Things have gone swimmingly over the past year for Wollongong Young Citizen of the Year recipients Macinley and Ethan Butson.

So much so that 14-year-old Macinley, who won the youth award with her 18-year-old brother Ethan, the NSW and Australian young scientist of the year and was shortlisted for the 2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year, has urged other young people to nominate themselves or their friends.

Wollongong City Council is on the hunt for its best and brightest residents, calling for nominations for its 2015 Australia Day awards.

The award categories include senior citizen, young citizen, arts and cultural and sports achievements and the overall citizen of the year.

The Butson siblings encouraged people to "just go for it" and nominate themselves or other worthy candidates.

"It's been an absolutely incredible year, there have been so many opportunities to represent Wollongong and young people," Macinley said.

The duo joined 94-year-old Les Dion snr, who was the inaugural senior citizen of the year in January, and Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery in calling for nominations.

Cr Bradbery said the awards were a way to recognise those who give back to their community.

"We all know someone who goes above and beyond for their community and this is a chance to say thank you," he said.

There is a new award in 2015 for outstanding achievement or innovation, targeted at those excelling in science, medicine and the environment.

Applications close on December 12 and can be made at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or the libraries.