Your help needed to find Gunnedah Shire's community heroes

14 October, 2024

What is just as Australian as helping out a mate? Recognising a mate who makes Gunnedah Shire a better place!

Nominations for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2025 have now opened and we are relying on you to let us know about someone who makes an outstanding contribution to our Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater says the Australia Day Awards are an important part of our Australia Day program.

“Over the years, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards have allowed us to honour and pay tribute to some of our most amazing citizens,” Ms Frater says.

“Take a look at some of our recent Citizens of the Year – Marie Hobson in 2024, Mitchum Neave in 2023, Tracey Reid in 2022 and Ray Williams in 2021, alongside our Young Citizens for those years – Lewis Donaldson, Ellyn Blinman, Steven Hopwood and Aidan R de Luzuriaga. These are people who have each brought something unique to what it means to live in Gunnedah.

“Even being nominated for one of these awards shows how much we value those people who go the extra mile. And those who go on to win an award become a permanent part of Gunnedah Shire’s story.

“Please take a few minutes to think about the people you come across in Gunnedah Shire who make a difference, and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.”

There are 13 categories in the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards:

Citizen of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community; has made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity; has shown care and compassion to others in the community; and/or displays citizenship and ethical leadership. Young Citizen of the Year (20 and under) – To a young person 20 years or under on 31 December 2024 who: has demonstrated commitment to the community through involvement in sporting, social or community issues; has shown a high level of achievement in their education, sporting, social, hobbies and community activities; and/or demonstrates involvement in extra-curricular activities (i.e. assisting others in the community). Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity. Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy – To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life. Community Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty. Cultural Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity. Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return. For example, feeding animals while neighbours are away, taking soup to a sick neighbour, providing transport for housebound people etc Sports Person of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field. Junior Sports Person of the Year (20 and under) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club. Sports Team of the Year – To a team who: have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club. Junior Sports Team of the Year (20 and under) – To a team who: Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months, and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club. Ivan Towns Memorial Award – This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach, someone who is committed to training and passing on their knowledge. Environmental Citizens of the Year – Nominees may be recognised for work such as: efforts to preserve the environment within their local community; ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes; use of the Return and Earn scheme to help fundraise for a meaningful cause. Individuals and organisations including schools, local businesses and community groups are eligible to receive this award. Winners of this award can go in the running for the state winner title.

For application forms and to find out more, visit: • , or •

Copies of the form can be picked up from Council in Elgin St from Thursday, 17 October. Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday, 9 December 2024.

Caption: Todd McKenney performs at the 2024 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.