Permanent residents doing fantastic work in the Inner West can now be nominated for Citizen of the Year awards under welcome changes to the selection criteria.
Inner West Council has scrapped a requirement that only Australians holding citizenship can be nominated for the prestigious awards, meaning a much broader cross section of the community can be represented.
The change came about following Council's decision to stop hosting the awards on Australia Day and uncoupling from the Australia Day Council's selection criteria.
Inner West will next move to reflect the change by officially renaming the 'Citizen of the Year' award categories.
Nominations for a range of Community Awards are now open and close 5pm Tuesday 11 April.
Nominees and award recipients will be celebrated at a gala event on Friday 19 May at Marrickville Town Hall during Volunteer Week.
The Citizen of the Year Award categories are:
- Inner West Council Citizen of the Year
- Inner West Council Senior Citizen of the Year
- Inner West Young Citizen of the Year
The Amy Large Volunteer Awards acknowledge outstanding contributions to local families, organisations, programs, the environment, and individuals in need.
The awards are named in honour of local resident and much-loved volunteer Amy Large, who passed away in 2015.
- Young Volunteer
- Adult Volunteer
- Senior Volunteer
- Volunteer Team/Group of the Year
The Pauline McLeod Awards for Reconciliation acknowledge the achievements of those who work to promote reconciliation through selfless acts. Each category includes an award for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nominees.
- Primary Award
- Secondary Award
- Open Award
High school students Ruby Bron and Nabilah Chowdhury were jointly named 2022 Young Citizen of the Year. Ruby is encouraging organisations and businesses to recognise young people.
"Not only so that they feel seen, but also to raise awareness of the different issues and initiatives within our own community," said Ruby, who was recognised for her climate activism.
"It also helps inspire other young people to get involved with grassroots activism and find a cause they are passionate about."
The annual Community Awards aim to celebrate community members who live, study, work and volunteer across the inner west. The awards recognise and celebrate locals who are making outstanding contributions to the community.
Information and details on how to nominate someone for the Community Awards are here: http://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/communityawards
