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Dear friends,

We are so lucky to live in The Middle of Everywhere. We have some of the state’s best beaches, mountains, rivers and plains.

We also have some of the best people who do the hard yards to ensure Wellington Shire continues to be such a great place to live, work and play.

While the past few years have tested the region and affected us in one way or another, some members of the community have never stopped looking forward.

Their selflessness lightened the load for others – whether that was through sport, education, the arts, environment, health, community welfare or acts of charity (to name a few).

These people are community heroes who deserve recognition for their hard work. I know through my work as a Councillor, and more recently as Mayor that there’s awe-inspiring people in every pocket of our municipality.

The Wellington Shire Australia Day Awards are the perfect chance to recognise and honour the outstanding achievement by individuals and groups that work hard to better the community we live in.

Nominations for the 2023 awards are open now in the following categories:

• Australia Day Citizen of the Year
• Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Community Event of the Year

In particular, we would love to receive more nominations in the Young Citizen of the Year Award category. It is a great way to recognise and further encourage a younger person who has had a positive impact on you or your organisation – someone who is always willing to put their hand up and help out in some way, even with the little things.

Nominations can be made online at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards and close on 7 November 2022.

Please consider nominating a local hero, community group or event this year, to ensure they get the recognition they deserve, and continue to inspire others to have a positive impact in Wellington Shire.

Kindest regards,

Cr Ian Bye, Mayor of Wellington Shire

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