While a date for the annual Campaspe Shire citizen awards presentation event is still to be set, you can start to prepare now by nominating a top citizen.
The awards are a chance to recognise community members who make a difference across the shire.
Extraordinary residents who live in Campaspe Shire are eligible to be entered into one of three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year.
Five committees representing Echuca and district, Kyabram and district, Rochester and district, Tongala and district and Rushworth and district will select winners from the nominations for each area, who will then be considered for the shire’s top awards.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said the awards were a “wonderful opportunity” to recognise the community’s remarkable individuals.
"We have many unsung heroes who selflessly improve the lives of others by volunteering in various areas such as sports, youth or seniors’ programs, the arts, disability, and community services, to name a few,” he said.
"These prestigious awards represent one of the highest honours a council can bestow, publicly recognising local heroes whose dedication and contributions might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Huon McIntosh was named Kyabram’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2024 at Kyabram’s Australia Day breakfast for his presence in the community.
The Year 12 student has since gone on to become one of Kyabram P-12 College’s school captains, and is looking to study veterinarian science after graduating.
Next year’s awards will be similar to this year, with the winners announced at an event before Australia Day, with committees to hold Australia Day events, including citizenship ceremonies, on the day.
Cr Amos, in the announcement last year, said that the decision would allow recipients the opportunity to enjoy the ceremony and have the chance to also attend the Australia Day events.
This year, the council is encouraging community members to put forward individuals for the Citizen Awards through online nominations, but hard copies are available to also be submitted with forms available from the council’s website or Customer Services Centres.
For selection criteria and to submit a nomination for the Campaspe Shire Citizen Awards, visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/nowopen with entries closing on Friday, December 1.