Emma Pritchard
The nominees for the 2024 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards have been announced.
An annual event which highlights unsung heroes from across the region and celebrates their everyday achievements while recognising their extraordinary services, the Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards also focus on the inspirational work ethic demonstrated by the nominated individuals and organisations, and their initiative in instigating positive change, building resources, and promoting inclusion and values within their local communities and networks.
The nominees for the 2024 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards are…
Citizen of the Year: Zak Masters, Mark Blackadder, Allan Woods, Tom Lavery, Vicki Marsh, Justin James, Claire Aman, Sue Boyle, Rex Green, Sally Anne Rogers, Aneika Kapeen, Kaitlyn-Maree Robertson, and Philip Hirst.
Young Citizen of the Year: Tom Lavery, Scott Wright, Aidan Really, Kaitlyn-Maree Robertson, and Madeleine Schroder.
Local Hero Award: Ursula Tunks, Sally Anne Rogers, Carolyn Williams-O’Shea, Holly Weston, Janet Johnston, John Pullinger, and Lloyd Fernance.
Community Achievement Award: Grafton City Juniors, Happy Paws Haven, Lions Club of Maclean, Maclean Food Bank, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Support Group, Team Aidan, Warm Touch, Surf Camp Downunder, ICOPE, Maclean Food Hub, and Gurehlgam Corporation.
Manager of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Mark Blackadder, who received a nomination for Citizen of the Year in recognition of his passionate advocacy to promote community events and collaborations which support local businesses and increase tourism, said it is lovely to be nominated.
“I don’t do it for the accolades,” he said.
“For me, it’s all about focusing on our local businesses and community groups and bringing them together in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“It is an honour to be nominated (for Citizen of the Year), especially alongside the other nominees who all do such incredible work within our community.”
The 2024 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards will be held in Yamba on January 25 after Clarence Valley Council (CVC) councillors voted unanimously during the September 2023 ordinary meeting to endorse the event and the Australian Citizenship Ceremony, with both occasions to be held as a combined celebration this year.
A full coverage of the awards and ceremony will feature in the January 31 edition of the Clarence Valley Independent.