Nominations are open for the 2022 Australia Day Awards to recognise those in the Douglas Shire who have made large contributions to their community over the past year.

According to Council, everybody is eligible including volunteers, sports stars, environmental advocates, artists or any other high achievers who have contributed and deserve recognition on January 26 next year.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he expected many outstanding members of the community to have their names put forward.

“We are really fortunate to have so many amazing, selfless people who volunteer and give back to the community, particularly in the past 12 months” he said.

“Whether it’s a local community group, sporting club or your neighbour who is doing some great work out there, please think about nominating them for an Australia Day award.”

Australia Day Awards are open to Douglas Shire residents and community groups that have made an outstanding achievement or contribution within the community.

The seven award categories for 2022 are:

• Citizen of the Year: recognises outstanding members of the community for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement;
• Young Citizen of the Year: recognises young citizens aged 25 years or under (on 26 January 2021) for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement; and
• Volunteer of the Year: recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to the social, recreational, environmental and economic quality of life in the community through their endeavours on behalf of individuals, organisations, charities, service groups, clubs, churches, sporting groups, health or youth.

• Arts and Cultural Award: recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to arts and culture in the community.
• Environmental Achievement Award: recognises members of the community of any age making significant and lasting contributions to the environment.
• Senior Sports Award: recognises sports people for their personal endeavours and achievements in their sporting code.
• Junior Sports Award: (Aged 18 years or under at 26 January 2021) recognises young sports people for their personal endeavours and achievements in their sporting code.

Nominations close Friday 19 November 2021 so spread the message and make sure someone doing great things in the Douglas Shire gets the credit they deserve.

To nominate a local legend, please complete the nomination form found at Council’s website.