Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, is asking the community to make the inaugural 2023 Byron Shire Community Awards the best ever by nominating individuals and groups who’ve made an exceptional contribution to community life in the last 12 to 18 months.
“Thinking back on the last couple of years, I think we’ve all been touched by the extraordinary actions and compassion of members of our incredible community,” Mayor Lyon said.
“I can think of at least 10 people I would personally like to nominate to receive an award and they are people who have risen up against absolute adversity, have shown strength of character and have solved problems for the community in creative ways that will make a difference to people’s lives.
“During the floods and the huge task of recovery, there have been so many people who’ve given over and beyond – whose efforts need to be recognised and whose stories need to be told,” the Mayor said.
“There are also all the people out there who have stepped up to volunteer or solve a problem or who have been chipping away tirelessly at community projects in the background – we need to thank all of these people,” he said.
“This year, we embark on new timing for our annual Community Awards event and I encourage everyone to get behind this new path we’ve chosen to celebrate the incredible people who make our community truly unique.
“Please show your support, make your nominations now and come along to the event in August – not only to celebrate the achievements of the nominees and winners, but to be part of something inspiring,” the Mayor said.
Council’s Community Awards Ceremony will be held later this year during Local Government Week (1-7 August) – information will be released and updated on Council’s website closer to the time.
This year’s theme for the Byron Shire Community Awards is ‘what makes our community great?’ and there are nine award categories:
- Community Member of Byron Shire
- Young Community Member of Byron Shire
- Giving Back to Byron Shire Award
- Caring for Country Award
- Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award
- Community Initiative of Byron Shire
- Creativity Award
- Access and Inclusion Award
- Open Award
