Do you know an unsung hero worthy of a Community Award?

The City of Ballarat is on the lookout for Ballarat’s outstanding achievers who have gone above and beyond to make our community stronger.  

The 2024 Ballarat Community Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of community members who contribute to enriching the lives of others. These individuals and organisations provide outstanding service and contribute to making Ballarat a leading regional city.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson, said it is important to celebrate and acknowledge the important contributions people make in our community who often go unnoticed.

“There are many great people in our community doing great things who deserve their day in the sun,” he said.  

“They often don’t seek or want attention but it’s important that our community recognises their contributions because they make Ballarat such a special place to live, work and invest.”

“I encourage you to nominate your friend, neighbour or colleague that is an unsung hero as part of the Ballarat Community Awards.”  

The annual awards have three categories:  

Ballarat Citizen of the Year  

The Citizen of the Year is someone who has made an outstanding, but often quiet, contribution to our community and region. It could be over a lifetime or because of a specific event or of need.  This person could have covered a range of activities and interests including areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of a community.  

Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year  

The Young Citizen of the Year is a young emerging leader who is making a real difference in their community. Someone already showing leadership, passion and commitment to giving to our community. They may be committed to bringing positive change, to bringing political and social change and moving towards becoming a local, state, or national leader of the future.  Support them on their journey by recognising and rewarding their efforts.  The nominated young citizen must be under 25 years of age on 26 January 2024.  

Community Event of the Year  

The City of Ballarat would like to hear about events over the past year that have contributed to making Ballarat a great place to live. After all, it’s our opportunities to get together and celebrate our communities that makes Ballarat so special.  The Community Event of the Year Award is presented to the group or person who has staged the most outstanding community activity, either small or large, between 30 October 2022 and 29 October 2023.  

Nominations for the awards are now open and will close on Monday 20 November 2023.    

The Awards will be presented at an official presentation in January 2024.  

The Ballarat Community Awards are provided by the National Australia Day Council (NADC) and are administered by local Councils throughout Australia.  

For more information or to nominate your unsung hero, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ballarat-awards