Nominations are open for Nillumbik's 2020 Australia Day Awards and Council wants to hear about the valued community members and groups who make us proud to be Australian.
We are inviting nominations for the categories of Young Citizen of the Year (16-30 years old), Senior Citizen of the Year (aged over 60), Volunteer of the Year, and Community Group of the Year.
The awards will be presented at Nillumbik's Australia Day and Citizenship Ceremony in Eltham on Sunday 26 January 2020.
Mayor Karen Egan said Australia Day Award nominations provide an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Nillumbik's unsung heroes.
"We all know someone who commits themselves selflessly, whether it be through a sporting club, community organisation, school or other means," Cr Egan said.
"We have exceptional levels of volunteerism in Nillumbik, and this is a chance to gain recognition for those who give up their time for the sake of others."
One volunteer who knows how it feels to be recognised through a nomination is Glen Ferrarotto, who was named Volunteer of the Year at Nillumbik's 2019 Australia Day Awards.
After serving in the army between 1997 and 2008, the Wattle Glen resident now focuses on representing Australia defence force veterans at community events, and educating young people about veterans' experiences.
He encourages everyone to nominate someone for an Australia Day Award.
"Don't think about – just do it! Volunteers in particular tend to be pretty poor at blowing their own trumpet so they need someone else to do it for them.
"Even if they don't receive an award, it's a really special thing to be nominated," he said.
Nominations for the 2020 awards close on Monday 21 October. Nominate online via www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/ausday or contact the Festivals and Events team on 9433 3276 for a hardcopy nomination form.
