful relationships.

Neighbours Every Day aims to empower everyone in Australia to create belonging: for themselves, for their families and for their neighbours. Community members can do this by focusing on inclusion and connection, making others welcome, and by building respectful relationships with those around us.

Shellharbour City Council proudly hosts the annual Good Neighbour Awards, recognising the everyday community champions who make our neighbourhoods kinder, safer and more connected. Since 2001, Shellharbour has celebrated the people who lend a hand, look out for others, and help build a strong sense of community. These awards are held in conjunction with Relationships Australia’s National Neighbour Day, celebrated each year on the last Sunday of March.

Each year, residents are invited to nominate neighbours, streets and community members who embody the spirit of connection and care. The awards highlight acts of kindness - big and small - that make Shellharbour a great place to live.

Nominations for the next Good Neighbour Awards will open again in December/January. Details about the 2027 award categories, nomination forms and key dates will be published closer to the opening period.

Awards night

Each year, finalists and community members are invited to a special presentation evening at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. This event celebrates the incredible contributions of neighbours across our city and acknowledges the award recipients. Details for the next Awards Night will be announced closer to the event.