Honour worthy residents with a TRC Australia Day award nomination

Standing out from the crowd might not come easily to many Aussies, but there are plenty of reasons to nominate fellow citizens for Australia Day awards to recognise the region’s true achievers.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Australia Day coordinating committee chair Cr Mike Williams is encouraging residents across the region to nominate groups and people who go above and beyond in the service of others in the community.

Cr Williams said residents needed to lodge nominations by Thursday, October 31 to allow local Australia Day committees time to review and judge categories in readiness for next year’s community celebrations and award presentations.

“While Council plays a part in organising these functions, it is entirely up to the community to nominate the people they consider are most deserving of recognition,” Cr Williams said.

“We have hundreds of people involved in community and not-for-profit groups across the region who contribute countless hours of assistance and run facilities or events for the benefit of fellow residents.

“Too often this voluntary work is taken for granted or not appreciated fully by others who do not understand the commitment that is required to run these groups.

“It is a fitting reward for any of these people to be nominated and then considered for the various award categories, particularly the overall Toowoomba Region awards (for young citizen, citizen and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander).

“I also ask residents to consider joining their local Australia Day committee.

“Most people love a celebration and all the committees would welcome enthusiastic input and support from new members during the planning and on Australia Day.

“It’s a great way to meet new people and become involved in organising and contributing to our national day celebrations across the region on January 26.”

Cr Williams said residents were welcome to complete the online nomination form at www.tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday

Award categories include: • Citizen of the year (for a person older than 26), • Citizen of the Year – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, • Young citizen of the year (for a nominee under 26), • Cultural award, • Sports award (senior and junior), and • Community group/event of the year.

Enquiries about joining a committee or the awards can be directed to Council’s Community Development officers by calling 131 872 or sending an email to [email protected]