Tenacity, dedication, selflessness, leadership and innovative thinking are the key qualities of those amazing individuals who are the “driving force” in their community. These individuals are at the forefront of community contribution in their field of endeavour.

They may have overcome significant difficulty, adversity or hardship to achieve excellent outcomes and raise pride in the community and our state. They may have pioneered significant changes in their community, business or organisation that have altered the way people think and perform for the better.  The BlueScope Distribution Leadership & Innovation Award will acknowledge role models who through their leadership, innovation and driving force pave the way for others to follow.

The Take Care Community of the Year Award provides projects, groups, organisations, cities, towns or local government initiatives with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to their local community. These community groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social and economic prosperity of their community.

It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations in their efforts to make local communities stronger and more vibrant places to live. They promote a true community spirit for future generations to come.

The Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award will recognise individuals, communities and organisations in regional areas who are dedicated to those in need of health services. There are many who passionately and selflessly provide support, guidance, encouragement, assistance or professional services within the health sector.

They offer friendship, hope, inspiration and medical or voluntary assistance to the aged, infirmed, sick, injured and home bound. The Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award acknowledges the services, efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers and health professionals. These individuals, communities and organisations create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them.

The Fivestar Print Environment and Sustainability Award acknowledge proven passion and dedication to improving the Southern Australian environment. It seeks to reward individuals or groups who work to overcome the challenges facing our natural world and to overcome the barriers to change that are usually encountered.

Environmental improvements can come in many forms, for example, changing behaviours and patterns of consumption, restoring impacted areas, establishing sustainable business practices, and the protection of threatened species and habitat. Regardless of the focus, the result is a better environment for all to share and a brighter future for our children. Those entering this category will embrace the concept of 'think globally, act locally' and work to make positive change.

The Fasta Pasta Career Achievement Award embraces confidence, creativity, credibility, leadership, commitment, and of course high achievement. Nominees chosen in this award are of an outstanding calibre and their reflection of these qualities highlights them as role models to others in the local and extended community.

The Fasta Pasta Career Achievement Award is designed to give recognition to individuals who seek to excel in their chosen career practice. The Award recognises the outstanding contribution, skill and determination of those who strive to not only further themselves professionally, but also endeavour to have a lasting impact on the organisation and broader field with which they are associated.

The Angove Family Winemakers Primary Industries and Agricultural Award applauds our unsung heroes and high achievers working on land or marine farming and those primary producers who work tirelessly to provide us with food, drink and shelter.

Primary industry and agriculture is the back bone of our communities. Our highly diversified and sustainable natural resources, dairy, farming and sheep and cattle industries have a reputation for products that are internationally competitive and among the finest in the world. The Primary Industries and Agricultural Award presents an opportunity for our community to acknowledge those who provide us with food, clothing and shelter.

The Kleenheat Gas Volunteering Award applauds individuals and groups who tirelessly and passionately put the needs of others first. They may be involved with disadvantaged or underprivileged, newly arrived migrants, running neighbourhood houses, supporting fire fighters and emergency services, mentoring, helping the elderly or assisting community and service groups.. The list is endless.

When hard times hit or disaster strikes, these volunteers are the first to lend much needed support and comfort. This award provides the opportunity to give the accolades not sought but richly deserved.