Every member of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) and ACT Parks and Conservation has been named Canberra Citizen of the Year for 2020.
The Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the award recognised the outstanding efforts and cooperation of both Agencies in responding to the unprecedented conditions experienced during the summer.
“The ACT Government would like to thank all members of the ACT Emergency Services Agency and ACT Parks and Conservation for working tirelessly to keep Canberrans safe and for the sacrifices they have made over the summer months, missing time with their families and, for many volunteers, their employment,” Mr Barr said.
“The Canberra Citizen of the Year is presented each year to an individual, or a group, who have made an outstanding contribution to the Canberra community.”
He said Canberrans would be invited to show their support and appreciation to the award recipients at a number of community events this weekend, with ‘Appreciation Stations’ to be set up at four ‘Canberra Day in the Suburbs’ events on Saturday (7 March).
Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events, Gordon Ramsay encouraged people to write a message of support at one of the Appreciation Stations.
“Stop by the Canberra Day in the Suburbs events being held between 11am and 2pm at Belconnen, Cooleman Court, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong and write a thank you message, connect with your community and enjoy a piece of cake or a sausage sizzle,” Mr Ramsay said.
He said the messages of support would be broadcast on screens at the main Canberra Day event on Monday (9 March).
ACT ESA Commissioner, Georgeina Whelan said she was proud of the work of her team.
“This incredible team, of staff and volunteers across the Emergency Services Agency and ACT Parks and Conservation, worked together as a team of teams to ensure the safety of Canberrans,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“It was a true representation of us working together to care and protect Canberra.”
