Northern Beaches Council was spoilt for choice when it came to selecting the winners for the 2020 Australia Day Awards.

Recipients included an internationally recognised junior gymnast as well as volunteers dedicated to community causes such as youth and disability, assisting our senior citizens, mental health and well-being, emergency services as well as environmental and social issues.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the Northern Beaches community is full of outstanding contributors and he was privileged to formally honour the award winners in this year’s Australia Day Awards.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge a number of terrific contributions from members of our community as we celebrate Australia Day.

“It is such a privilege to meet these amazing people and on behalf of the community we thank you for your outstanding work and achievements collectively. The Northern Beaches is a fantastic place to live.

“A big thank you to not only our winners but the many other very deserving people who serve our community and make it even better.

“Congratulations to all our award winners and thank you to those who took the time to nominate and recognise our great achievers,’’ Mayor Regan said.

The major winners were: Ben Tory (Citizen of the Year), Helen Hendry (Senior Citizen of the Year), Dia MacNamara (Young Citizen of the Year), Chloe Trisic (Sportsperson of the Year) and 'Arts for Wellness' (Community Event of the Year).

Some of the Outstanding Community Service award winners included Wheeler Heights youngster Jack Berne for his 'Five for a Farmer fundraising efforts, Curl Curl Park run identity Dana Lanceman, former Sea Eagle turned mental health ambassador Shannon Nevin and Bilgola couple Ken and Pam Oxborrow, who continue to be a shining light in the Seniors community.