Celebrate our community's hidden heroes by nominating them for a Rockhampton Regional Council 2025 Australia Day Award.
With seven categories open to nominations, Mayor Tony Williams said the awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight community members who have made an extraordinary contribution or are an outstanding achiever.
"The idea behind the awards is recognising the everyday people in our community who make significant contributions to our Region, making it a great place to live and raise a family," Mayor Williams said.
"Our hidden heroes can be those who dedicate time to fundraising for important causes, volunteer their time and efforts for local organisations or community groups, or use their talents to represent our Region.
"They often play pivotal roles in our community and inspire those around them, often without even realising it, however their hard work and dedication doesn't go unnoticed.
"The Australia Day Awards is to highlight the good work these hidden heroes do and a chance for the whole community to say thanks."
Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the process to nominate someone is simple, with nominations open until Monday, 9 December 2024.
"We invite everyone to nominate a hidden hero who they think has made a positive impact that benefits the community," Cr Rutherford said.
"The nomination process is simple, start by letting the person know you are nominating them and then head to our website to fill out the online form.
"When filling out the details, think about what the person you've nominated has done and why it is worth recognising them."
As the 2024 Citizen of the Year for the Rockhampton Region, Ivan Richardson encouraged the community to support the awards by nominating someone they know who goes above and beyond.
"It was a humbling experience for me to be nominated for an Australia Day Award," Mr Richardson said.
"I was very surprised to be awarded the Citizen of the Year Award and being recognised for serving in the community in various community and charity organisations for over 40 years.
"From my experience being part of the Australia Day Awards ceremony, it was apparent that all the nominees in all the categories are down to earth people who strive to make a positive difference in their areas of influence in the community, not seeking praise of glory for their efforts.
"The small act of nominating someone for their voluntary efforts for an Australia Day Award recognises their contribution to helping people and the community."
As President of Rockhampton Youth Orchestra (RYO Inc), Mr Richardson enjoys working alongside numerous talented musicians and conductors who share a passion for supporting live music performance and encouragement of young musicians within the local community.
"Attending the awards ceremony alongside the high calibre of fellow nominees and hearing from previous winners who continue to strive to improve the quality of life for local residents, further inspired me to continue serving for the betterment of the community," Mr Richardson said.
"Being selected as Citizen of the Year has been a great honour for me to share with a myriad of volunteers in RYO Inc who keep giving "For the Love of Music".
"The award has afforded me the opportunity to cross paths, share ideas, encourage and be encouraged by a widening circle of contacts within the local community.
"I look forward to being part of the 2025 Australia Day Awards committee and receiving the nominations for all categories and ultimately selecting the recipients for each as well as the Citizen of the Year, which I am sure will be a difficult decision."
The 2025 Australia Day Award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Sports Official of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Arts and Culture Award
- Community Service Award
- Community Initiative/Event
Nominations close Monday 9 December, 2024.
