While the Jindabyne Lions Club said it is disappointing to not receive National Australia Day Grant funding for local celebrations, all is not lost with an alternate event to proceed.

Jindabyne Lions Club and Snowy Monaro Regional Council will co-ordinate the Local Citizenship Awards under the National Australia Day guidelines.

“It is very disappointing not to receive the funding but understandable as we have been successful for the past five years and it is a very popular and competitive grant Australia wide,” Australia Day Jindabyne event co-ordinator, Nira Windeatt, said.

Immediately following the awards at John Connors Oval, the Snowy Mountains Community Association, led by John McLoughlin will stage a family connection day with a sausage sizzle and cold drinks (gold coin donation) and fun family activities.

Sue and Erin from Cool Change will provide musical entertainment during and after the awards ceremony.

“The connection of children and families with Australia Day is very important and the community association is happy to participate to bring our community together,” John said.

Nira said the awards ceremony will have the Australia Day ambassador deliver an address and present the local citizenship awards.

“It is very important, if this event is to continue, that nomination forms are completed and returned to council by the required date,” Nira said.

Forms are available on council’s website and Facebook page and the Jindabyne Lions Club Facebook page.

“We have so many wonderful people who go above and beyond for our local community and they deserve our acknowledgment and respect.”

There are numerous categories including citizen of the year, sportsperson of the year, community group, arts and culture, education, emergency services, volunteering and community event.

“The Jindabyne Lions Club gives a huge thank you to those who helped make this alternate event possible for our community,” Nira said.

The Australia Day Local Citizenship Awards will be held at John Connors Oval starting at 9am on Monday, 26 January immediately followed by the family connection day activities.

If you would like help with the family connection day activities, John welcomes the help.

He can be contacted by email - johnanddoro@yahoo.com