Eligible Canberrans Can Nominate For Gold Before End Of November

18 November 2004

ELIGIBLE CANBERRANS CAN NOMINATE FOR GOLD BEFORE END OF NOVEMBER

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope today urged eligible Canberrans to nominate for the inaugural Canberra Gold Chief Minister's Award before the November 30 deadline. The award is for people who have lived in the ACT for 50 or more years.

"The intention of this special award is to recognise the long term residents of the ACT and their contribution towards making our community what it is today," Mr Stanhope said.

"They don't have to have been living here for 50 years straight - but must have been living here for a cumulative 50 years. Those eligible could have either moved here 50 or more years ago or could have been born here 50 or more years ago.

"So far we have received a total of 406 nominations. And nominations for the first-ever presentation close soon - at the end of November.

"The award will be presented annually - although we naturally expect a significantly larger number for the first couple of years because we will be recognising those who have been here longer than 50 years while every year after that should only be those who are reaching their 50th year.

"I look forward to making the first and biggest presentation of Canberra Gold awards when we again mark our city's birthday on 12 March next year. We need to ensure these loyal citizens stay in the ACT and continue to play a special part in the making of our community's history."

Canberra Gold is an initiative of the Canberra Social Plan, which was launched by the Chief Minister in February this year.

Nomination forms are available by phoning 62053031 or from: www.cmd.act.gov.au/gold or under 'Community' on www.cmd.act.gov.au

Statement Ends

Media Contact: Penny Farnsworth 6205 0434(w) 0417 481 407(m) penny.farnsworth@act.gov.au
Christina Myers 6205 9777(w) 0438 289 714(m) Christina.myers@act.gov.au

Jon Stanhope MLA
CHIEF MINISTER
ATTORNEY GENERAL MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINISTER FOR ARTS, HERITAGE & INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
MEMBER FOR GINNINDERRA