Australia Day events will be held in towns and villages throughout the region with award ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of community members, organisations and events that make the Snowy Monaro the great place it is to live.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor Peter Beer is calling on locals, who know of someone making a difference for their community, to nominate them for the 2020 Australia Day Awards.

"Australia Day Awards are a great way of honouring the hard work and dedication of our community members and groups, who otherwise might not receive recognition for their efforts," Clr Beer said.

"Our region relies so heavily on volunteers. They are the unsung heroes of our community, and while volunteers don't seek awards for their efforts, it's a nice way for us to say thank you."

Nomination forms are available at all council offices, libraries and visitor centres. Forms are also

available at council's website. Nominations close Thursday, December 19.

"There is wide-range of award categories. Whether it's in arts and culture, sport, community events or the environment, if someone you know is doing great things for their community, they are worthy of a nomination," Mayor Beer said.

Award winners will be announced at ceremonies in Bombala on Saturday, January 25 and in Cooma

and Jindabyne on Sunday, January 26.

The categories for the 2020 Australia Day Awards include: