Nominate our local Citizen and Young Citizen of the YearAdvertising Feature

We all love the strong sense of community in Wingecarribee, and we all know at least one outstanding citizen who goes out of their way to make life better for their fellow community members.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year Awards.

Who do you want to see recognised?

Now is the time to nominate them. Visit council's refreshed website; wsc.nsw.gov.au.

Through our many community partnerships and collaborations, Wingecarribee Shire Council sees every day just how much our community members are investing of themselves into making good things happen for their township, village and shire.

Who is the young person in your community that you most admire for their get-up-and-go to make things better and be an inspiration to others?

Do you know of a citizen whose compassion for volunteering is reflected in the wellbeing of others around them?

Or do you know of someone whose innovation has brought about positive change?

This is the time to tell us how a particular citizen stands-out for the life-changing difference they make, so that their efforts can be acknowledged.

"We want to see the citizens most deserving of our community's appreciation, recognised by these awards," said Wingecarribee Shire Council administrator, Mr Viv May.

"Anyone who lives in Wingecarribee Shire can nominate someone from our community and we encourage all community organisations and clubs to put forward a nomination representative of your unique community."

To be eligible, nominees must reside in the Wingcarribee Shire.

Young Citizen of the Year nominees must also be no more than 25 years of age as at January 26, 2024.

When nominating someone, share what you know about how they have demonstrated excellence in their field, the ways in which they inspire others as a role model, and what they have done to make a significant contribution to the community.

Consideration is given to the nominee's achievements in the year immediately prior to the receipt of the award, along with their past achievements and on-going contribution to their community.

Qualities considered in assessing nominations include demonstrated leadership ability, a passion for community involvement, and propensity for compassion, generosity or courage. Personal, academic and professional achievements can play a part, along with examples of how the person has made a difference for the benefit of others, notable contribution to the shire, and any volunteer work undertaken.

'Wombat Man' John Creighton of Wombat Care Bundanoon was Wingecarribee's Citizen of the Year in 2023. Recognition of his contribution to the community has helped to attract a groundswell of support for his tireless efforts to protect local wildlife.

"The community's appreciation is a great honour bestowed upon each and every nominee. We invite all residents to extend that acknowledgement to a stand-out citizen in their local community by making a nomination," Mr May said.

You should nominate now. Visit wsc.nsw.gov.au to complete an online nomination form. Nominations close on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Wingecarribee's 2024 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced at Australia Day in Berrima Village on January 26, 2024 at the Citizenship Ceremony to be held in Market Place Public Reserve from 9am.

You should also join the Your Shire e-news (search council's website) for weekly updates on events and opportunities like this to get involved in decision-making.