It’s time to start thinking about a person, event or group who is making a positive difference to the community for recognition in the 2022 Australia Day Awards. 

Wellington Shire Council will this year seek the help of organisations and individuals to approach their own communities for nominations. 

Groups are encouraged to consider champions within their own communities who are going the extra mile and deserve acknowledgement. 

This might be someone who is too humble to seek recognition or who does not realise they are an inspiration or help to others. 

For the second year, the Event of the Year category has been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of most events.The Covid Hero award, which was introduced in 2021 to recognise those who stepped up to work on the frontline during the pandemic, will remain as a category for the 2022 awards.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens called on the many community groups and individuals across the municipality to nominate people who are making a contribution to improve the lives of others around them.

"It's a great opportunity to nominate the unsung champions for the amazing work they are doing in Wellington," Cr Stephens said.

"There are countless people in our community working tirelessly without recognition and many of us might not see this work going on.Here's your chance to say thank you to them and acknowledge their contribution."

Nominations open today (Friday 1 October) and are being sought in the following four categories:

• Citizen of the Year:     aged 25 years or older and have made a significant contribution during the     year and/or given outstanding service to the Wellington community over a     number of years.
• Young Citizen of the Year: aged 24 years or younger who have made a significant     contribution during the year and/or given outstanding service to the     Wellington community over a number of years.
• Community Group of the Year: a group that has made a significant sustained     contribution to the Wellington community.
• Covid Hero: a person who has worked on     the frontline at a time when Covid-19 has been threatening.

The Australia Day Awards cover contributions made across a range of fields, including the arts, business, charity, education, the environment,health, mentoring, philanthropy, science, social welfare, sport and more.

They recognise community members who make a positive difference to the vibrancy of the municipality and improve the lives of Wellington residents.

Winners of the 2021 Australia Day Awards were Citizen of the Year Kate Mirams from Newry, Covid Hero Cathy Cook from Yarram and Community Group of the Year A Better Life for Foster Kids.

Visit wellington.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards to nominate someone before Sunday 31 October.