Lend a hand to plan 2021 Australia Day community celebrations
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is keen to hear from residents who are happy to throw their hat in the ring and have a burl at planning 2021 TRC-run community Australia Day celebrations around the region.
TRC Deputy Mayor and Australia Day co-ordinating committee chair Cr Geoff McDonald said new recruits were welcome to join respective Australia Day working groups.
“Council relies on the enthusiasm of community volunteers who work with TRC Community Development Officers and Councillors, in some centres, on the Australia Day working groups to select the Australia Day award winners in each service area and coordinate community celebrations,” Cr McDonald said.
“Council is appreciative of the service of all existing working group volunteers and welcomes input from willing newcomers. The respective groups meet several times from September through to January and then review the Australia Day functions, so it is not an onerous commitment.
“Council is seeking to sign existing and prospective working group members up as TRC volunteers, in line with other Council volunteers.
“Our Community Development Officers will happily guide working group members through the simple registration process.
“Please call 131 872 by Friday, November 13 to register your interest to continue serving on the working groups or to sign on in a new capacity.
“The centrepiece of the community celebrations is the announcement of Australia Day awards honouring residents for outstanding achievements.
“There is no shortage of worthy contenders, but we need the nominations in order to judge and present the awards.
“I encourage residents to consider their friends, neighbours or community volunteers who have worked to serve their towns or districts under difficult and extraordinary conditions in the past year.
“That is an effort that deserves our thanks and acknowledgment.”
Cr McDonald said residents were welcome to complete the online nomination form at www.tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday
Award categories open for all Service Centre areas 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.
Nominations close on October 31.
Cr McDonald said Council would monitor state and federal government health advice in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic to determine the nature and extent of 2021 civic Australia Day functions.
“While the exact format of 2021 Australia Day celebrations remains unclear, Council is determined to host community functions if possible, Cr McDonald said.”
Enquiries about joining a local Australia Day working group or the awards can be directed to Council’s Community Development Officers by calling 131 872 or sending an email to [email protected]