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Recognising Bass Coast community members celebration on 15 May 2023

Bass Coast Shire Council has announced new awards to recognise the valuable contribution of our local community members.

By news@gippsland - 15th February 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council met on 15 February and endorsed a plan to hold the new Bass Coast Community Awards presentation ceremony on 15 May to coincide with National Volunteer Week. Being part of an engaging community gives us a sense of belonging. It enables us to share personal relationships and support the growth of each other, ourselves and our environment. Community contribution is a more efficient and fun way to accomplish tasks.

The contribution of the Community Groups make to the Bass Coast community is incredibly valuable and we would like to learn more about how they are managing during these tough times

Awarding categories

There are categories for the Bass Coast Community Awards:

Community leader award

To recognise outstanding individuals who in their profession or as a volunteer lead by example, inspire others and demonstrate excellence and commitment in their field.

Next generation leader

This award is for young people aged between 12 and 25 years, to recognise exceptional young people who demonstrate leadership and courage and have made an outstanding contribution to the Bass Coast Community and inspires others (group or individual).

Community group award

Recognises a Bass Coast community group, sports club, or not-for-profit organisation, which provides support, events, fundraising or services for the benefit of the Bass Coast community and its residents.

Rotating awards categories

The council agreed that the awards would also have a rotating award with different categories. One of the rotating Award categories would be offered for nomination in each year. The categories include:

Environment and sustainability award

To recognise outstanding contributions towards the protection or enhancement of Bass Coast's natural environment, advocating for climate action and for embracing sustainable living (group or individual).

Contribution to arts and culture award

To recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts and cultural life of the community or an outstanding achievement in an arts and cultural activity. This can include, but not limited to individuals, organisations, events and exhibitions.

Sports leadership award

To recognise the outstanding contributions throughout our sport and recreation community to ensure we all have the opportunity to participate in a happy, healthy and inclusive environment (group or individual).

The first rotating award will be Environment and Sustainability to recognise council's strong position on the need for action through its Climate Change Action Plan.

Opportunity for recognition

Council voted in December last year to move the Bass Coast Community Awards from late January to May. The reasons for the move were to coincide with National Volunteer Week, plus the council wanted to make the awards more inclusive, especially with young people, and that could be achieved by moving them away from 26 January. Citizenship Ceremonies continue on Australia Day.

Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said, "Recognising the contribution of our community is an important role for Bass Coast Shire Council. The Bass Coast Community Awards provide the opportunity for due recognition and provide an opportunity for a more inclusive celebration for our whole community,' Cr Whelan said.

Nominations for the Awards will be called for in March-April, with judging of nominations to follow. The judging panel will include:

• Mayor Cr Whelan
• Deputy Mayor Cr Halstead
• Delegated Councillor, Cr Tessari
• Previous Community Leader
• Previous Next Generation Leader

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com