2018 Award Recipient encourages residents to nominate in 2019 Australia Day Awards

Australia Day Award’s Committee chair Councillor Nigel Hutton said over the years Council has awarded many well-deserving community members, who have contributed to the betterment of our society.

“Livingstone Shire region is fortunate to have so many hard-working people, who give their time generously to a range of difference causes, organisations and projects to improve our community as a whole,” Cr Hutton said.

“The Australia Day Awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognise these valued members of our community, and publicly thank them for the work they’ve done, with some nominees giving decades of service.

“Administrator of the Year was also included as a new addition to the categories for 2019, recognising the tireless role presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers play in keeping our community humming.”

2018 Individual Cultural Award recipient Jet James was recognised for his community work as an inspiring local and award-winning artist.

For the past six years Jet has been facilitating a disability art centre in Rockhampton for Multicap which aims at enriching the lives of people living with a disability, actively engaging with his participants in community exhibitions and workshops.

Jet also mentors and inspires children through regularly hosting live painting sessions and workshops, including at St Brendan’s College. Jet is also the cofounder of For Arts Sake, which has brought art and culture to the heart of Yeppoon. The project enabled local artists to showcase their work to a broader audience including both locals and visitors.

Jet said he was humbled after receiving the award and the experience of being nominated.

“It’s nice to be recognised by your community, I guess I emerged as an artist quite a long time ago, and during that time the community has really supported and helped shape me as an artist as well. So without the community I wouldn’t be where I’m at now,” Jet said.

“I definitely get a lot of fulfilment out of working with the community, seeing the enjoyment people get out of art and the ability to express themselves, whether it is as a career or a hobby.

“I think it’s really important to help enrich the art community through workshops, and for people living with a disability, it’s a great way enhance their lives and give them a voice through creativity.

“Having known what I wanted to do as a career from a young age, I’m really passionate about advocating that art can be a sustainable career and inspiring the youth to pursue it.

“I would strongly encourage people to nominate someone they feel deserves recognition for their hard work, there’s so many people I can think of off the top of my head who give so much back to this beautiful place we call home.”

Awards will be presented in the following categories: • Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of the Year (25 or under as at January 2019) • Community Service Award • Cultural Award • Senior Sportsperson of the Year • Junior Sportsperson of the Year • Administrator of the Year • Environmental Award

Nominations close on Thursday 30 November 2018. For more information or to nominate go to: www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/australiadayawards or phone 4913 5000 for assistance.