Australia Day a chance to celebrate our community’s achievements

Mildura Rural City Council’s annual Australia Day Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions individuals and groups make to our community. 

This year, 20 nominees are vying for honours across three separate categories; Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event/Project of the Year.

Mildura Mayor, Cr Simon Clemence, said this year there was an outstanding field of candidates in each of the respective categories.

“It is a privilege to be involved with Council’s 2019 Australia Day Awards, to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of local residents and groups, and to publically acknowledge the positive and significant contributions they have made to our communities in the past year,” Cr Clemence said.

“This year Council received a broad cross section of high calibre nominations.  I congratulate all nominees and thank them for giving so generously and graciously of themselves to help make our region the wonderful place it is, and I thank those members of the public who took the time to submit a nomination.

Award winners will be announced at the Nowingi Place as part of Australia Day celebrations this Saturday 26 January, which get underway at 7.30am. 

As well as the award presentations, Council will host an Australian Citizenship ceremony with 11 new citizens from India, China, Nepal, the Philippines, Nigeria, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and Scotland being conferred.

“I look forward to presenting the awards to all the winners on Saturday, and witnessing 11 members of our community become Australian citizens.  I hope to see lots of locals join us at the Nowingi Place to celebrate and enjoy our Australia Day event,” Cr Clemence said.

Australia Day Ambassador Craig Opie will be the keynote speaker, with local talent Paige Lang singing the national anthem.

There will be entertainment and activities for the whole family including free face painting, jumping castles, henna tattooing, a photo booth, and backyard cricket, with local acoustic trio Off the Chai performing on stage.

A BBQ breakfast and pancakes will be available for purchase along with tea and coffee, fresh juice and more, or bring along a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.  With the weather warming up, anyone attending the event is encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen, and to drink plenty of water on the day.

So bring along a chair, picnic blanket, family and friends, and join us for a relaxed morning of celebrations on Mildura’s riverfront. 

 2019 Mildura Rural City Council Australia Day Award nominees