Business & Employment Award

In regional & rural areas successful businesses and government agencies are making important decisions for regional growth, productivity, leadership, training and employment. Businesses are continuing to realise their corporate vision and mission in areas such as product development, manufacturing and construction, agriculture, primary industry, e-commerce, wholesaling, exporting, retailing, trades and other professional services. The Business & Employment Award will acknowledge and highlight the continued success and achievements of businesses that are creating job opportunities within their communities and offering job placement to those most effected by unemployment.

Events and Tourism Award

Community events and tourism projects can provide an effective source of income and other positive outcomes for regional communities. They can benefit communities economically through direct spending by visitors, income generation and employment. Additionally, events and tourism projects may have a positive impact socially and culturally. Events in particular provide opportunities for people to meet and work together, helping to create a sense of belonging and social cohesion. This helps strengthen pride in a community and provides opportunities for new experiences, learning and enjoyment.

Arts & Culture Award

The spirit of creativity exhibited by Australia’s talented artists helps us all to think creatively and express ourselves with emotion. In our multicultural society, a commitment to personal development in the arts is emerging. The Arts & Culture Award celebrates the brilliant artistic achievements, multicultural and indigenous culture for their incredible imagination, initiative and flair required to produce such inspirational work. This Award will recognise performing & visual arts, culture, dance, painters, writers and poets in the arts and culture to pave the way for a stronger community.

Regional Service Award

The Regional Service Award applauds our unsung heroes, acknowledging those people who are passionate in dedicating their lives for the needs of others. When hard times hit or volunteers are needed, there are many selfless men and women, young and old, that often make a difference by giving their guidance, encouragement and much needed support. Whether it be mentoring unemployed, running camps for our underprivileged teenagers or simply spending their time offering friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need it most. This award is an opportunity for our whole community to gain inspiration from others through their achievements, demonstrated leadership and outstanding service to the local community.

Environment & Landcare Award

This award acknowledges individuals and organisations who show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environmentally impacts in rural and regional areas. By implementing landcare practices on their own properties or within the local community, land owners have shown increased commitment to raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of landcare, which will in turn help to protect the planet’s vital resources. Many individuals and organisations recognise our need to improve our patterns of consumption and environmental behaviour. They are enviromentally conscious and understand that this and future generations will be dependent on the environment, and their actions will encourage sustainable and responsible development in the future.

Youth Leadership Award

The Youth Leadership Award will recognise individual young people or a group working with young people between the ages of 12-27 years of age. This Award will recognise either a young person with effective leadership skills and emerging initiative, innovation and a commitment to excellence or a group or community that are providing leadership, mentoring and a range of opportunities and activities for your young people that encourage and involve young people in planning, organising, decision making and general community participation. The nominee may be providing social interaction, developing and running community events, working with the disadvantaged, creating stronger relationships between young people and the broader community, building skills and leadership or working with other young people on issues affecting young people and communities.

The Community of the Year Award provides groups and organisations with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to our community. These awards aim to recognise high-achieving communities and organisations that have made a difference to regional and rural areas. These community groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of their region. It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations as their efforts help to make regional communities stronger, more vibrant and help to promote a true community spirit for this and generations to come.