Council calls for a shout-out for community's quiet achievers

Council is calling for community members to give a shout-out to the region's quiet achievers with nominations now open for the 2024 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards.

Celebrating the contribution of grassroots groups and community champions across the Scenic Rim, the awards will be presented in four categories recognising those who make a positive difference to the lives of others.   

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Council’s awards provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on community members of all ages who often work quietly behind the scenes without any thought of recognition.

"These are individuals who are the heart and soul of our region and who give so much of their time as volunteers in our community," he said.

"Now's the time to repay that in a small way by taking the time to recognise someone special.

"We all know someone - whether a friend, family member, work colleague or community leader - who helps to make the Scenic Rim such a wonderful place to live and enjoy family life so let's recognise their efforts with an awards nomination."

Nominations for the 2024 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards are open from Monday 11 September to Monday 13 November in four categories:   

• Community Event of the Year Award, for the individual, group or organisation which has staged the most outstanding community event in the Scenic Rim region during 2023.   

• Citizen of the Year Award (16-30), for an exceptional young person who is accomplishing great things in all walks of life and making an outstanding contribution to the Scenic Rim community. Nominees must be between 16 and 30 years of age as at 26 January 2024.   
• Citizen of the Year Award (31-65), for someone who has been an inspirational role model to the Scenic Rim community over a number of years. Nominees must be between 31 and 65 years of age as at 26 January 2024.   
• Citizen of the Year Award (65+ years), for an inspirational role model, whose example encourages others and contributes to creating a friendly, caring and engaged community. This person will have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the local community over a number of years and had a positive impact on a wide range of people in the Scenic Rim. Nominees must be 65 years or older as at 26 January 2024.   

A special Mayor's Award, recognising outstanding overall achievement, will be presented to an individual chosen from the nominees across all categories. 

The Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Michael Enright also called on community members to get behind the Australia Day awards program.

"It's important for us to acknowledge those who play key roles in the life of our region and help to create our strong sense of community," he said.

"Events of recent years including bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of community organisations and the strength of character of their volunteers.

"Our Australia Day Awards are one way to say 'thank you' to those whose contribution to our communities throughout the year - and often over many years – makes a difference."

For further information on the 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards, or to nominate an individual or event, visit Council’s website scenicrim.qld.gov.au/grants-funding-awards/australia-day-awards/1