Released 24/11/2021
Winners of the 2021 Resilient Australia Awards for the ACT have been announced, with a network established to provide basic food and essential items to Canberrans in need during the COVID-19 pandemic given top honours.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman congratulated the Canberra Relief Network for winning the Government Award for its innovation and collaboration in the face of the public emergency last year.
“The Canberra Relief Network played a vital role helping those in need during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Thousands of food hampers, basic hygiene and baby items were delivered to Canberrans, providing much-needed resources,” he said.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) played a key role in supporting the Canberra Relief Network by helping establish warehouse operations and supporting the Network for the first six-months of operations and again during the ACT lockdown this year.
“Our ACTESA volunteers have given their time to support Canberrans in need and deserve to be recognised for their incredible work supporting our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Through their efforts, more than 2,800 Canberra households received over 14,000 food hampers and over 7,500 packages of essential items,” he said.
The Photography Award went to ACT Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter and photographer Gary Hooker for his moving image of the Orroral Valley bushfire in January last year.
“Gary Hooker has given almost two decades of service to the ACT as a dedicated volunteer firefighter and is again serving our community by documenting a moment in our history we will never forget,” Minister Gentleman said.
The ACT Property Group Rent Relief and Screwdriver Initiatives secured the Local Government Award.
2021 Resilient Australia Awards in the ACT:
Government Award
- ACT Winner: Canberra Relief Network
- Highly Commended: Community Resilience and Crisis Response Team
Local Government Award
- ACT Winner: ACT Property Group Rent Relief and Screwdriver Initiatives
Photography Award
- ACT Winner: Gary Hooker, Awestruck – Preparing for the Long Battle Ahead
The Resilient Australia Awards are an Australian Government initiative in partnership with states and territories and managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases