07 Oct, 2013

Do you know someone who makes your community a better place?

City of Adelaide is seeking nominations for the Citizen of the Year Awards to recognise and reward individuals and organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution during the year, or given outstanding service over a number of years, to the City of Adelaide.

“These awards are about acknowledging ordinary people doing the extraordinary in our community, going above and beyond the everyday to make a real difference,” Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said.

“Last year’s winners were well-known local fishing identity Michael Angelakis for Citizen of the Year and Adelaide Fringe for the Event of the Year. Young Citizen of the Year went to the highly motivated Alice Fraser.

“I encourage you to nominate anyone you think deserves to be acknowledged for their efforts, and remember there are a lot of young people out there doing amazing things in their communities who are also eligible for nomination,” Stephen said.

There are three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (person must be 30 years of age or less on 26 January in the year of the award presentation) and Community Event of the Year, and anyone can nominate their preferred individual or organisation.

Pursuits could be in the areas of education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, environment or any other area that adds to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.

Nominees for the first two awards should have made a significant contribution to the community, be an inspirational role model, an Australian Citizen and had an impact on the City of Adelaide to be eligible.

The quality of the event, effect on Council and contribution to the community are the selection criteria for the Community Event of the Year nominations.

Vivacious young person Alice Fraser took out the Young Citizen of the Year Award last year for her services to the live music industry in Adelaide and South Australia.

“Being honoured for something I love doing and really believe in is incredible,” Alice said. “I do this work because I am truly passion about it; having this passion recognised just puts the icing on the cake.

“In my work I meet many truly inspirational people and I encourage others to nominate for this award, it really is a very rewarding experience,” she said.

To nominate for the 2014 Citizen of the Year awards, go to cityofadelaide.com.au/coya

The closing date for submissions is 16th November. Awards will be presented in the Adelaide Town Hall by Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood as part of the City of Adelaide’s Australia Day celebrations.

Rebecca Draysey