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This article was published on Thursday, 7 December, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Local heroes wanted! Nominations are open for the 2024 Citizenship Awards

The Awards celebrate residents who have made noteworthy contributions during the year, given outstanding service to the local community, or positively impacted the community over a number of years.

Nominations for the 2024 Awards are now open. Residents from Arcadia, Mooroopna, Tatura, Toolamba, Dookie, Murchison and Shepparton can be nominated for an Award across the following seven categories:

Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year (aged under 30)
Senior Citizen of the Year (aged 65 and over)
Community Event of the Year
Sport Award
Junior Sport Award (aged under 18)
Senior Sport Award (aged 65 and over)

The winners will be announced at community events in late January 2024.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, highlighted the importance of these Awards and encouraged residents to nominate outstanding local citizens who make a difference in the community.

“These Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of remarkable community members and give them the recognition they deserve,” he said.

“We all know someone who steps up in times of need, or takes time out of their day to improve the community. A nomination for the 2024 Citizenship Awards would be a wonderful way to show them gratitude for their hard work.”

2023 Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year, Michael D'Elia ESM, said nominating your friend or colleague can be an extremely meaningful task. He said nominating a community member for something like this is an honour for that person in itself.

“It was a wonderful honour to be nominated let alone to be awarded the Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year award in 2023,” he said.

Award winners will be announced on Thursday 25 January 2024 in Shepparton.

Nominations close on Sunday 17 December 2023. Nomination forms are available online.

Forms can also be collected from Australia Day Committee members or by contacting Council on 5832 9700.

In September 2023, Council resolved to host a community awards and citizenship ceremony event on 25 January, and support small towns to host community celebrations on days other than 26 January.

Further information about Council’s September 2023 resolution about 26 January, is available here Shaping Greater Shepparton