From the Mayor's Desk - 23 November 2020

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This week’s column is a call to action. There’s no doubt that 2020 has been tough for many in our community – so I’d like to suggest an easy yet meaningful way to make the best of a bad year.

Firstly, I want to encourage any community group who is struggling to interpret or implement the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 guidelines for events to get in touch with Council. These guidelines can certainly seem overwhelming and, while Council cannot change what is required, it certainly can help you to navigate your responsibilities as an event organiser and offer support and guidance to tick the required boxes. We want to support our local groups to get back up and running and would much prefer to work together to find solutions where possible than have to see those groups cancel their events.

Secondly, I can think of no better way to give someone in our community a much-needed boost or show of appreciation than to nominate them for a Goondiwindi region Australia Day Award – and Friday will be your final day to get your nominations in.

We are fortunate to live in such an active and community-minded region: I’m sure it will come as no surprise that more than 200 community groups operate in our area, and we have countless individuals who contribute to making our region the wonderful and supportive place that it is.

With service and dedication often comes modesty and a humble mindset – our volunteers certainly don’t do what they do for glory. But I do believe that effort, hard work and commitment should be recognised, and that’s where we as friends and family and neighbours can step in.

Nominating someone for an Australia Day award is recognition and gratitude for the positive difference they make to the lives of others. It’s acknowledgement of the hours put in and the impact that person has on those around them. Maybe you know someone who gets up early on the weekend to help tidy up their town? Maybe it’s someone who cared enough to check in on their elderly friends and neighbours during the pandemic, or someone who has quietly supported your sports club behind the scenes for as long as you remember?

Nominations close this Friday, 27 November, and I would sincerely ask that you take some time today to consider who might be the person you could nominate. Perhaps a particular name has popped into your head while reading this – if so, I ask that you call in to any of Council’s customer service centres to put your nomination in, or do so online at:  www.grc.qld.gov.au/australiaday

There are five categories of award: Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year (under 27 years); Senior Sports/Administration Award; Junior Sports Award (under 18 years); and Community Project / Cultural/Community Event of the Year. It’s worth noting that many community groups will not have been as active as normal this past year – but this is a chance to consider those who have served our community for years or even decades.

I already look forward to the awards ceremonies in January, which will hopefully be a chance for us to get together and celebrate the achievements and contributions of our community.

Hon. Lawrence Springborg AM

Mayor

Goondiwindi Regional Council

23rd November 2020 at 12:00 AM