Time is running out to nominate a deserving young Townsville local for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations must be in by Monday 4 December 2023 to celebrate those people who contribute to the community.
The Australia Day Awards are held every year, with winners chosen across several different categories, including Young Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said the awards were a great way to recognise those residents who go above and beyond in our community, including young people.
“Young people make a lasting contribution to our community, and it is great to see the work they do noticed and celebrated at the Australia Day Awards,” Cr Molachino said.
“Previous winners include young people who have done amazing things like raising money and awareness for cancer sufferers, creating care packs to assist those people who are less fortunate, and leading campaigns to reduce plastic consumption and help the environment.
“We are asking for people to look to their neighbours, family, friends or colleagues and recognise the positive contribution they make to the community and to help celebrate that.
The Townsville 2023 Australia Day Award Young Citizen of the Year Kobe Chun Tie was recognised at this year’s event for his fundraising efforts towards helping people with cancer.
The 12-year-old raised more than $16,000 through his Ponytail Project, which was donated directly to Cancer Council’s Gluyas Rotary Lodge.
Kobe said he was one of many young people in Townsville doing good things for the community.
“I did it to help people and honour my Opa who passed away from prostate cancer,” he said.
“I wasn’t doing it to get noticed or to win any awards, and I am thankful to those people who nominated me for the award.
“My family and friends were very proud, and I strongly encourage anyone who thinks they know someone deserving of an Australia Day Award to nominate them and help celebrate their achievements.”
Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards will highlight the best of the best from our local community, with awards handed out across seven categories, headlined by the Citizen of the Year and the Young Citizen of the Year awards.
The other categories are the Arts and Culture Award, Community Volunteer Award, Senior Sports Award, Junior Sports Award, and the Environmental Excellence and Sustainability Award.
Nominations for the 2024 Australia Day Awards close on Monday 4 December 2023.
