Byron Shire Council will move its annual community awards ceremony, normally held on the evening of 25th January before Australia Day, to a different time of the year that will coincide with Local Government Week (1 – 7 August 2023).
“We came to this decision at our last meeting of Council, following consultation with residents and community groups,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.
“This change is about continuing to recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals from the Byron Shire but choosing to do it at another time of year that is more aligned with what our community values,” Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said.
Alongside the change of date, the awards ceremony itself will receive a refresh and a Project Reference Group will be established to consult on aspects of the awards program such as format and award categories.
The group will consist of a councillor, former Australia Day Awards recipients, and two randomly selected consultation participants.
“We’ll be putting the call out far and wide for nominations for our new Community Awards early next year – so we encourage everyone to have a think about who they’d like to nominate.
“We’ve faced some of the biggest challenges and hardest times over the past 12 months and I know there are going to be a huge number of extraordinary people nominated for their selfless work and achievements,” the Mayor said.
Information about the new Community Awards program will be updated as details are released on Council’s Website.
