Published on 23 January 2023
Moorabool Shire Council will present the 2023 Australia Day Awards at the Australia Day Ceremony being held on Thursday 26 January, 2023.
The Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Judy D’Attoma.
Judy D’Attoma is the driving force behind Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) and implemented a food voucher project within Bacchus Marsh to support people experiencing food security or hardship. Since late 2018 the program has raised over $25,000 and distributed more than $15,000 (1,523) in vouchers to people in need. Judy was instrumental in working towards a free community pantry, where community donate pantry items and take what they need. BUTPIF has also provided 30 fruit trees to two primary schools in the area and has set up a garden to provide fresh vegetables to the community pantry and Soul Food.
Award recipients in the Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year categories will be announced closer to the date.
Certificates of Achievement and the Mayoral Award for outstanding contributions will also be announced closer to the day.
All award recipients will be formally recognised at the 2023 Australia Day Awards held at the Mechanics Institute, Inglis Street, Ballan on Thursday 26 January 2023, commencing at 9am.