Locals now have the chance to recognise Wollongong’s quite achievers, dedicated workers and community-minded volunteers.
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Nominations are open for the City of Wollongong Australia Day Awards which will recognise the outstanding contribution of locals to their community.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he encouraged residents to nominate a friend, work colleague or community member.
“Many locals just get on with their great work and they don’t need recognition,” he said.
“But these people have gone beyond the normal level of achievement and have done extraordinary things.
“The council wants to recognise those residents who contribute to the success of the city.
“Previous winners have come from all walks of life and include a Scout leader, doctor, jazz musician, a surf boat crew and people helping the homeless.
“The things they have in common is passion and dedication. If that sounds like someone you know, go online and nominate them.”
Nomination categories include: citizen of the year, senior and young citizen of the year, arts and cultural, community group, sports and outstanding achievement or innovation awards.
Citizen of the Year and Waples Marketing Group executive director Vicki Tiegs said it was a “great honour” to win the award this year.
“I encourage anyone who knows of an individual who deserves recognition for their contribution to our city, in whatever field it is, to nominate them for an Australia Day Award,” she said.
“Most people don’t ask for recognition for what they do, it takes others to make that recognition happen
“I am immensely proud of Wollongong as a city and of how it has grown into a special and diverse place.
“I hope we see diversity in the nominations.”
Ms Tiegs said she enjoyed attended Wollongong City Council events throughout the year as the Citizen of the Year.
Cr Bradbery said he was excited to celebrate the national day next year.
“I always look forward to Australia Day celebrations because the citizenship ceremonies are the biggest of the year and it is a chance to get out in the sun, to listen to music and enjoy the fireworks,” he said.
“However, the celebrations are tinged for me because the day is a lament for some people in our community.
“The occasion also needs to raise awareness of the loss for Aboriginal people.”
Nomination categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year (aged 65 and over)
- Young Citizen of the Year (aged 25 or under)
- Arts and Cultural Award
- Community Group Award
- Sports Award
- Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award
Nominations close December 7: www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/city/events/australia-day/Pages/Australia-Day-Awards.
For more information you can contact the council’s customer service team on 4227 7111.