Nominations are now open for the Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards.
With the winners announced on January 26, 2023 at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at Williamstown Town Hall, the awards celebrate the people who have made a contribution to Hobsons Bay, including through community service, sport, arts and culture, environment, health and wellbeing, business or economic development.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the awards were a chance to acknowledge the achievements of individuals within the community.
“As mayor and councillor, I meet many amazing individuals in Hobsons Bay who go above and beyond for their community,” he said.
“The annual Citizen of the Year awards is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on these individuals and celebrate their achievements and contributions to our city.
“If you know someone who makes a difference in our community, show them you value their input and nominate them for the 2023 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards.”
Last year’s Citizen of the Year award winner Kate De Marco said she was a “little taken aback” to learn she had received the award for her work in starting a community pantry in her Seaholme driveway.
“I was blown away when I heard I won the Citizen of the Year award for 2022,” she said.
“Running the pantry is my way of giving back to the community which has supported me.
“I’m grateful that the pantry has benefited from the award. Now it’s always full, with more donations and partnerships with local businesses.”
Last year’s Young Citizen of the Year award winner Tahlia Kotiau said she was “extremely honoured” to receive the award for her work with the Williamstown Community and Education Centre.
“Through the award, I’ve had great opportunities to build the profile of where I work at the Williamstown Community and Education Centre and to be reconnected with the broader community which is especially important following COVID.”
Nominations close on Sunday, December 11.
