23 October 2009: Nominations are open for the 2010 Bega Valley Shire Council Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards as part of the shire’s Australia Day celebrations.

Council’s General Manager, Mr Peter Tegart, said Australia Day was an opportunity to highlight the outstanding achievements of people who normally did not seek recognition.

"There are many people in our community who give generously of their time to help others," he said.

"We have people in our community who have worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of an organisation and there are those who have excelled in the fields of sport or the arts creating a wonderful image for our shire.

"Here is an opportunity for the public to nominate someone they think deserves this award. There are a number of deserving people out there who would easily fit the selection criteria," Mr Tegart said.

Nominees should be Australian citizens and information should include such details as service to the community or of a distinguished performance over the past 12 months in the arts, sport or other areas.

Details such as the roles and periods of service or achievement and any supporting documentation, for example press releases or references, will assist in considering the nomination.

Previous nominations will be accepted.

"The Council will select the Australia Day award winners," Mr Tegart said.

"These awards are a highlight of the shire’s Australia Day celebrations and the recipients are always honoured to receive such accolades."

Council, along with members of the Bega Australia Day Organising Committee, are continuing to develop its 2010 Australia Day celebrations and is keen to hear from schools and community groups who may want to contribute in some way on the day.

Inquiries can be directed to Council’s Executive Assistant, Ms Michelle Preo on 6499 2104.

Nomination forms for Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year are available from Council’s Bega office or can be downloaded from Council’s website, www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au or by contacting Michelle Preo on 6499 2104 or by email mpreo@begavalley.nsw.gov.au.

Nominations should be addressed to the General Manager, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550, or delivered to the Bega Valley Shire Council Administration Building, Zingel Place, Bega by the closing date of Friday, 20 November 2009.

Nomination forms: ►Citizen of the year ►Junior Citizen of the year

Nominations close: Friday, November 20, 2009