Residents in the Bundaberg Region are being encouraged to nominate a person, community group or a local event for the prestigious 2024 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations for the Australia Day Awards are now officially open, providing an opportunity for the people of Bundaberg Region to recognise and celebrate those who have made a positive impact on their community.
The local awards are divided into five categories, including the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
These categories aim to encompass a wide range of achievements and contributions to the Bundaberg Region.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said nominations were now open for the 2024 Australia Day Awards with locals encouraged to highlight a deserving individual, group or community event.
This year the previously combined community group or event of the year has been split to allow for recognition of both the community group and community event of the year.
“The Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Bundaberg Region the vibrant and inclusive community it is today,” he said.
“The awards ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to come together and applaud those who have made significant contributions to Bundaberg.”
Gin Gin resident Felecity Manderson will return to help judge the local awards for the second time and she is hoping 2024 will be the biggest year for nominations.
Felecity believes contributing to the local community is not only worthwhile but essential in building one the best places to live.
She is a third-generation Gin Gin local and the awards hold a special place in her family.
“My family have owned two local businesses and have been involved in the Gin Gin community in not only business but also community groups.
“My Grandma Daph Saunders started the Gin Gin and District Historical Society and gained all the historical buildings and items that are still at the historical society today.
“We have been involved with the Gin Gin Pony Club, QCWA Gin Gin, Gin Gin Skate Centre, Gin Gin Scout Group and many more.
“My Grandma Daph Saunders was a recipient of the Kolan Shire Australia Day Citizen Award and my Mother Judith Manderson has been the recipient of the Bundaberg Regional Council Australia Day Citizen Award.
“I am currently serving on the Gin Gin Australia Day Spirit Awards committee who offers the opportunity for those in Gin Gin to be recognised for their service to the community.”
She said becoming a judge had allowed her to spread the word about the annual awards.
“It was a way of helping promote the Australia Day awards to the wider area of the Bundaberg Regional Council area,” she said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for those in the community who work for the betterment of their community to receive recognition for their work.
“The people (who) work for their community especially in volunteer roles don’t do it to receive this recognition but it makes them feel that what they do is seen and appreciated.
“We are seeking lots of nominations so that we have a big job ahead of us.
“The judges are community-minded people and know that there are a lot of people, community groups and events that are deserving of this recognition, so please send in their nominations.
“This is about recognising all of the Bundaberg Regional Council area.”
Bundaberg Region 2024 Australia Day Awards
- Citizen of the year
- Senior citizen of the year
- Junior citizen of the year
- Community group of the year
- Event of the year
To find out more information about the 2024 Australia Day Awards click here.
knew Judy & Graeme a loooong time ago.
Judy as the telephone girl.
Graeme went back further. woodwork at the BSHS