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Nominations are now open for 2022 Australia day awards

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Australia Day Local Government Awards, nominations will only be accepted via the official forms, no other formats will be accepted.

By news@gippsland - 1st October 2021 - Back to News

It's time to start thinking about a person, event or group who is making a positive difference to the community for recognition in the 2022 Australia Day Awards. Wellington Shire Council will this year seek the help of organisations and individuals to approach their own communities for nominations.

Council is encouraging residents to nominate local community members and groups for the Australian Day 2022 Awards, for their contributions and achievements within their communities

Champions deserve acknowledgement

Groups are encouraged to consider champions within their own communities who are going the extra mile and deserve acknowledgement. This might be someone who is too humble to seek recognition or who does not realise they are an inspiration or help to others.

For the second year, the Event of the Year category has been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of most events.The Covid Hero award, which was introduced in 2021 to recognise those who stepped up to work on the frontline during the pandemic, will remain as a category for the 2022 awards.

Recognising the unsung champions

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens called on the many community groups and individuals across the municipality to nominate people who are making a contribution to improve the lives of others around them. "It's a great opportunity to nominate the unsung champions for the amazing work they are doing in Wellington."

"There are countless people in our community working tirelessly without recognition and many of us might not see this work going on. Here's your chance to say thank you to them and acknowledge their contribution," Cr Stephens said.

Categories for the nomination

Nominations open today (Friday 1 October) and are being sought in the following four categories:

Citizen of the Year: aged 25 years or older and have made a significant contribution during the year and/or given outstanding service to the Wellington community over a number of years
Young Citizen of the Year: aged 24 years or younger who have made a significant contribution during the year and/or given outstanding service to the Wellington community over a number of years
Community Group of the Year: a group that has made a significant sustained contribution to the Wellington community
Covid Hero: a person who has worked on the frontline at a time when Covid-19 has been threatening

The Australia Day Awards cover contributions made across a range of fields, including the arts, business, charity, education, the environment,health, mentoring, philanthropy, science, social welfare, sport and more

They recognise community members who make a positive difference to the vibrancy of the municipality and improve the lives of Wellington residents. Winners of the 2021 Australia Day Awards were Citizen of the Year: