Community Recognition Awards 2026

Purpose

The Burnie Community Recognition Awards 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.

These awards recognise those Making a Better Burnie by strengthening community connection, participation, wellbeing and pride.
 

Eligibility

• Nominees must live in, work in, or contribute significantly to the Burnie municipality
• Individuals can be nominated for more than one category but may only receive one award per year
• Self-nominations are not accepted
• A previous recipient will not be awarded a second award unless it is within a different category and is a significant contribution within that category.

What to Include in Your Nomination

To support your nomination, please include:

• A clear description of the nominee’s contribution
• Examples of their impact on the community
• Any relevant achievements or outcomes
• Supporting material (optional), such as photos, testimonials or links

^{Council may contact nominators or referees to seek further information in support of a nomination.}

Award Categories

1. Citizen of the Year

   Recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the Burnie community.
   
   Assessment Criteria:

• Community Impact
  

  ^{i.e., How has the nominee made a positive and meaningful difference in the Burnie community, a particular group, or field?}

• Contribution and Commitment
  i.e., What level of dedication has the nominee shown, including the length and consistency of their contribution?

• Leadership and Community Connection
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, excellence, or inspired others, and contributed to community connection, participation or inclusion?}

In addition, particular consideration will be given to:

• Breadth and long-term impact of contribution
• Demonstrated leadership within the community

2. Young Citizen of the Year (30 years or younger)

   Recognises a young person who is making a positive contribution to the Burnie community and showing strong future potential.

   Assessment Criteria:

• Community Impact
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee made a positive and meaningful difference in the Burnie community, a particular group, or field?}
• Contribution and Commitment
  ^{i.e., What level of dedication has the nominee shown, including the length and consistency of their contribution?}
• Leadership and Community Connection
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, excellence, or inspired others, and contributed to community connection, participation or inclusion?}

In addition, particular consideration will be given to:

• Initiative and active involvement
• Emerging leadership and future potential

3. Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years or older)

   Recognises a senior community member who has made a valuable and ongoing contribution to the Burnie community.

   Assessment Criteria:

• Community Impact
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee made a positive and meaningful difference in the Burnie community, a particular group, or field?}
• Contribution and Commitment
  ^{i.e., What level of dedication has the nominee shown, including the length and consistency of their contribution?}
• Leadership and Community Connection
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, excellence, or inspired others, and contributed to community connection, participation or inclusion?}

In addition, particular consideration will be given to:

• Long-term or ongoing contribution
• Mentorship and community connection

4. Volunteer of the Year

   Recognises an individual who has made an exceptional voluntary contribution to the Burnie community.

   Assessment Criteria:

• Community Impact
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee made a positive and meaningful difference in the Burnie community, a particular group, or field?}
• Contribution and Commitment
  ^{i.e., What level of dedication has the nominee shown, including the length and consistency of their contribution?}
• Leadership and Community Connection
  ^{i.e., How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, excellence, or inspired others, and contributed to community connection, participation or inclusion?}

In addition, particular consideration will be given to:

• Dedication to voluntary (unpaid) service
•  Positive impact through helping others or community groups

5. Event of the Year

   Recognises an event that has made a significant contribution to community life in Burnie.

   Assessment Criteria:

• Community Impact and Contribution
  ^{i.e., How did the event benefit the Burnie community (e.g. social, cultural, or economic impact)?
  In your response, you may like to include:}

• _{Social, cultural, economic, or environmental benefits for Burnie}
• _{How the event brought people together or strengthened community connection}
• _{Any lasting impact (e.g. ongoing programs, awareness, partnerships)}
• _{How the event celebrated or reflected the identity of Burnie}
• _{Were any environmental or sustainability practices included?}
  
  

• Participation and Reach
  ^{i.e., To what extent did the event encourage community participation and attendance?
  In your response, you may like to include:}

• _{Approximate number of attendees}
• _{Who attended (e.g. families, young people, diverse groups)}
• _{How the event encouraged people to participate}
• _{Number of volunteers involved and total volunteer hours}
  
  

• Event Delivery and Accessibility ^_(Optional)

  ^{i.e., How well was the event organised, and how easy was it for people to attend?
  In your response you may like to include:}

• _{Was the event well run and organised?}
• _{Was it affordable and easy to get to?}
• _{Could a wide range of people attend (e.g. families, older people, people with disability)?}
• _{Were there any barriers that made it harder for people to attend (e.g. cost, transport, timing)? If so, how were these addressed?}

^{*Events organised by council are ineligible for an award.}

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