Community Recognition Awards Nominations - 2025
Published on 14 April 2025
Nominations are open for the 2025 Community Recognition Awards.
It is time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of individuals, and organisations, that have made a significant impact on their local Burnie communities, be it through volunteer work, events, exceptional achievements, or outstanding service.
Council is calling for nominations for Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
The Award recipients will be celebrated at our Community Recognition Awards Event that will be held in line with national volunteers week, on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at Burnie Arts.
This in-person event will honour those who have made a significant impact in our city, as voted by you, the community. Let's come together to recognise and thank these incredible individuals for their contributions. It's going to be a memorable evening filled with gratitude and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there!
Nominations close Thursday, 15 May 2025 at 4:00pm
Guidelines and Criteria
The following guidelines and criteria are used when considering the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community Event of the Year award nominations. All nominations received will be assessed against the following:
Guidelines for each award
Awards aim to recognise citizens who have made a significant contribution to the City of Burnie and the broader municipal area, through volunteer work or paid employment (in which case the contribution is significantly beyond what is normally expected without recompense or reward).
The following criteria is used when considering and assessing the award nominations:
- The nominee must reside in the Burnie municipality and be an Australian citizen.
- The nominee can only receive one award during their lifetime.
Citizen and Volunteer Award - all ages
Young Citizen Award - under 30 years of age
Senior Citizen Award - over 65 years of age
Selection criteria for individual awards:
- The impact of the person’s contribution to a particular field, locality, group, community or humanity at large;
- The period of time that the person has made a major commitment;
- Whether the person’s contribution has been recognised elsewhere (e.g. in the media, by other awards, interest groups or local councils);
- The level of excellence that the person has demonstrated in their chosen field.
Selection criteria Community Event of the Year Award
- The event must have been held in the Burnie and municipal area;
- How did the event benefit the Burnie community, i.e. how the event "gave back”;
- How many hours were spent coordinating the event;
- How many community volunteers assisted with organising and/or running the event;
- What was the number of attendees at the event;
- Where were the proceeds (if any) allocated;
- What was the cost to enter the event.
“Reflect, Respect, Celebrate" Burnie’s inclusive approach to Australia Day, citizenship & recognising achievements.
Why we Celebrate, why we Evolve
Australia Day has been celebrated in different ways over time. In 1994, the date was officially fixed as 26 January across all states and territories, ending the previous practice where some states observed it on a Friday for a long weekend.
As our nation evolves, so does the way we mark this day—ensuring it reflects the current values of respect, inclusion, and community.
A thoughtful approach to celebrations
In line with the 2025 Australia Day theme—“Reflect, Respect, Celebrate”— Burnie is embracing more inclusive and meaningful ways to mark these occasions:
🗓️ Australia Day Festivities (26 January): By Supporting a family-friendly celebration of our diverse community, acknowledging our shared history and future.
🗓️ Citizenship Ceremonies (various dates): Holding dedicated, respectful events welcoming new Australians throughout the year in a way that gives them the recognition they deserve.
🗓️ Community Recognition Awards (May): Aligning these awards with National Volunteering Week highlights our local heroes, emphasising their importance in our community.
The benefits of this approach:
✔ Recognising Perspectives – We acknowledge that 26 January date holds different meanings for different Australians, including Aboriginal Australians.
✔ Respectful Welcoming – Holding citizenship ceremonies on dates throughout the year ensures new citizens are welcomed with full focus and respect.
✔ Meaningful Recognition – Linking local community awards with National Volunteering Week amplifies appreciation for local achievements and for those who give back.
Making Burnie Better 2044 key alignments
Burnie’s approach reflects our commitment to respect, inclusion, and unity, ensuring that our celebrations evolve in a way that strengthens our community for the future.
It also aligns with the long-term goals of the Making Burnie Better 2044 strategy, fostering culturally rich, vibrant, and inclusive communities.
1. Making Culturally Rich and Vibrant Communities
• Recognising and respecting the diverse perspectives of First Nations and all community members fosters inclusivity and social harmony.
• Supporting family-friendly celebrations acknowledging our shared Australian history, diverse backgrounds, and collective future helps unite our community.
• Holding citizenship ceremonies throughout the year allows us to focus on fully embracing and welcoming new Australians in a meaningful and respectful way.
2. Making Democratic and Engaged Communities
• Acknowledging different viewpoints ensures the Council remains responsive to community sentiment.
• Providing and supporting inclusive events strengthens public confidence in local governance and decision-making.
3. Making Liveable Local Communities
• Supporting events that unite individuals and respect their backgrounds fosters a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
• Ensuring celebrations are welcoming and inclusive helps make Burnie a place where everyone feels valued.
By balancing celebration with cultural awareness, this approach reflects Burnie’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and unity, shaping a city that continues to evolve in a way that benefits all residents.