2024 Australia Day Awards now open
Published on 02 November 2023
Nominations for the 2024 Australia Day Awards are now open, and Rockhampton Regional Council is calling on the community to help recognise the region’s unsung heroes.
From local sporting talents to fundraising efforts and everything in between – Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said Council is eager to hear about their efforts.
“Our region is lucky to be made up of many individuals and groups who devote time and energy to making our community a better place to live,” Mayor Williams said.
“Whether it be dedicating their spare time to coaching a sporting team, working tirelessly on a community project, helping raise funds for a deserving cause, or honing their talents and representing our region - these residents play pivotal roles in our community and inspire those around them, often without even realising it.
“We want to be able to recognise these community members for their contributions, so we’re encouraging everyone to submit a nomination and help us say thanks.”
Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the awards include seven categories.
“Our region has an array of people from all different walks of life achieving great things, and the range of categories means no one gets missed,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Think about someone who inspires you and whose efforts and stories deserves a spotlight and nominate them in one or more of the categories.
“It’s an online form, it’s easy to complete, but I am sure it would mean the world to the person you’re nominating.”
2023 Award Winner, Debbie Richards, said being nominated was a wonderful surprise.
“It was a surprise and indeed an honour to be recognized for our dedication and hard work for various local clubs, schools and other organizations over the past 40 years."
Debbie, together with husband Steve, were nominated and chosen as winners of the Citizen of the Year Award for their community efforts ranging from decades of volunteering with local basketball to being founding members of the now Fitzroy Community Hospice.
The 2024 Australia Day Award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Sports Official of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Cultural Award
- Community Service Award
- Community Initiative
Nominations close on 7 January, 2024.
More information and nomination forms are available here.
Hard copy nomination forms will also be available from Council’s Customer Service Centres.