Having the chance to highlight work – in many cases done behind-the-scenes – and honouring unsung heroes of the LGBTI community are what lies at the heart of the Honour Awards, according to 2016 honouree Chris Pycroft.

The former co-convener of the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, who has spent six years in the advocacy space and more than a decade working in mental health, disability and youth development, Pycroft was surprised to have been selected as a finalist for the Young Achiever’s Award alongside a strong list of individuals.

“It was incredibly humbling to be nominated,” Pycroft said. “I’m so proud to be a part of the LGBTIQ community, and to be considered by my peers as making a meaningful contribution to our community was very touching.

“To be recognised alongside a groundibreaking group of young people including Beau  Newell, Melody Gardiner and Sally Rugg [who was the other recipient of the Young Achiever award] was an absolute honour.”

Given his involvement within the advocacy space has been on a volunteer basis, it’s the ability afforded by the Honour Awards to recognise the tireless and often unpaid work done by volunteers within the LGBTI community that Pycroft values above all.

“Volunteers have been the backbone of community organisations for so many years and I feel very fortunate to be able to play a role in that,” he says. “Our community wouldn’t have the triumphs and success that it’s had without them and with so much still to be done, they’ve never played a more pivotal role

“Many organisations have incredibly important people that give everything they’ve got week in week out and make such an incredible difference that often goes unheard. It’s important the community knows about them and recognise the positive contributions they make.

“There are so many people who make such an incredible difference for everyone in our community and I hope they’re all recognised in future Honour Awards.”

WATCH: 2016 Honour Award recipient Chris Pycroft

To those from any walks of life within LGBTI communities considering nominating someone whose work to improve the quality of life of LGBTI people deserves to be recognised, Pycroft can attest to the Honour Awards as being a significant and fantastic way to sing the unsung praises of many within our communities.

“I’m a firm believer in giving credit where it’s due, and this should be no exception! The Honour Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise the pioneers in the LGBTIQ community. If you work with or know someone that has made a positive impact, nominate them,” Pycroft said.

“These kinds of opportunities for recognition can sometimes be few and far between and hearing about the incredible difference that individuals make to our community can be so heartwarming. It’s an easy process and we as community benefit from knowing about them. It's a win for all.”

Image: 2016 Honour Young Achiever Award recipient Chris Pycroft

To nominate your LGBTI community heroes for the Honour Awards, visit the nominations page here. UPDATE: Nominations are now closed.

Winners will be announced at the Honour Awards on Wednesday 27 September 2017, 6:30pm - 11pm, Ivy Ballroom, 330 George St, Sydney. Tickets $90pp (inc. quality wines and beers, delicious canapés & entertainment) on sale now from here