With Australia’s national day fast approaching, Yarra Ranges Council is preparing to name and award excelling community members for their achievements and contributions, while also welcoming new citizens to the municipality.
For more than 20 years the council has presented community-nominated and driven awards to people and groups who have shown leadership, commitment and been a role model.
“Each year on Australia Day, we present awards to community members who are outstanding in serving their communities through volunteering, leadership and environmental action, following our Citizenship Ceremony,” council’s corporate services acting director Kim O’Connor said.
“This year, we received 43 nominations across all award categories. These nominations are reviewed by a panel including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a delegate from the CEO. Council has a selection criteria document and all nominations are checked against this for eligibility.”
Mr O’Connor said the quality of nominations each year makes for a difficult process in deciding who receives a Community Award.
“We regularly receive brilliant nominations, for community members doing tremendous work. Unfortunately, we can only select a few each year for an award,” he said.
“But we thank all community members who nominated someone who gives back to their communities.”
The awards distributed fall under seven categories, commending individuals and groups from across the shire.
These are Citizen of Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Achiever of the Year, Young Environmental Achiever, Community Group of the Year, Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership.
On the same day, a group of people are officially acknowledged and welcomed as citizens of Australia, a special and emotional moment for many.
“This year, we expect 45 community members to receive their citizenship,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This day is celebrated by people who are proud to receive their citizenship, and we’re proud to bestow it upon them.”
While this is just one of the citizenship ceremonies held throughout the year, Australia Day is a proud day for new citizens.
“Our Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, like our other Citizenship Ceremonies through the year, follows a legislated guideline from the Department of Home Affairs.
“Following the ceremony, conferees – who have just taken their pledge and received their citizenship formally – will have a morning tea with our Mayor, Councillors and Local MPs.”
Due to limitations on numbers, the awards and citizenship ceremony is invite only but news of awardees will be shared via Yarra Ranges Council and the Star Mail soon after.
“We look forward to sharing the award winners with the community on Australia Day, and welcoming our new citizens.”
