Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon

Published on 25 October 2022

RCOW-195 Australia Day Nominations Social Tile.jpg

 

There are so many amazing people across the Rural City of Wangaratta, so many outstanding community groups, and we have major events that draw visitors to our region throughout the year.  

 

If you know of a person, a group, or an event that you think deserves recognition for their contribution to our community, nominate them for an Australia Day Award. Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards 2023 nominations are open but are closing soon on Friday 4 November at 4pm. 

 

“The Australia Day Awards are one of the highest honours a Council can bestow to publicly acknowledge local heroes, whose dedication and contributions may otherwise go unnoticed,” said Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Dean Rees. 

 

“There are so many people and organisations in our community that go above and beyond to make the Rural City of Wangaratta special. This is your chance to thank them and acknowledge their inspirational work,” he continued.  

 

“If you know an outstanding volunteer, community group, teacher, shop assistant, builder, doctor, or anyone who inspires you, I urge you to take a minute to nominate them for the 2023 Australia Day Awards.” 

 

“Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event or project that has inspired them over the last year,” said Cr Rees. 

 

Nominations are now open for awards in the following categories:  

 

  • Citizen of the Year 

  • Young Citizen of the Year (under 25) 

  • Community Event or Project of the Year  

 

In addition to receiving an award on Australia Day, the Citizen of the Year is invited to be part of the Marmungun Rock Ceremony during Reconciliation Week in 2023, hosted by the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network.  

 

“This is a very unique and special opportunity for the Citizen of the Year and Council is extremely honored to be part of the event,” said Cr Rees. 

 

In the past the awards have recognised some incredible people in our community. 

 

John and Jennefer Houghton were awarded the Citizen of the Year 2022 for their dedication in fostering more than 100 children through Upper Murray Family Care as well as their community work through Wangaratta Lions Club, Carevan and other local organisations. 
 

Elena Sewell-Dolphin was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for their role as a committed volunteer at LINE Wangaratta, passionate health care worker and LGBTQIA+ leader. 

 

Wang Night Shelter was recognised as the Community Event/Organisation of the Year in Event/Project of the Year. The initiative began in 2019 and offers a place to sleep each night during the winter months. 
 
Nominating is easier than ever. Forms and eligibility information can be found at FORM NO LONGER AVAILABLE

The form can also be collected in hard copy from Customer Service at Wangaratta Government Centre, Wangaratta Library or the Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre.  

 

Nominations close 4pm, Friday 4 November 2022 and recipients will be presented with their awards at the 2023 Australia Day celebrations held across the municipality. 

 

For more information contact events@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.  

 

ENDS