Categories for the awards include the International Sports Star of the Year, Junior and Senior Team Achievement of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Official of the Year.

Mayor Stephen Lesslie said these awards are appropriate recognition for exceptional sporting achievements of members of the Lithgow community and a legacy for Reg Cowden’s dedication to sport in the region.

Reg came to Lithgow in the late 1930s when his family moved to the area. Whilst Reg himself didn’t play sport, he was heavily involved in the administration and coaching of basketball in the Lithgow area from its inception in 1946.

Reg was a lover of all types of sport, and diligently promoted all sports within the Lithgow area.

His other passion was all forms of racing. Reg called Lithgow’s greyhound racing every Saturday, until ill health forced his retirement.

His wonderful sense of humour saw him take part in celebrity races at the trots and any event that was held to benefit local charities.

Reg was best known for the Saturday morning Sports Show on 2LT, which he performed for more than 25 years, and was honoured with an annual dinner for this achievement until his untimely passing back in 1987.

The 2016 Junior and Senior Team Achievement of the Year awards are presented to local teams who have excelled in their chosen sport during the year.

Nominations for these candidates will be accepted from any member of the public.

Council is also seeking suitable candidates for the “Bunny Abbott Volunteer of the Year” and the “Laurie Muir Official of the Year” awards as volunteers and officials also contribute greatly to the success of local sporting competitions.

Nomination forms are available from Council’s Customer Service Division, Council’s website (www.council.lithgow.com), or by contacting (02) 6354 9999, with nominations for these awards closing at 4.30pm on January 16, 2017.

Nominations for the Junior and Senior Sports Star of the Year Awards during October and November of this year will close on December 7, 2016.