It's time to recognise the Gannawarra's community champions

Published on 09 October 2023

Nominations are now open for Gannawarra Shire Council’s major community service awards.

Presented annually as part of local Australia Day celebrations, Council’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards recognise residents who help make the area a great place to live.

“First presented in 1995, our Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards recognise residents who display strong community spirit, no matter their age,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Our 2023 winners are great examples of residents who demonstrate strong community spirit. Our 2023 Citizen of the Year, Ramon Steel has been a leader of our emergency services for close to 40 years, whilst our Young Citizen of the Year, Deaken Fawcett is a great supporter of our performing arts community.”

Nominations for the 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year are open to residents aged 25 years and above as of Friday, 26 January 2024, with the 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year to be presented to a resident aged 15-24 years as of Friday, 26 January 2024.

To nominate someone you know for these prestigious awards, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or collect a nomination form from Council’s Customer Service Centres. Nominations close 9am Monday, 27 November.

“All nominees will be presented with a certificate recognising their contribution to the Gannawarra during a civic reception held prior to Australia Day, so my fellow Councillors and I encourage residents to nominate someone who deserves to receive this prestigious award,” Mayor Gillingham said.

For more information, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or phone Council on (03) 5450 9333.

ABOVE: The Gannawarra Shire Young Council Citizen of the Year, Deaken Fawcett (left) and Citizen of the Year, Ramon Steel (right) with Mayor Charlie Gillingham.