2023 Australia Day awards and celebration grants now open

2023 Australia Day awards and celebration grants now open

Last updated on 20 October 2022

Nominations and applications are now open for Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s 2023 Australia Day Awards, and celebration grants for community groups planning to hold free Australia Day community events.

Council’s Australia Day awards recognise and celebrate community members and organisations that make significant contributions to their local communities.

Award categories for 2023 include:

Citizen of the Year Award—awarded to an individual of any age who has made a significant contribution to their community in the past calendar year or has demonstrated community service over a period of time. Connecting Communities Award—awarded to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to community life in the shire. This could be physical connections such as the creation of trails, paths, open spaces or infrastructure that enables the community to connect; or social connections that ensure people have access to services and which create a sense of community and belonging. Healthy People and Environment Award—awarded to a group or individual who has made a significant contribution in the areas of promoting healthy lifestyles for all ages and abilities, such as supporting mental health, recreation, community safety or arts and culture. It also includes protection of the natural environment such as biodiversity, climate change and waste reduction. Business and Tourism Award—awarded to a group or individual who has demonstrated a significant achievement or ongoing community contribution to the economic vitality of the shire, including tourism, agribusiness, small business and local employment.

Entry in all categories is open to people who live, work or study in the Macedon Ranges Shire at the time of nomination.

If you're involved with a community group that is planning to hold a free Australia Day event, you can apply for an Australia Day celebration grant of up to $500.

Award nominations close on Friday 11 November, and grant applications close on Tuesday 15 November.

For more information about the award categories, nomination forms and grant applications, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/australiaday or call 5422 0333.