Australia Day Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year Awards – Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the annual Australia Day Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year Awards.

Now in their 39th year, the Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise people who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others, who are role models, quiet achievers or leaders in our community.

“These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the selfless individuals whose efforts make a difference in other people’s lives and our community a better place,” said Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.

Charlie King, well known ABC Grandstand broadcaster and domestic violence campaigner, won the Citizen of the Year Award in 2004 for his tireless work. In 2006 Charlie went on to initiate the zero-domestic violence campaign ‘No More’, in 2015 he was awarded an Order of Australia media and in 2019 was named NT Senior Australian of the Year.

Charlie said winning the award made a real difference “Although it was 15 years ago it seems like yesterday that I won the Award,” he said “It’s one of those things that really stands out in your life and I still feel proud.”

“It was such great recognition and gave me more motivation to continue campaigning against domestic violence.”

“I really want to see more people in our community get the recognition they deserve and this year I will be nominating a few people. I encourage everyone to consider nominating someone, it is a real boost to be recognised for the work you do,” Charlie concluded.

Anyone can nominate – friends, family, colleagues, clients, customers or yourself – and an individual only needs to be nominated once to enter.

Award categories are Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, which is open to those aged 16 and under 30 on January 26, 2019 and Community Event of the Year, which is awarded to the most outstanding event held in the preceding year.

In 2019 City of Darwin has simplified the on-line nomination process and is providing additional phone support if needed.

“We will have people on stand-by during work hours to provide assistance if needed,” said Lord Mayor Vatskalis.

Finalists will be announced on 22 January and winners announced at the Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2020.

For more information visit - https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/explore/whats-on/community-celebrations/australia-day

Nominate now on - https://engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/citizen-awards