Nominate a local hero for the Australia Day Awards 2025
Published on 19 September 2024
Nominate a local hero for the Australia Day Awards 2025
The Rural City of Wangaratta is pleased to announce that nominations for Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards 2025, are now open. Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event, or project that has inspired them over the last year. Nominations close at 6pm, Saturday 9 November 2024.
"I encourage all community members to reflect on those individuals or organisations whose dedication and service have truly made a difference in our lives and community. Australia Day nominations provide a wonderful chance to celebrate our unsung heroes and acknowledge their invaluable contributions.” Brendan McGrath, CEO Rural City of Wangaratta
Nominations are now open for awards in the following categories:
Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year (aged 16-25)
Community Event or Project of the Year
Recipients will be presented with their awards at the 2025 Australia Day celebrations held in Wangaratta. In addition to receiving an award on Australia Day, the Citizen of the Year will be honoured by having their handprint carved into the Marmungan Rock. These handprints are an enduring tribute to outstanding individuals in our community. The unveiling of the handprint and accompanying cultural ceremony is held during Reconciliation Week and is hosted by the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network.
“The award recipients' handprints have been carved on the Marmungan Rock since 2017. This has become a meaningful tradition, and a powerful gesture of reconciliation. Creating a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations." Brendan McGrath, CEO Rural City of Wangaratta
Last Year’s Winners
Ruth Kneebone was awarded the Citizen of the Year 2024 for her dedication to volunteering and lifetime service to numerous community and sporting organisations across the Wangaratta municipality.
Louis Pye was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year 2024 for their contribution towards the betterment of our community through political engagement.
Project 365 was recognised as the Community Organisation of the Year 2024 in the Event/Project of the Year category. Project 365 is a not-for-profit organisation who raise funds through their music events and return funds to our community via the Into Our Hands Foundation. They encourage conversation for 365 days a year to help us all live mentally healthy lives.
How to Nominate
Online - forms and eligibility information can be found at
https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Public-notices/2025-Australia-Day-Nominations-Now-Open
In Person - hard copy forms can be collected from Customer Service at the Government Centre, Wangaratta Library, or Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre.
Nominations close 6pm, Saturday 9 November 2024.
For more information contact events@wangaratta.vic.gov.au