These awards, Community Event of the Year and Destination Event of the Year, recoginise fantastic events that Bathurst has held during 2017. 

Mayor Graeme Hanger said council manages the awards and the public nominates events for them, but it is the Australia Day working party who determines the recipients.

These awards end up holding a lot of significance to those who coordinated the events. 

“The Community Event of the Year Award provides an opportunity for community members who have organised a community event to receive recognition for their hard, and often voluntary work,” Cr Hanger said. 

“The Destination Event of the Year Award celebrates events that have strengthened Bathurst as a Tourist Destination.”

Nominations for the two awards will be accepted until January 11.

Each award has criteria that need to be met.

For Destination Event of the Year, it is based on the degree to which an event benefits the local community and region, if it fits with and enhances the destination image of Bathurst and the overall quality of the event. 

The Community Event of the Year has similar criteria, but the way the event was communicated and promoted also comes into it and the benefits to the local community carry more weight. 

To nominate an event, click here.

In addition to these awards, Bathurst’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony will also present the Youth Arts Award and the Jo Ross Memorial Award.

The Youth Arts Award finalists this year are Will Hazzard, Charlie O'Neill and Emma Warburton.

Whoever wins will receive a $1000 scholarship from 2BS to further their artistic pursuits.

The Jo Ross Memorial Award recognises an individual or group that has worked hard to improve the local environment. 

It was introduced in 2006 following the death of Ms Ross.

Bathurst’s Citizen of the Year, Vicki Wilson, and Young Citizen of the Year, Caroline Harvey, will also be formally acknowledged on Australia Day.