As members of NSW’s LGBTI* community have less than a week left to nominate people and organisations for the 2017 Honour Awards, organisers can reveal that Network Ten presenter, broadcaster, journalist, commentator and Studio 10 host Sarah Harris has come on board as a celebrity judge.

Now in their 11th year, the Honour Awards is an annual event which recognises people or organisations that achieved outstanding success within the LGBTI community or have provided excellent service or made a significant contribution to the LGBTI community.

The awards is also a gala fundraising event for LGBTI community initiatives supported by leading LGBT community charity Aurora and by ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

Nominations for the awards close at 5pm, Wednesday 16 August. Nominations can be submitted in eight categories covering the business, health, education, community, legal, political, media and cultural sectors.

Nominations are free and can be submitted here. There is also a range of gifts and prizes to be won.

Participating in the judging of the media award, along with attending her first Honour Awards is an honour in itself, Ms Harris said.

Sarah Harris said: “I am thrilled to be involved in the Honour Awards, Australia’s leading awards for the LGBTI community. As a strong believer in marriage equality, supporting the LGBTI community is something I am very passionate about.

“I am looking forward to seeing all the incredible applicants and judging the Media Award. I am also excited to be attending the Honour Awards ceremony and presenting the award to the winner – it is sure to be a great night!”

ACON President Justin Koonin says the Honour Awards are all about helping the good work in our community get the recognition it deserves.

“I encourage community members to nominate people or organisations they think deserve to be honour and get their friends and associates to do the same. The people or organisations don't have to be high profile - the Honour Awards are about recognising achievements and contributions of all shapes and sizes,” Mr Koonin said.

“For example, a journalist or entertainer could be nominated for the Media/Arts/Entertainment Award for raising awareness about issues affecting the LGBTI community. A doctor, researcher of political activist could be nominated for the Health & Wellbeing Award for services to people with HIV.

“A cultural group could be nominated for the Community Organisation Award for providing an outstanding service to the LGBTI community. And any of the above people could be nominated for the Community Hero Award.”

Aurora Chair Alison King says the Honour Awards provide a valuable opportunity to pay tribute to people and organisations that are making a difference in the lives of LGBTI people in NSW.

“The Honour Awards are all about celebrating how people from all walks of life are helping or inspiring others in our community,” King says. “As a community, it’s important that we acknowledge and celebrate the people and organisations who are making a difference in the lives of others through direct action or by providing inspiration.”

This year’s awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and cocktail party at The Ivy in Sydney on Wednesday 27 September.

Four finalists from each category will join a host of government, media, entertainment and community personalities for a fabulous night of fun and festivity.

Guests will also be able to bid on $100,000 worth of amazing silent auction items including luxury holidays, jewellery, art, furniture, homewares, and 5-star dining, accommodation and entertainment packages.

HONOUR AWARDS NOMINATIONS

• To nominate, go to here. UPDATE: Nominations are now closed.
• Nominations close 5pm, Wednesday 16 August

HONOUR AWARDS CEREMONY & COCKTAIL PARTY

• Wednesday 27 September 2017, 6:30pm - 11pm
• Ivy Ballroom, 330 George St, Sydney
• $90 per person (incl. quality wines and beers, delicious canapés & entertainment)
• Purchase tickets here

*only the first person to nominate a finalist gets a free ticket