Eight Shoalhaven Superhero Awards categories are available for locals to put forward names of volunteers. Click here for the nomination form.

The awards are the non-fiction element to the Shoalhaven Superhero Festival which will come to life in September and October.

Shoalhaven Superhero Festival organiser David Arakie said the idea of the awards was something he had in mind since the early 2000s.

“People identify with superhero characters no matter what official roles they have in life,” he said.

“We’ve all had our own fictional superhero, but in reality I’ve been very privileged to work in a community of volunteerism.

“Growing up, my family and parents were very associated with real superheros - our community volunteers and I believe, especially for a region like the Shoalhaven, if you took volunteers out of our economy vital services and caring for others would disappear.

“Superheroes are fun and to bring the two together is just another way to bring the community together and support those who give up their time for our community.

“When you talk to those people they enjoy what they do and feel privileged to it and I find that remarkable it should be recognised.”

Mr Arakie said the Shoalhaven was blessed to have countless people who deserved to be nominated.

“To have the support of Kiama MP Gareth Ward as a patron shows the amount of care and passion people have for this area and I hope these awards will grow and continue to flourish as a result of this support.”

Mr Ward said he was excited to be part of something so unique to the area.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring people together, not just within this region but Australia-wide,” he said.

Mr Ward said his real-life superhero was NSW Premier Mike Baird, but his fictional favourites were the Ninja Turtles. Click here for the nomination form.