Entries open for Citizen of the Year

COMMUNITY: The characteristics that embody a Citizen of the Year, the main local award handed out annually on Australia Day include; significant contributions and an inspirational role model in the local community.

Judith Williams embodies all of these characteristics, having served as Director of Nursing and Health Services Manager at Yass Hospital for over 35 years.

Judith has been an elected representative for Yass Valley Council for 21 years, as well as dedicating countless hours to community organisations and committees.

“I was truly honoured to be named Yass Valley’s 2015 Citizen of the Year and receive a NSW Local Government Service Award,” she said recently.

“It was a bit of a shock at first, I would never have thought that I was even in the category of being nominated for Citizen of the Year. I thought these awards were given to people who made significant contributions, not every day people who just love their community and work quietly behind the scenes.”

“After being a nurse for over 40 years, I guess that community service was something that just came naturally for me, but what I have given out to the community has returned to me tenfold.

“I just love being active and engaged with my local community.

She encouraged those who were considering nominating a friend or acquaintance to do so now.

“With nominations now open for Yass Valley’s 2016 Australia Day Awards, I highly encourage our local community to nominate individuals and groups who contribute to make our community a better place to live.

“It is normally the quiet, no-fuss people in the background that do all the work and they deserve to be recognised.

“These awards aren’t about a national hero, they are about everyday people who make a small but meaningful contribution to our community.”

Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey commended Judith on her contribution.

“Judith has made a significant difference to the lives of many individuals and the broader community,” she said.

“She helps people with a minimum of fuss and maximum of effort, goodwill and a high degree of tact. She is passionate about her local community and is always willing to arrange something for someone in need.”

Yass Valley residents are encouraged to nominate local residents and community groups for their extraordinary efforts so they can be recognised with an Australia Day Award.

Awards will be provided for the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Senior Citizen of the Year Award
• Community Group of the Year Award
• Individual Community Service Award

Nominations may be submitted by community groups, organisations and individuals using the nomination form that is available from Council’s website. Hard copies of the nomination form are available from Yass Valley Library and Yass Valley Council’s Administration Office.

Nominations will close at 5pm on Friday, December  11 2015.

Mayor Rowena Abbey presents Judith Williams with her Citizen of the Year award earlier this year.