Community awards to continue in refreshed format

Published on 28 October 2021

At its October 2021 meeting, Council resolved to no longer hold its community awards event on 26 January and will look to hold future community awards as a standalone event or in collaboration with an existing community event, however the citizenship ceremony will continue to be held on 26 January in accordance with the Australian Government’s requirements.

“Council understands that celebrating the great achievements of people in our community is important and we want to have an inclusive event” said Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kate Hanson.

“Having the community awards on a different day will engage a broader section of our community and we hope that more young people, and those who are on family holidays or working in our busy tourist townships during January, will be able to become involved during a less busy time of the year.”

Council invited the community to share their views through a recent survey to understand what the awards mean to the people and to explore what parts of the event should remain, as well as what might change.

The most unanimous response to any question in the survey was an overwhelmingly positive 85% yes to presenting community awards.

“We hope the new community awards program will provide a snapshot of the fantastic work being done by so many unsung heroes in our shire,” said Mayor Hanson, “and inspire others to find their own ways to contribute and continue to make Colac Otway, and Australia, such a wonderful place to live.”

A date for these awards, and revised award categories, will be discussed at a future Council meeting on December 15, 2021.