Australia Day nominations are now open

WHILE Australia Day is still a long way off, South Gippsland Shire Council is keen to kick off the nomination process for its worthy citizens and events to be recognised in its annual Shire Awards program.

Co-ordinator Jeannie Hicks is keen to replicate the strong interest and participation evident in the Awards last year.

“Last year we had 23 nominations, reflecting the success of our simplified nomination forms,” said Jeannie. “Most people are time poor and we want to make it as easy as possible to pay tribute to the fabulous contributors in our communities.”

“Although they might protest, people are generally very thrilled to be recognised for their work, and we do ask for their permission to be nominated so that no one is uncomfortable with the process.

“The non-competitive Youth Community Contribution awards presented to each young nominee at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony have proved a popular way to recognise and encourage young people to participate in community activities,” Jeannie said.

So how do you nominate someone? Nomination forms for South Gippsland Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Youth Community Contribution can be collected from Council reception, posted to you upon request, or downloaded from www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au. They can be lodged any time up until October 31.

Nominees must be residents of South Gippsland and people and events that have been nominated in the past can also be nominated again.

“Event organisers can also nominate their own event – it’s a fantastic way to create public awareness of your event for the coming year,” Jeannie said.

All nominees will be recognised at a gala Awards ceremony on Wednesday  January 22 in the Leongatha Memorial Hall and again on Australia Day at their local event.

Well-deserving reigning South Gippsland Citizen of the Year is Mirboo North‘s Aaron Wilson who not only  manages family and a fulltime job, but is primary duty officer for the SES which can manifest as regular callouts in the middle of the night. He is currently  vice president of Lions  (after three years as president), volunteers with the CFA, runs the Food Relief Program at the Mirboo North Christian Centre and does voluntary maintenance work at the Scout Hall and the local swimming pool.  Needless to say, Mirboo North and South Gippsland are richer for his efforts.

For assistance in completing a nomination form, please call Jeannie Hicks on 5662 9221.

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