PLANNING is underway for an Australia Day event for Light Regional residents, to be held in Greenock.

The community event will include the presentation of Australia Day awards and a breakfast, and is currently proposed to be joint-hosted by the Greenock Village Community Association, Greenock Cricket Club, and Greenock Primary School Governing Council.

According to a council report, the event will likely be a modified version to comply with COVID-safe guidelines.

“Under the current emergency directions, guests will no longer be able to queue for food; instead food and beverages must be served to seated persons,” it states.

“To address contact tracing requirements pre-arranged ticketing is suggested, with an issuing of wristbands.

“Several trained COVID Marshals will be required to maintain physical distancing, as well as a dedicated ‘awards marshal’ who will wear gloves to facilitate the safe issuing of certificates, badges and other items at the event.”

Light Regional Council is currently taking nominations for the 2021 Citizen of the Year awards, including for a new award category.

The Award for Active Citizenship can be awarded to an individual or group who has delivered outstanding work or for an event or cause, staged in the community during the past year.

Unlike other categories the recipient is not required to be an Australian Citizen.

Other awards will be given for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (must be under 30 years of age on January 26), Community Event of the Year, and Community Project of the Year.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program will continue in 2021, with Light Regional expected to apply to be included.

The Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) will also continue The Story of Us campaign which was initiated for Australia Day 2020.

The theme of the campaign is ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’.