Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Jenny Whitney said the awards are an opportunity for a range of Whitsunday residents and groups to be recognised for their passion and commitment to the local community.

“Australia Day Awards highlight success in sport and cultural activities as well as people who are
outstanding citizens in the community,” Mayor Whitney said.

“The Australia Day Awards are a great way to recognise the achievements, dedication and sense of civic pride of everyday people living in our community.
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“We are fortunate to have people who inspire us and I encourage residents to take the time to
nominate someone they know whether it be a neighbour, colleague or friend; entry is free and
open to all members and groups,” she said.

Categories include:

• Citizen of the year (26 years and older)
• Older Person of the Year (60 years or older)
• Young Citizen of the Year (16 to 25 years old)
• Junior Sports Person (up to & including 18 years)
• Senior Sports Person (19 years and older)
• Junior Cultural (up to & including 18 years)
• Senior Cultural (19 years and older)
• Community Event of the Year (non-profit)
• Sports Administrator (e.g. coach, official or administrator)

The ages listed above are ‘as at 26 January 2015’.

Council will once again support the ‘Wally Hinschen - Volunteer of the Year Award’ which is an
award applicable to towns in the south of the region.

This award was previously coordinated through the Proserpine Lions Club and it provides the
community with an opportunity to recognise local volunteers who contribute significantly to the
area.

Nominations close 4pm, Friday 5th December 2014.

Australia Day Awards and celebrations will be conducted in Airlie Beach, Bowen and Collinsville
with further information to be made available at a later date.

Nomination Forms are available at Whitsunday Regional Council’s Customer Contact Centres or
via Council’s website.

Ends

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For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au