With nominations for the Western Downs 2024 Australia Day Awards now open, residents are encouraged to recognise an outstanding individual, community group or organisation for the region's top honour.
The annual Australia Day Awards acknowledge the achievements of our people across six districts, in a number of areas including volunteering, arts and culture, and sport. Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, which has expanded to include nominees up to 30 years of age, are awarded to two exceptional nominees region-wide.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said that the Awards are an opportunity to thank those extraordinary people making a difference in their communities.
"In the Western Downs, 'it's the people that make it' — and this couldn't be more true than of those special individuals and groups that make our communities such a great place to live, work and play," Cr McVeigh said.
"The Australia Day Awards are just one way we can say thank you to our people doing incredible things.
"Now is the time to nominate and acknowledge how important they are to the region."
2023 Citizen of the Year Beth Wood, an influential community leader with more than three decades of service to the region, said it was important to honour those who add value to our communities.
"Winning was an honour that made me feel very proud but so humbled, because across every community there are just so many people doing wonderful things to support others. In my view, every one of those people is a winner," Ms Woods said.
"I think the awards are important because we hear across the Western Downs inspiring stories of what is happening in our different communities to better build social connection. I am sure I speak for others when I say that what people do for their community every day is the priority.
"I would encourage people to look at their community with fresh eyes and identify what is special – what service or support or event they really value. They could then look at which individual or organisation provides that, and they then have the person or group they could nominate!"
Australia Day Awards 2024 Categories
Regional Awards
To be selected from nominees across the Western Downs:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year (aged 30 years or younger)
Local Awards
To be selected from nominees in each district across Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan:
- Local Volunteer of the Year
- Local Creative Arts Award
- Local Community Organisation Achievement Award
- Local Sports Award
Nominations for the Australia Day Awards are open until midnight Tuesday 31 October. Winners will be announced at local Australia Day events across the region on Friday 26 January.
