City of Newcastle has officially opened nominations for the 2027 Citizen of the Year Awards across four categories, highlighting community contributions that strengthen regional civic life. The launch follows the continued community impact of 2026 Citizen of the Year recipient Peter Sleap, founder of Sleapy’s Foundation, which has delivered direct financial relief, practical assistance, and support programs to regional families facing severe illness and hardship since 2019.
Among those supported by the charity are local residents Cameron and Michelle Turner, whose family received practical and financial assistance during their daughter Florence’s 13-month treatment for paediatric brain cancer. Following her passing, the couple established Flo’s Day to raise funds for childhood cancer support services, with a portion of proceeds from the upcoming event at Club Lambton on Saturday 24 October 2026 directed to Sleapy’s Foundation.
Nominations are open on the City of Newcastle website across four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year. Submissions close on 20 November 2026, with award winners to be announced at an official civic ceremony in early 2027.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Gavin Morris stated that the annual civic awards acknowledge individuals and community organisations making quiet, sustained contributions across the region.
“Every day across Newcastle, there are people quietly making a difference. They do it simply because they care,” Gavin said.
“Imagine what your nomination could mean to someone who’s been helping the community for years.”
Founder of Sleapy’s Foundation and 2026 Citizen of the Year, Peter Sleap added that civic nominations recognise shared community effort and local volunteerism.
“After surviving stage four throat cancer I wanted to give back to the community and that’s when I started Sleapy’s Foundation,” Peter said.
“There are people in the community that don’t think they are doing extraordinary things, but they are. Someone took the time to nominate me and it reminded me that kindness matters. I wanted to share the award with everyone, from those who’ve donated or partnered with the Foundation, attended events or simply supported our work along the way. Their efforts show how amazing Newcastle is as a community and I want to encourage people to nominate another worthy recipient.”
Local resident and Flo’s Day co-founder, Cameron Turner noted that civic recognition encourages ongoing philanthropic and volunteer support.
“Sleapy’s Foundation was there for us during some of our darkest moments. Their kindness and generosity helped ease some of the immense pressure our family was facing,” Cameron said.
“Our way of saying thank you is by using Flo’s Day to ensure Sleapy’s Foundation can continue providing that same support to families facing childhood cancer in the future. I think the Citizen of the Year awards are another great way for our community to show their thanks for everyone who goes above and beyond to help others. People like Peter don’t do what they do for awards or praise, but I am so glad someone made the effort to nominate him last year.”
IMAGE | Peter and Robynn Sleap celebrate Peter’s Citizen of the Year award from City of Newcastle in 2026.
