Know someone great in Hamilton?
Outstanding things are achieved everyday in Hamilton, thanks in part to the invaluable work of many dedicated members of our community. Each year the Hamilton Civic Awards aim to recognise those exceptional people in our midst. From their involvement in arts and culture to their dedication to people, the environment, education, sport and enterprise - we owe much of the quality of life we enjoy to their quiet efforts.
The Hamilton Civic Awards are a valuable opportunity to highlight the hard work that is helping our community to reach its potential. As well as recognising individual achievements, the awards celebrate the value of giving back to our community.
If you know someone making an outstanding contribution to the community, we want to hear about it.
Entries for the 2009 Hamilton Civic Awards have now closed.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who has made an exceptional contribution to Hamilton can be nominated for a Civic Award. Traditionally the awards have acknowledged voluntary service, but contributions made during paid service are also eligible.
The judging process
Hamilton Civic Awards nominations are considered by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the city's Community and Environment Committee. Nominations are considered on the basis of the description of the service given and the quality of the supporting references included in the application. Each year the panel grants a maximum of twenty Civic Awards.
Past winners
Dudley has worked for many organisations in Hamilton and, now in his 90s, is still involved with many of them. A testament to his commitment to these organisations is life membership with several national and Hamilton based groups and societies. From serving on the Waikato Branch and National Executive for the National Beekeeper's Association and the Honey Marketing Authority, to his involvement with the Hamilton Contract Bridge Club, Hamilton Probus Club, Waikato Mounted Rifles and Meals on Wheels (where he is older than the majority of his clients and the oldest of all the drivers), Dudley continues to help the community and is an inspiration to others.
Dudley Lorimer, 2008 Hamilton Civic Award winner
From the time she and her husband became site supervisors for the Salvation Army's support housing, it wasn't difficult to see why Beryl Tremayne was an extraordinary resident of Hamilton. Providing families with an invaluable opportunity to regroup and re-evaluate the direction their lives are taking, The Nest is one of the most successful housing projects nationwide. This is due largely to Beryl's exceptional support and advocacy. Since 1989 The Nest has given a hand up to over two hundred and thirty families in need.
Beryl Tremayne, 2007 Hamilton Civic Award winner
City-wide restoration of Hamilton's intricate gully network owes much to the inspiration of Dr Alwyn Selwyn. Alwyn purchased a local grazing property in the 1950s. Over the next thirty years his passion for trees saw the gully transformed into a stunning example of gullies at their best. Alwyn gifted Seeley's Gully, as it is now known, to the city in 2004. Scores of residents and visitors now visit the gully each year for recreation. Today Seeley's ecosystem, tracks and bridges are maintained by a local care group. The gully itself serves as a fantastic educational resource to local schools and through Alwyn's impromptu talks and work on the Hamilton Gully Restoration Guide, gully restoration is turning into a passion for residents city-wide.
Dr Alwyn Seeley, 2006 Hamilton Civic Award winner
Coming to a new country and city can often be a daunting experience. Amongst the city's growing Hispanic community, the face of Simon Acarpi has been a friendly one for many. Breaking down barriers as the organiser of social occasions, facilitator of mentoring, permits and residency – Simon has eased the resettlement experience for many families. He is also a champion of Hispanic culture in the city. His Spring Festivals have become anticipated events and cultural extravaganza. For twenty-seven years Simon led the community's participation in city-wide parades and festivals, staged cabarets and passed his passion on to the public through his liaison with Waikato Museum, his involvement in Spanish classes, and his development of Hamilton Garden's Hispanic Garden.
Simon Acarpi, 2006 Hamilton Civic Award winner
How can I nominate someone?
The closing date for nominations for the 2009 Civic Awards was 24 October 2009, however you may choose to submit an early nomination for the 2010 awards. All nominations should be made using the nomination form below and include all of the following information:
- Correct personal details of the nominee
- Correct personal details of the nominators
- A detailed description of the nominee's service
- At least one supporting reference for each position held
- A photograph of the nominee
Fully completed nominations should be posted to:
Hamilton Civic Awards
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
For more information telephone 838 6977
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