New look for community awards

Published on 04 March 2024

Glenelg Shire will have a new-look community awards event in 2024 - recognising the value of volunteers - with the longstanding citizen awards joined by some newcomers this year.

Council last week adopted a recommendation to issue eight awards, to be announced and presented at events during Volunteer Week in May.

Those events will again be held in Nelson, Casterton, Heywood and Portland, with award winners being presented with their honours at their ‘home’ event.

The Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year will be joined by the Volunteer of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion, Arts and Culture and Outstanding Achievement Awards.

These awards replace the Australia Day Awards that were discontinued this year.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said the new awards event recognised those who had gone above and beyond in their local communities.

“We will have more details about the nomination process in the near future but I encourage everyone to get their thinking caps on and nominate someone they believe to be worthy in these categories,” she said.

“These awards are among the most prestigious honours individuals and groups can receive in Glenelg Shire, and the roll call of previous winners is a ‘who’s who’ of residents.”

Photo:  2023 Glenelg Shire Citizen of the Year John (Jack) Matthews was honoured for his wonderful contribution to volunteering in Casterton.