Nominate extraordinary achievers for a 2021 Toowoomba Region Australia Day award
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Extraordinary times invariably bring out the best in people.
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Deputy Mayor and Australia Day co-ordinating committee chair Cr Geoff McDonald said the events of the past year meant there were many residents across the Toowoomba Region who deserved to be nominated for 2021 Australia Day awards.
“The beauty of the awards is that residents can nominate fellow citizens who have gone the extra mile to help their communities during very trying times,” Cr McDonald said.
“Taking a few minutes to complete an online nomination form or sending in a nomination form to Council is a fitting way to honour someone you know who has stepped up during the Coronavirus pandemic, during the fires or drought, or who selflessly volunteers at a community group or organisation.
“There are 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. I encourage residents to nominate our true blue achievers.
“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).”
Cr McDonald said residents needed to lodge nominations by October 31 to allow local Australia Day committees time to review and judge categories in readiness for next year’s award presentations.
He said Council was monitoring state and federal government health advice in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
“Council will be guided by this advice and will frame 2021 public celebrations in line with all health directions,” Cr McDonald said.
“Council’s top priority is to ensure community safety at all Council-run and community Australia Day events.
“While the exact format of 2021 Australia Day celebrations remains unclear, Council is determined to host community functions if possible.”
Cr McDonald 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 local Australia Day committee or the awards can be directed to Council’s Community Development Officers by calling 131 872 or sending an email to [email protected]