The Golden Plains Shire 2019 Australia Day Award for Community Group of the Year recognises a group of two or more persons which has performed a service to the community, raised funds for a community charity, or brought recognition and credit to the community through a cultural, environmental or sporting event. All contributions or achievements must have occurred between 27 November 2017 and 1 December 2018.
This year’s nominees are:
Inverleigh Book Bazaar 2018 - Inverleigh Public Hall Committee of Management — Thousands of books were donated to last year’s two-day event and volunteers organised them into categories. The $3,000 raised was invested back into the refurbishments of the Inverleigh hall.
Inverleigh Dachshund Derby — This event is in its 8th year and run by a handful of volunteers with a passion for dogs, with about 500 people attending last year’s Derby. There’s a fancy dress category and every child receives a ribbon.
Meredith History Interest Group — This group is 10 years old, meets weekly and has more than 60 members helping to document the town’s past. It has 13,000 researchable records, hosts and contributes to many community events every year and welcomes clubs from other shires.
Napoleons Enfield Landcare Group — A free open day in October featured walks and talks, a primary school arts trail, bushcraft and information about fisheries, frogs and other wildlife. The group has also improved the landscape at Yarrowee Creek at Napoleons and Cambrian Hill.
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey will announce the Australia Day Awards winners at a special presentation at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Tuesday 22 January 2019, prior to the first Council meeting of the year.