Four outstanding groups and individuals have been recognised for their significant service to Baw Baw Shire following the 2024 Baw Baw Shire Council Australia Day Awards, which were held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre last night.
Additionally, seven individuals and community groups were also awarded medallions in honour of their contributions to the community.
Jindivick local and dedicated volunteer Nikki Cadzow was crowned the 2024 Baw Baw Australia Day Citizen of the Year, in honour of more than 20 years of volunteering in and around her local town.
Wednesday night's award winners were each nominated by fellow community members and selected by an official panel, including Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe, and Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones.
Cr McCabe remarked at what an impressive contribution the individuals and groups acknowledged on Wednesday night had made and said it was very heartwarming to have such a high calibre of volunteers right here in Baw Baw.
"Your commitment to the community and to making our Shire a better place is admirable and I would like to personally thank you for your dedication," Cr McCabe said.
"These awards provide a wonderful occasion to honour some of the outstanding people in our community who go above and beyond, and each of you should be extremely proud of what you do."
Wednesday evening's awards night also included a keynote speech by local published author, Beau Miles. Beau is an adventurer and in 2023 published the book The Backyard Adventurer.
Tomorrow, Council will hold its annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, which will be followed by a community event in the forecourt of the West Gippsland Arts Centre.
Cr McCabe encouraged locals to attend the community event with family fun for everyone and reflected on the importance of Council's citizenship ceremonies.
"Council's citizenship ceremonies hold a special place on our calendars, as they are a reminder of why we are so lucky to call this country home, and the fact that people from all across the world have decided that they want to do the same," Cr McCabe said.
"More than 30 local residents will take the pledge and it marks the final step for the conferees in their journey to becoming an Australian citizen."
The community event in the Arts Centre Forecourt will commence at 12.00pm, with family friendly activities including facepainting and games, live music by Meg Doherty, a free community BBQ by the Lion's Club, and a flag-raising ceremony.
To find out what other community events are happening across the Shire this Australia Day, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.
