Do you know somebody who has done the region proud through their artistic or cultural endeavours, achievements in their chosen sport or who deserves recognition for their dedicated community work?

Nominations are now being called for a range of local and regional Australia Day awards in the following categories:

Local Awards:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Cultural Award
• Sports Award
• Community Group / Event of the Year

Regional Awards:

• Regional Citizen of the Year
• Regional Young Citizen of the Year
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander - Leadership Award

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Peter Taylor encourages the TRC community to “say thanks” to those individuals who have gone the extra mile.

“The Australia Day awards are made to recognise and acknowledge the work of people who make significant contributions to their communities, both local and regional,” he said.

Cr Taylor said he was also pleased to announce the availability, for the first time, of the regional awards - especially the leadership award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

He said this was the result of the TRC attempting to be more inclusive and promote reconciliation, following consultation with representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“But let me emphasise that the regional awards will not detract from the local awards. Our intent is to recognise the good work of everyone working in their communities - some local and some regional,” he said.

Cr Taylor said residents are encouraged to nominate the hard-working and often tireless volunteers, artisans, sports people and groups in the community for the awards.

Multiple nominations can be made for local and regional awards.

Nomination forms, judging criteria and supporting information are available from any Council Service Centre or through the local organising committee.

Australia Day nomination forms