MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is calling for nominations for its 2024 Australia Day awards.
Nominations of a friend, family member or colleague in the categories of Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year until Friday 17 November if they have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year was Jack Van Der Zwart, in recognition of his work caring for foster children, cooking for the homeless in Rosebud and providing meals for the needy.
There is also an opportunity to recognise events, through the category of community event of the year.
The 2023 winners included: Citizen of the Year, Jack Van Der Zwart; Young Citizen of the Year, Josh Berry; Community Event, Mornington Community Christmas Lunch; Local Champion, Charles Reis; Community Inspiration, Cecelia Witton.
Nominations can be made at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards and nomination forms are available at the shire’s customer service centres and libraries or by contacting governanceteam@mornpen.vic.gov.au.
The mayor Cr Steve Holland said that each year the community had the opportunity to recognise and celebrate contributions fellow Australians have made to the community.
“Our Australia Day local awards shine a well deserving spotlight on our everyday heroes who so often fly under the radar and aren’t recognised as they should be,” he said.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 12 September 2023
