Who is it that makes your community such an outstanding place?

If you can answer that question, your local council wants to hear from you ahead of Australia Day 2021.

Nominations are now open for Australia Day awards including citizen, young citizen, community event and community initiative or project of the year.

Murray Bridge will also recognise a volunteer, sports person and young sports person of the year.

In the Coorong, one citizen of the year will be named for the entire district, ending a previous practice of picking winners in each town.

Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis said the awards were about recognising people who went above and beyond in their efforts to make the district a prouder, safer and more progressive place.

Without such volunteers, he said, our communities would not have CFS brigades, visitor information centres, sports clubs, business and industry groups, fundraisers or special events.

“We need to acknowledge these special people, and show our thanks, to inspire others to continue building on the work already being carried out by those who make a difference,” he said.

“I urge you to take the time and submit a nomination for someone you believe is deserving of an accolade.

“This could be a friend, workmate, someone at your sports club or community association or someone you know doing great work serving the community.”

Murray Bridge’s citizen of the year for 2020 was high school PR coordinator and Rotarian Helen Peake, pictured with Mr Lewis.

Nominations for the 2021 Australia Day awards will close on November 20 in the Murray Bridge district and December 4 in the Coorong.

• Nominate an individual, group or event: Visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/australiaday, www.coorong.sa.gov.au/australiaday or your local council office.

• Nominate someone for an Order of Australia Medal or another national honour: www.gg.gov.au.

Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge.

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