Community Service Awards nominations open

THE Rotary Club of Ocean Grove is again calling for nominations for its annual Community Service Awards.

The awards, also supported by Ocean Grove Business Association, recognise excellence and outstanding performance by the people and organisations of the southern Bellarine, from Barwon Heads to Queenscliff.

There are four award categories:

• Small Business Excellence, recognising excellence in areas such as customer service, staff training and motivation, innovation and contribution to the local community, with the winner receiving $1,000 and the runner-up $250
• Apprentice or Trainee of the Year for aptitude, work ethic, motivation, performance, willingness to learn and sociability, with the winner receiving $750 and the runner-up $250
• Team Member of the Year for an individual’s dedication to their job including consistency, service excellence, helping others, their willingness to undertake training and coping with stressful situations, with the winner receiving $500 and the runner-up $250, and
• Volunteer Organisation of the Year or outstanding service to the community, with the winner receiving $500 and runner-up $250.

“We think it’s important for local people and businesses to get recognition for their achievements and the excellent service level they provide which sometimes goes unnoticed,” Rotary’s vocational committee chair Lynne Carlson said.

“These awards are proving to be extremely popular and we urge you to put in a nomination recognising your favourite organisation or person.

“This year for the first time, we are welcoming nominations from the Queenscliff area as well.”

Nominations can be made online at rotaryoceangrove.org.au or by picking up a nomination form from Driftwood, 64D The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

Entries close on April 30.