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Still time to nominate local heroes for 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year

There is still time to nominate your local heroes for the 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.

By news@gippsland - 12th November 2021 - Back to News

Do you know someone great in our community, who regularly goes above and beyond, you can always rely on for help, or you admire their contribution to the community? Perhaps you know someone who has contributed to the safety, wellbeing and connectedness of their community.

Council presents shire-wide Australia Day Awards which focus on individuals and events that have made a significant contribution to the region

Help identify and nominate local heroes

We need your help to identify and nominate your local heroes, so we can celebrate all they do in Bass Coast. Nominating is easy and only takes a few minutes. This year's Bass Coast Citizen of the Year, Mat Bowtell, said that this recognition is important, to encourage others to continue to bring their best to Bass Coast.

Mr Bowtell said, "I was very touched that someone had taken the time to nominate me. It really made me feel like a valued member of our community. Nominating someone is a very kind way to show that they are appreciated and encourages them to continue being their best."

"It is a very kind acknowledgement of the work that I'm doing in trying to help others. I feel that it shows my work is valued in the local community and that I have the support of the citizens of Bass Coast. It has also made sure that I am on my best behaviour this year," Mr Bowtell concluded.

Grateful for being nominated

This year's Bass Coast Young Citizen of the Year, Margaret Sand, said nominating your peers is a great opportunity to give recognition to those who are deserving of acknowledgement, for the great work they do in the community.

"I felt immensely grateful for being nominated for such an amazing experience. There are many young, selfless individuals that sacrifice their time and money to make a difference in the community," Miss Sand concluded.

Nomination eligibility

All nominees should:

• Have made significant contributions to the Bass Coast community
• Have acted above and beyond the scope of their regular employment or duties
• Be inspirational role models
• Positively impact the lives of others
• Live within the Shire

Nominees for Citizen of the Year must be aged 25 years or over on 26 January, 2022 and nominees for Young Citizen of the Year must be aged 16 to 24 years on 26 January, 2022. Nominations must be for individuals, as those for multiple people cannot be considered.

For more information, and to nominate someone by Thursday, 25 November 2021, visit Australia Day 2022. The finalists and winners will be announced on Wednesday, 19 January 2022.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
  The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits.
• Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
  Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists.
• Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
  Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
  Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
  Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
  Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance.
• Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
  Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
  Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
  Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026.
• Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
  Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
  Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Darren Chester celebrates Yarram Secondary College student achievements at 2025 annual awards ceremony presentation
  Darren Chester attended Yarram Secondary College’s 2025 Awards, celebrating diverse student achievements, encouraging confidence and optimism, and acknowledging outgoing and incoming school captains leadership.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Union Theatre Wonthaggi HVAC upgrade begins, ensuring comfort, reliability, and long-term operation for the community
  Bass Coast Shire Council is upgrading Wonthaggi’s Union Theatre HVAC system, ensuring comfort, reliability, and future-proofing the historic venue, with works valued at $899,000 and expected completion by 20 March 2026.
• South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
  The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners.
• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
  Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events.
• East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Defence’s legacy with Freedom of Entry march and Army community day in Sale this October
  Wellington Shire Council invites residents to attend Sale’s Freedom of Entry march on 18 October and Army community day on 19 October, celebrating Defence’s historic connection with the local community.
• Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
  Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
  Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects.
• Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
  EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers.