It's time to recognise the Gannawarra's top citizen, young person

Published on 14 October 2024

Nominations are now open for Gannawarra Shire Council’s annual major community service awards.

Presented annually as part of local Australia Day celebrations, Council’s Citizen of the Year and Young Person of the Year awards recognise residents who help make the area a great place to live.

“For more than 30 years, the Citizen and Young Person of the Year awards recognise residents who display strong community spirit, no matter their age,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Our 2024 winners are great examples of residents who demonstrate strong community spirit. Our 2024 Citizen of the Year, Jacqueline Hibbert has been involved with various groups, whilst our Young Citizen of the Year, Fifi White has been a key contributor to the local Leos and performing arts communities.”

Nominations for the 2025 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year are open to Gannawarra Shire residents aged 25 years and above as of Sunday, 26 January 2025.

Gannawarra Shire residents aged 15-24 years as of Sunday, 26 January 2025 are eligible to be nominated for the 2025 Gannawarra Shire Council Young Person of the Year Award, which has been revamped following an assessment of the former Young Citizen of the Year Award nomination process.

“By reviewing how Council recognises the contribution our young people make to the Gannawarra, it is hoped that a revived nomination process will make it easier for the community to nominate people for these awards,” Mr Rollinson said.

To nominate someone you know for either of these prestigious awards, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or collect a nomination form from Council’s Customer Service Centres. Nominations close 9am Monday, 25 November.

“All nominees will be presented with a certificate recognising their contribution to the Gannawarra during a civic reception held prior to Australia Day, so I encourage residents to nominate someone who deserves to receive this prestigious award,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or phone Council on (03) 5450 9333.

NOTE: This publication is certified in accordance with Gannawarra Shire Council’s Governance Rules.

ABOVE: Mayor Ross Stanton with 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year, Jacqueline Hibbert (left) and Young Citizen of the Year, Fifi White.