2010 Australia Day Awards

Do you know someone who donates their time to a local charity, is heavily involved in improving the environment or has been the driving force behind initiatives in your community?

It could be your neighbour, your boss, or even the teacher at your children's school.

Tablelands Regional Council wants to hear about these unsung heroes in our community, with nominations now open for the 2010 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Tom Gilmore urged people to think about worthy people in the community and put pen to paper and nominate them for the prestigious awards.

"Australia Day Awards recognise the achievements and contribution of individuals and groups to the community," Cr Gilmore said.

"The Tablelands is home to many hard-working volunteers who contribute a tremendous amount of their time and resources for the benefit of the community.

"Australia Day is a time to reflect on the valuable contribution these people make."

This year, Council will announce only regional winners in all categories, with towns and communities able to hold their own localised awards if they desire.

"Council is looking at this important day from a regional focus, so this year we will be choosing regional winners only for the official Australia Day Awards," Cr Gilmore said.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Citizen Award
• Young Citizen
• Community Event
• Coach/Sport Administrator
• Senior Sports
• Junior Sports
• Senior Cultural
• Junior Cultural
• Senior Community Service
• Junior Community Service
• Commerce & Industry
• Environmental Excellence
• Quiet Achievers Award

Nomination forms are available from the Council offices at Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda and Herberton, or by clicking here.

Nominations close on 13 January 2010.

Council is also well under way with its planning for Australia Day celebrations on the Tablelands.

Council will host a regional event at the Tepon Equestrian Centre at Wondecla to mark the day that will include fun family activities, a Citizenship Ceremony and the announcement of the Regional Australia Day Awards.

More information will be made available as the plans take shape.

Groups or organisations that may wish to host an Australia Day event in their town or community are encouraged to contact Council which will provide some financial and /or in-kind support to the event organisers.

Enquiries or interest in hosting an event should be emailed to: staceym [at] trc [dot] qld [dot] gov [dot] au