Calling for nominations for 2019 Australia Day Awards
July 12, 2018
Colac Otway Shire residents are being encouraged to nominate outstanding members of the community with the 2019 Australia Day Awards now open.
The Australia Day Awards bring the community together to recognise the work and commitment of individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the Shire.
Mayor Joe McCracken said the Australia Day awards sought to recognise the achievements of those within various sectors of the community.
“Council’s Australia Day Awards celebrate those in our community who volunteer their time, raise awareness of worthy causes, run community events – there are many people in our community making these contributions every day,” he said.
“We’re asking you to nominate those in the community who give their time and skills to others, people who have had a positive impact on the lives of others.
“Our community is made up of many generous and giving people, who make ours a great Shire in which to live. I encourage you to think about friends, family, workmates who are worthy of an Australia Day Award nomination, and put their names forward for consideration,” Cr McCracken said.
Awards are given in the following categories:
Citizen of the Year - awarded to an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.
Young Citizen of the Year - awarded to an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.
Community Service - awarded to an individual or group who has performed outstanding community service during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.
Sporting Service - awarded to an individual or a group that has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local sporting community over a number of years.
Arts Service - awarded to an individual or a group that has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local arts community over a number of years.
The opportunity to host the 2019 Australia Day Award celebrations is still available, with small towns in the shire encouraged to express their interest.
At a Special Council meeting last night, Councillors voted to encourage sharing the Australia Day event through smaller towns in Colac Otway Shire with Chief Executive Peter Brown to begin consultation with communities.
“Hosting the Australia Day event can be seen as a big task, but we will talk with groups and community members in our smaller towns about how Council can assist with preparations to build an event around the time and resources available from that community.” Mr Brown said.
“Council manage the Australia Day Award presentation and citizenship ceremony. A great opportunity exists for community hosts to add to the day with a market, performances and fundraisers.
Colac Otway Shire Australia Day award nominations must be received by 4pm on Friday 24 August 2018.
Nomination forms and guidelines are available from Council’s customer service offices in Colac and Apollo Bay, or can be downloaded from the Shire's website
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400