There is just under one week left for residents to nominate someone for Golden Plains Shire Council’s 2020 Australia Day Awards.
Council’s Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to formally acknowledge extraordinary individuals and community groups who make an outstanding contribution to the Golden Plains Shire community in fields such as community service, arts and culture, environment, business, economic development and sport.
Residents are encouraged to nominate worthy recipients in four categories: Citizen of the Year; Senior Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; and Community Group of the Year.
Applications opened Tuesday 1 October 2019, and close 5pm, next Monday 2 December 2019. Nomination forms are available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-council/about-council/australia-day-awards, with hard copy forms available at Council’s Customer Service Centres at; 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn; 68 Sussex Street, Linton; and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale
The winners of each category will be announced at Golden Plains Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards ceremony on Tuesday 28 January at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, from 5.30 to 7.30pm. This event will also include a Volunteer Recognition Presentation and celebration of 20 years of the Community Planning Program.
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says Council’s Australia Day Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the Shire’s community-minded residents.
“These awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the contribution of our local residents and organisations to the Golden Plains community. I encourage all residents to consider nominating someone they know that goes above and beyond for their community.”
“Golden Plains Shire has countless active and engaged community groups and members that are committed to making our community a better and inclusive place to live. With so many community-minded locals, I’m sure it will be a competitive field for the 2020 awards.”
2019 Golden Plain Shire Australia Day Award-Winners
Citizen of the Year: Anthony Walker, Linton — Anthony, better known as Tony, is the Officer in Charge of Linton Police Station. He is extremely invested in the community, with involvement in the primary school, CFA, sporting clubs and much more. Tony is described as the local go-to person and, on his days off, mows the lawns of elderly residents and conducts welfare checks.
Senior of the Year: Malcolm Johns, Teesdale — Malcolm has been president of the Inverleigh RSL for 30 years. Among his many duties, he organises Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services every year in Inverleigh, Bannockburn, Teesdale and Shelford.
Young Citizen of the Year: Luke Getsom, Piggoreet — Luke is a passionate campaigner against bullying and cyberbullying and raised money for Dolly’s Dream charity. The former Mount Clear College student was involved in leadership roles and supported LGBQTI students at the school.
Community Group of the Year: 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.