Residents of the Upper Hunter Shire will be considered by the district Australia Day Committee for the following categories of awards: Citizen of the Year - Is awarded to a resident within the each district who is an inspirational role model and has made a significant contribution to the community in either a paid or unpaid capacity.

Young Citizen of the Year - Is awarded to a resident within the each district under the age of 25 (as at 26 January 2009) who is an inspirational role model and has made a significant contribution to the community.

Sportstar of the Year - Is awarded to a resident of the Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Scone districts who is an inspirational sporting achiever in any open-age category of sporting activity.

Young Sportstar of the Year - Is awarded to a resident of the Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Scone district who is an inspirational sporting achiever in any age category of sporting activity (ie does not compete at open level).

Achiever/Achievement of the Year - Is awarded to a resident within the Merriwa district who has notably achieved in general or a particular field. This may include a sporting, community, professional or school

achievements.

Sustainable Agriculture - Is awarded to a resident within the Merriwa district who is an inspirational role model in demonstrating agricultural best practice.

Environmental Excellence - Is awarded to a resident within the Merriwa district who is an inspirational role model in protecting and enhancing the environment.

Nominations will close at close of business Thursday, November 12 2009.

Nominations should be submitted to any of Council’s offices in Merriwa, Murrurundi or Scone, or posted to the Upper Hunter Shire Council, PO Box 208, Scone NSW 2337, and clearly marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL – Australia Day Award’.

Nominations may be proposed by an individual person or any body being a club, sporting organisation, business, school or community group.