Nominations open for Community Service Awards

Rotary Club of Ocean Grove president Lynne Carlson led proceedings at last year's Community Service Awards night. Photo: SUPPLIED

NOMINATIONS have opened for this year’s Rotary Club of Ocean Grove Community Service Awards with a new awards category being added to the line-up for this year.

Rotary club president Lynne Carlson said the addition of the People’s Choice Award for 2024 adds an exciting element to this year’s nominations, which shine a local spotlight on exemplary individuals and businesses in the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads area.

“The board and the committee are very, very happy with how the community service awards are conducted, but we’re also noticing the area is growing in size as well,” Ms Carlson said.

“We expect the People’s Choice Award to be a crowd favourite this year as everyone in the community can nominate someone for this award with the winner to walk away with $1,000.”

Continuing awards in 2024 include the Small Business Excellence Award (winner $1,500/runner-up $500), the Apprentice/Trainee Award ($1,500/$500), the Volunteer Organisation Award ($1,500/$500), and the Team Member Award ($1,500/$500).

The rotary club has also received a large amount of sponsorship support, receiving assistance from Barwon Heads Bendigo Community Bank, Ocean Grove Bowling Club, 360Q, Ryman Health Care, and Beach Terrace Café to name some.

Rotary committee chair of vocational services Marita Scott said the major the changes, such as the additional category and updated prize money totals, will help contribute positively to the awards night on May 30th at Ocean Grove Bowling Club.

“The awards each year also allow us to really engage with our community and you just want the community to be recognised as well,” Ms Scott said.

“For rotary it’s a great chance to recognise excellence in the community, whether that be service excellence, or business excellence, at the end of the day it’s celebrating the accomplishments here in our community.

“So I urge residents to get their nominations in before the cut-off.”

Nominations can only be accepted until May 1.

To nominate, head to rotaryoceangrove.org.au/community-awards.