The search for stand out citizens, young citizens and community events in Hindmarsh Shire has begun with nominations now open for the 2013 Australia Day awards. Nominations are invited for the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

The Citizen and Young Citizen awards are open to residents who have made a noteworthy contribution during the past 12 months, or who have given outstanding service to the community over a number of years. To be eligible for the Citizen award the person must be 25 years or older on 26 January 2013. To be eligible for the Young Citizen award the person must be under 25 years of age on 26 January 2013.

The Community Event award is open to the person or group who has staged the most outstanding community event during the year.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dean Miller encouraged people to nominate residents and events that have made a real to difference to the Hindmarsh community. Mr Miller said "Australia Day is a time when the greatest contributors to our communities are traditionally recognised and awarded the praise they deserve." He added "In 2012 we had three outstanding recipients of the awards. David Keller was our Citizen of the Year, Paige Egan was our Young Citizen of the Year, and the Nhill A & P Society was awarded the Community Event of the Year for the Nhill Agricultural Show. Council looks forward to seeing many worthy nominations for the 2013 awards."

Individuals and organisations may submit nominations. Nomination forms are available from the Hindmarsh Shire Customer Service Centres or the Hindmarsh Shire Council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au. Nominations close at 5pm on 30 November 2012.

The awards will be presented on 26 January 2013 as part of the local Australia Day celebrations.