Our annual awards (previously called Citizen of the Year Awards) are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers who demonstrate exceptional community spirit and a willingness to help others.
Council is encouraging all Shire residents to nominate an inspiring individual or community group for one of the four Award categories:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Senior Volunteer of the Year
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Community Group or Initiative of the Year
Community groups can be nominated for their valued contribution or for a special project or initiative they have delivered. This may include a group that was formed specifically to deliver a project, or campaign
Tell us who inspires you, and how they make our Shire a better place.
Entries will be judged from 2 April, with winners of the Awards announced and presented at a volunteer appreciation event during National Volunteer Week (20-26 May 2024).
How do I nominate?
You can nominate an individual or group by filling in a nomination form below. You’ll need some contact details to complete your nomination, so make sure you have these ready. The form asks for contact details for:
- yourself (the person who is nominating)
- the nominee/s (the person you are nominating)
- a referee who’s familiar with the achievements of the nominee
Nominations close on Sunday 24 March 2024.
1. Entries for the Murrindindi Shire 2024 Community Awards are open from Sunday 4 February to Sunday 24 March 2024. Entries must be received on or before the closing time.
2. The awards will be announced/presented at a special Awards Ceremony, held over National Volunteers Week, 20 – 26 May 2024.
3. Nominees cannot be previous winners of a Murrindindi Shire Community Award, previously known as Citizen of the Year, or Murrindindi Shire Council staff.
4. Previous unsuccessful nominations may be resubmitted, providing they are updated and entered on the current years form.
5. All entries must be submitted via the online nomination form or emailed to msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au.
6. Nomination forms must be completed in full, and all required details provided by 11.59 pm on Sunday 24 March to be considered a valid nomination.
7. Winners will be decided by the Awards Judging Panel, made up of community representatives, facilitated by Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor.
8. Councillors and Council officers are able to nominate, excluding Council’s Mayor, due to their involvement in facilitating the Judging Panel.
9. Nominees, nominators or referees may be contacted for further information by Murrindindi Shire Council staff.
10. Murrindindi Shire Council will notify all nominees of their nomination within 3 weeks of receiving a valid nomination. At this time, nominees will receive a copy of their official nomination form, including the names of their nominator and referee.
11. Nomination information is collected and managed in accordance with Council's Privacy Policy, and it may be used for promotional material and historical purposes. E.g. Murrindindi Shire Council Annual Report. For more information on how Council collects and protects your data, visitwww.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/privacy
12. Photos, videos, and audio recordings taken at the Awards Ceremony will be used by Murrindindi Shire Council for promotional purposes unless otherwise advised by an attendee.
13. All judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into relating to the decision.
14. In the absence of nominations from members of the public, the selection panel may make its own nominations based on local knowledge, experience and/or previous nominations.
1. Volunteer of the Year (formerly Citizen of the Year)
Judging criteria:
- Aged between 26 - 64 years (at 20 May 2024, the commencement of National Volunteer Week).
- Aged 65 years and over (at 20 May 2024, the commencement of National Volunteer Week)
- Has made a significant contribution to the Murrindindi Shire community over the past year
- Shows leadership and is a positive role model for others
- Strong alignment with Murrindindi Shire Community Vision, click here
- Contributions made by the nominee are on a voluntary basis
- Must be a current Murrindindi Shire resident.
2. Young Volunteer of the Year (formerly Young Citizen of the Year)
Judging criteria:
- Aged between 12 and 25 years (at 20 May 2024, the commencement of National Volunteer Week).
- Has made a significant contribution to the Murrindindi Shire community over the past year
- Shows leadership and is a positive role model to other young people in the community
- Strong alignment with Murrindindi Shire Community Vision, click here
- Contributions made by the nominee are on a voluntary basis
- Must be a current Murrindindi Shire resident.
3. Senior Volunteer of the Year (formerly Senior Citizen of the Year)
Judging criteria:
- Has made a significant contribution to the Murrindindi Shire community over the past year
- Shows leadership and is a positive role model for others
- Strong alignment with Murrindindi Shire Community Vision, click here
- Contributions made by the nominee are on a voluntary basis
- Must be a current Murrindindi Shire resident.
4. Community Group or Initiative of the Year
Judging criteria:
- Can be presented to a community group, including a group of people, event, campaign or movement
- Initiative has made an outstanding contribution to the Murrindindi Shire community over the past year
- Demonstrates service to the community with measured benefits
- Significant volunteer involvement
- Encourages ongoing change within the community
- Be a not-for-profit organisation and be operating in Murrindindi Shire.
Any supporting documents that recognise achievements should be attached, such as certificates or newspaper articles etc.
