Nominate worthy citizen

Lindsay Hanchett remembers the overwhelming feeling of honour and shock he felt after being named the 2020 Wodonga Citizen of the Year.

Mr Hanchett, who is well-known for co-ordinating the Wodonga Carols by Candlelight and his active involvement in the Wodonga Brass Band and the Murray Hume Business Enterprise Centre, remembers sitting at home in front of the computer when the phone rang.

"Cr Watson called to tell me the news. I had to sit down, I was shocked," he said.

"It's certainly an honour but I didn't expect it at all.

"I volunteer and do things in the community because I like the work and enjoy helping out, it's not about recognition."

Nominations for the 2022 Wodonga Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, as well as Community Organisation of the Year are now open.

Mr Hanchett is encouraging people to have a think about someone who contributes to the community.

"There are a lot of people out there who do some great work in our community, and they deserve recognition," he said.

Mr Hanchett has not missed an Australia Day service since 1999.

"It's always a great day but also a long day as we start at 7am and have sets throughout the day and the highlight is always playing Advance Australia Fair," he said.

Rehearsals for this year's carols event are underway.

"It would be great if we could have a live event this year and we are certainly working towards that, but we must have a Plan B in place which would be a virtual event," Mr Hanchett said.

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