Newcastle’s oldest premier guest speaker club, Newcastle Business Club has been celebrating local leaders and organisations who have contributed to the commonwealth of the community since it was established in 1933.

To honour those individuals and organisations who have bettered the Newcastle and Hunter region, the club’s committee is encouraging local community members to nominate those who they believe have bettered the industry, culture, education, sport or the overall commonweal of the citizens of Newcastle for the 44th Newcastle Business Club Annual Awards.

Last year the club and The Equal Futures Project partnered to present the annual Newcastle Business Club Awards and Hunter Diversity Awards at one formal luncheon occasion.

President of Newcastle Business Club and Founder of Hunter Signs, Craig Wellings said the response to the partnership was positive from award nominees, members and the community generally.

“As a long serving part of the Hunter community, the Club created the annual awards to reward and recognise businesses and individuals who are doing great things for our region,” Craig.

“Each year we gain tremendous support from our community, and partnering with the Hunter Diversity Awards has only grown that.

“Past recipients of the awards are leaders and businesses who decide they want to make a difference and don’t wait for others to get things done. It is those who care deeply about helping their community and have the ability to influence and grow those around them who have the biggest impact, and we believe that’s worth celebrating.

“Last year the committee was impressed with the breadth of community-focused initiatives local organisations were involved in, and the efforts of individual applicants. We look forward to discovering even more great initiatives in our local region through this year’s awards.”

There are three categories open for nomination in the Newcastle Business Club Annual Awards, including an individual, organisation and youth accolade. The Hunter Diversity Awards also celebrates a local organisation and individual who will be titled Diversity Champions for 2019, recognising those who are working to end inequality in their workplaces and communities.

With nominations now open, Hunter-based organisations and individuals are urged to enter the awards.

The Annual Awards will take place at the Club’s June luncheon at Harbourview Function Centre on Tuesday 18 June, from 12pm until 2pm. Award nominations close at 5pm on Monday 13 May.

IMAGE | Newcastle Business Club Annual Award recipients in 2018.