More than a few local legends have come to the fore this week as the region responds in the wake of severe storms.
Among them is Ipswich 2020 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Amy Hartness who is a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service and Ipswich State Emergency Service.
Ms Hartness has been helping with clean-up efforts after savage storms lashed the region on Saturday, causing extensive damage to houses, cars and other property.
“On Saturday night I was out on the ground with SES crews helping assess the situation and providing support to residents where possible,” she said.
“Since then, I’ve been helping with management and coordination of response efforts to make sure resources are getting out to where they are required.”
Ms Hartness said the 12 months since receiving the Australia Day honour had been different to expected.
“This year has been different with COVID-19 changing a lot of things. It’s been a real honour to be Ipswich’s Citizen of the Year and I encourage people to nominate those in our community who go above and beyond,” she said.
The search is now on to recognise more Ipswich local legends, but time is running out as the date for nominations in the 2021 Ipswich Australia Day Awards draws near.
The theme for the 2021 awards is Inspiring Locals, Inspiring Stories.
The 2021 awards have seven categories. They are:
- Citizen of the Year: open to residents aged 26 years or older at 26 January 2020;
- Senior Citizen of the Year: open to residents aged 60 years or older at 26 January 2020;
- Young Citizen of the Year: open to residents under 26 years at 26 January 2020;
- Cultural Award: open to performers, musicians, actors who live in Ipswich as well as those who have worked to develop cultural activities and projects in the community;
- Sport and Recreation Award: open to sporting coaches, administrators, officials and athletes who live in Ipswich;
- Community Event of the Year: open to events that have taken place in the Ipswich local government area in 2020;
- Spirit of Ipswich Award: open to anyone who lives outside the city but contributes greatly to the local community, for example through volunteering.
Nominations close on Friday 13 November 2020. They can be lodged in three easy steps online.
Full details about eligibility requirements for each of the categories as well as how to nominate is available at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
Mayor Teresa Harding said the awards were an opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond for Ipswich.
“Ipswich is known for its enduring sense of community spirit, and we have seen that on display again this week,” she said.
“These awards are about shining a light on those people so that we can share their inspiring stories with the broader community and recognise their efforts.”
