Coordinated by Resilience NSW, the NSW Get Ready Community Award will recognise a community that has worked together to make their community more prepared and better able to recover from disasters.

Lithgow mayor Cr Ray Thompson said this year has been a year of unprecedented emergencies.

"From drought to bushfires, storms and floods, to a global pandemic.

"These trying times, Council has seen first hand how locals have come together to collaborate and contribute to the creation of a more resilient community," he said.

He said there had never been a more important time to celebrate and inspire initiatives that help the community.

Read more:

"We know there are many shining examples of this important work in our own backyard and that's why we are encouraging local organisations and groups to apply for this prestigious award," he said.

Applications are open to initiatives that have been completed as well as work that is underway or ongoing.

Initiatives must demonstrate community driven partnerships and collaborations. The term 'community' can refer to a particular township or region, or a group of people that have something in common.

All winners will be notified by email and phone within eight weeks of the application close date.

An awards ceremony will be held in September/October 2020, in conjunction with the Resilient Australia Awards, the date dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.

Applications are open until July 5 and can be found at emergency.nsw.gov.au/getreadyaward.

Want to keep up to date with Lithgow news? Sign up to our newsletter and breaking news alerts here