Know someone who quietly keeps your town ticking? Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains shire councils want to hear about them, with nominations now open for their 2027 Australia Day Awards.
In Gunnedah Shire, residents are being urged to “nominate your mate” across 12 categories, several of them new or revised for 2027.
The categories are Citizen of the Year (21 and over), Young Person Achievement Award (20 and under), Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year, Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award, Ivan Towns Memorial Award, Community Achievers Award, Sports Person of the Year, Creative Achievement Award, Rising Star Award (12 to 24 years), Access and Inclusion, Community Group of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
“The working group has introduced a number of new categories this year, and we have also revised the criteria of some of the existing awards to enable more people to be acknowledged for their contributions,” said Gunnedah Shire Mayor and Australia Day Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller.
“Behind every successful community group, sports club and local initiative are people willing to step up and give of their time and their talents.”
“Recognising their efforts is a meaningful way to thank them for all they do, but we can’t do that without you, so I encourage you to fill in a nomination form today.”
Paper nomination forms are available at Gunnedah Shire Council facilities, or online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day
Gunnedah nominations close at 4pm on Monday, 30 November.
Gunnedah Shire Council is also offering grants to help communities celebrate on the day. Village progress associations and hall committees can apply for up to $500 to host events and activities, while local not-for-profit groups can apply for a Community Activity Grant of up to $250.
“If you have some great ideas for events or activities that will bring people together and showcase local community spirit, now is the time to make it happen,” Mayor Fuller said.
Applications for both grants also close at 4pm on Monday, 30 November.
Next door, Liverpool Plains Shire Council has opened nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, with nominations closing on Monday, 14 December.
Details are available at https://www.liverpoolplains.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-media-and-projects/Media-releases/Nominations-open-for-2027-Liverpool-Plains-Shire-Australia-Day-Awards
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