At September's meeting of Campaspe Shire, Council endorsed changes to Australia Day award nomination program, funding and the January 26 Citizenship Ceremony commencing in 2025.
Australia Day awards across the shire are currently split into five committees including Echuca & District, Kyabram & District, Rochester & District, Tongala & District and Rushworth & District. As it stands, each committee elects a winner for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year. The winners are then pooled for the overall Campaspe Shire award winners, which are presented as part of the relevant local Australia Day celebrations.
Council is also obligated, under the Citizenship Ceremony Act, to hold a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day which has historically been held as part of the Echuca & District Australia Day celebration.
Following a review of Council's Australia Day events earlier this year, the award nomination process will be streamlined and contributions for the delivery of events across the shire have been increased to accommodate the rise in cost of living.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Amos said the changes are not significant, but will make the events more enjoyable for recipients and community.
"Moving forward, the five committees will still hold their individual events on Australia Day, and these events will have the opportunity to run their own Australia Day Award nomination process with the Citizenship Ceremony becoming a standalone event held in Echuca on Australia Day.
"In 2025, Campaspe Shire award winners will be announced at a private ceremony for family, close friends and media prior to Australia Day. This event will give recipients the opportunity to make sure their closest people can attend the Australia Day ceremony and give media the opportunity to cover all shire events.
"There will also be an increase in contributions given to each committee to help deliver their events. We hope by doing this will create a streamlined approach to Australia Day events, beginning in 2025," Cr Amos said.
