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Award Categories
Life Time Commitment Award
A special award recognizing an individual’s long-standing contributions and dedication to the community over many years.
Innovator of the Year Award
Awarded for developing an innovative way to solve a local problem (e.g., through technology, new programs, or novel partnerships, etc.).
Top fundraiser of the Year
Awarded for fundraising success in the latest calendar year.
Community Impact Award
Awarded for achieving significant impact in the Cook Community through volunteering.
Young Achiever Award
A special award to recognise those under 25 who are dedicated to community service.
Environmental Champion Award
Awarded for outstanding work on environmental conservation or sustainability.
Sports Club Volunteer Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions to the local sporting community.
Education and Mentorship Volunteer Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions in the education sector.
Faith-based Volunteer Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions to local religious organisations.
Senior Care and Support Award
Awarded for providing outstanding support to older Australians.
Cultural Contribution Award
Awarded for outstanding contribution to the arts, culture, or heritage in the community.
Health & Welbeing Volunteer Award
Awarded for improving physical, mental, or emotional health within the community.
Welfare Volunteer Award
Awarded for improving the welfare of less well off members of the community
Community Safety Award
Awarded for promoting improved community safety.
Disability Support Volunteer Award
Awarded for outstanding contribution to improving inclusivity in our community.
Volunteer Lifesaving Award
Awarded for outstanding contribution to maintaining the safety of our beaches.
Emergency Services Volunteer Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions to crisis response efforts.
Community Housing Advocate Award
Awarded for outstanding contribution to improving vulnerable people's living conditions .
Wildlife and Animal Protection Award
This award recognises an individual or group who has shown outstanding dedication to the protection and care of animals, both domestic and wild.
The Cook Awards is an annual event that recognises the exceptional service provided by volunteers in the Cook Electorate.
Australia – and the Cook Electorate in particular – has a strong tradition of volunteering.
Through volunteering, we live our national values and achieve more than we can alone.
Volunteering is also a great opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills, and increase our sense of belonging to the Australian community.
The Cook Awards recognise the many people in Cook who give up their time to selflessly contribute and serve our local community, across schools, sports clubs, churches, hospitals, aged care facilities, to name but a few.
The Awards are presented to individuals who are residents of the Cook Electorate, who have been nominated by their organisation. Each year Simon Kennedy invites volunteering organisations across the electorate to submit nominations.
The next Cook Awards ceremony will be held on the 22 February 2025.
To nominate a volunteer for an award, please use this form. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2025.