It’s all about singing the praises of those who work hard for the community.

Creative Te Puke is calling for local people, clubs or groups to nominate locals who’ve made a contribution to the town for the annual Citizen of the Year award.

“This is a Creative Te Puke Initiative celebrating the success of hard-working locals from all walks of life,” said CTP chairwoman Lisa Stowell.

“Past recipients represent a wide range of achievements, and they have left their mark - or removed it in some cases - like Alan Cotter who was well known in town as the ‘Graffiti Man’.

“He worked hard rubbing out the tags seen around the area. Gail and Cedric Blaymires who have worked tirelessly for the community - many people know ‘Gail’s Garden’ down by the Te Ara Kahikatea Walkway - an initiative they supported.

“Receiving the Lorna Treloar memorial award is the recognition they’ve received for doing something extra special for the town.”

The Lorna Treloar Memorial Citizen of the Year plaque.

Nominations

Anyone is free to nominate someone they believe to be a deserving winner of the award, but the nominee needs to approve the application.

“In the past, we’ve had people who’ve turned it down, saying they really would prefer to be unsung heroes,” said Stowell.

“That’s a bit of a shame when someone has taken the time to sing their praises. Whether their contribution is creative, cultural, economic, sporting or social, we would welcome their nomination.”

Nomination forms are available from creativetepukeforum@gmail.com.

These must be returned by May 31.