Get in quick to nominate your local hero, colleague, friend or relative for one of four Australia Day Awards by 5pm Friday, 10 December. Australia Day Award Categories include; Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Cultural Award of the Year and Community Group Award.
Council’s General Manager, David Farmer is encouraging people to nominate groups or members of the community to recognise those who are making a difference to the city.
“There are lots of people and organisations out there working diligently behind the scenes for the greater good of the community, and we want to recognise them for their contributions,” Mr Farmer said.
“Our past winners are outstanding examples of the many people who have been working tirelessly to make our community a better place.”
“James Cla’Bour (Jimmy) 2010’s Citizen of the Year not only works hard for a living but dedicates so much of his personal time to improving the lives of those less fortunate,” said Mr Farmer.
“Jimmy established the Illawarra Amputee Association 1989 after having an industrial accident resulting in the amputation of his leg and he continues his work for Amputees across the region. He volunteers as a buddy for people suffering mental illness and has volunteered for the past 30 years in amateur boxing at the PCYC.”
Individuals are not the only ones highlighted by the Australia Day Awards, community groups of two or more volunteers are also recognised with an award.
“SCARF (Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families) is the 2010 Community Group Award Winner who work passionately to ensure refugee entrants to the Illawarra are happily settled and participating fully in the life of the wider community,” described Mr Farmer.
“SCARF promotes awareness of issues affecting refugees and has set up personal mentoring, targeted education and work experience programs to assist those settling in Wollongong.”
Nominees will be invited to attend the Annual Australia Day Awards presentation dinner on Thursday, 20 January 2011, where the winners will be announced and a cash donation will be given to the charity of the winners’ choice.
The award criteria along with the nomination forms are available on Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/Events or by calling Council’s Events and Functions Coordinator on 4227 7104. Remember entries close Friday, 10 December 2010.