Nominations open for Australia Day and Bega Valley Medallion awards

25 October 2021

Nominations are open for Bega Valley Shire’s 2022 Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen Award (under 25s), Senior Citizen Award (over 65s) and the Bega Valley Medallion Award.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick asks everyone to reflect on the challenges and opportunities over the past year.

“Who immediately springs to mind when you think about community members who have done inspiring things to help others and make a positive impact on those around them?” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“Who in your community is doing an amazing job in education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary work, business, sports, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to our advancement and wellbeing?

“Anyone could be on the list; friends, neighbours, colleagues and family, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, women, young people and those living with disability.

“Recognise these outstanding achievers and community champions for their hard work and determination by filling out a nomination form for an award.

“We will recognise and celebrate these amazing people at a community event on Australia Day 2022.”

The following awards recognise outstanding achievement during the past year and/or contribution to the local community over a number of years.

Citizen of the Year Award: the person must be 26 years or older on 26 January 2022 and an Australian citizen.

Senior Citizen of the Year Award: the person must be aged 60 or over and be an Australian citizen.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: the person must be between 16 and 26 years of age on 26 January 2022 and an Australian citizen.

The Bega Valley Medallion Award is for people who have served within the Bega Valley community for an extended period of time.

People nominated in 2020, as well as any nominations already received in 2021, will be considered in this round of nominations.

“One of our great strengths as a community is the effort given in supporting others,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“We literally have hundreds of people in our community who give their time to ensure the welfare of others.”

2021 Citizen of the Year, Acting Sergeant Bradley Ross was recognised for his continuous hard work on multiple large-scale emergency situations, and the level of his leadership, commitment and dedication to his community.

On winning his award, Sergeant Ross said he felt truly honoured to be recognised as the Bega Valley Citizen of the Year.

“It was huge privilege and an honour to accept the award on behalf of all emergency service workers in the Bega Valley.”

Nominations for all awards close on Sunday 21 November.