The nomination date is now January 9.

Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson said the date was moved back because of the busy holiday period.

"Sometimes people need a little more time. We've got Christmas time, and then you get to Christmas and you relax and start chatting and you realise, wow that person would be great for Australia Day nominations," Cr Dickerson said.

Cr Dickerson said there had been some nominations but they were looking for more.

The nomination categories include Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Cr Dickerson said these were people who made outstanding contributions to the community.

"Citizen of the Year can be whatever age, if they are worthy of a nomination," he said.

Cr Dickerson said sportsperson of the year award was someone who had made a major achievement in the sporting arena.

"It's typically people who represent Dubbo. Or a person who has made a significant contribution like Barry Hilderbrant, the former sports journalist," Cr Dickerson said.

The mayor said the most satisfying aspect of the award was people did not often expect it.

"It's an honour, most people who win don't expect a pat on the back. [Recipients] are usually proud, overwhelmed and very worthy," Cr Dickerson said.