The Gratitude Project

Published on 10 September 2021

Bland Shire Council and Evolution Mining have joined forces to launch The Gratitude Project.

As the Bland Shire navigates another extended COVID-19 enforced lockdown, the Gratitude Project aims to acknowledge the region’s unsung heroes.

Using a simple online form, residents are encouraged to nominate a worker or volunteer, who has gone above and beyond to support their community throughout one of the most challenging times in our history. A nomination is a way to say thanks for their resilience, persistence, attitude and commitment to help maintain the delivery of goods and services, and to help others doing it tough. 

Each week throughout September, nominees will be entered into a random draw to win one of several $100 Why Leave Town cards, to spend at participating local businesses.

“Navigating COVID-19 continues to be a combined community effort and the Gratitude project sets out to recognise and thank people for their contribution over the last 18 months,” Bland Shire Council General Manager Ray Smith said. “It might be a medical officer, an educator, a supermarket or food service employee, a gardener, a delivery person, a road worker, a mechanic or anyone who consistently turns up to work to serve our community through this difficult time.”

With so many community contributors helping each other in so many ways, Evolution Mining Cowal Gold Operations Community Relations Specialist Steff Wills said it was impossible to single out just one or two individuals, services or businesses.

Ms Wills encouraged residents to nominate a friend, family, member, acquaintance or quiet achiever, to help shine a light on their good works and efforts.

“This is a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who have contributed to the provision of local goods and services throughout this incredibly challenging period,” Ms Wills said.

“It also a way to acknowledge any random acts of kindness and generally, to thank good people who are doing good things.

“By providing Why Leave Town cards as prizes, we’re hoping this initiative will give local businesses a welcome boost as well.”

To nominate, visit Council’s website at www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au, Bland Shire Facebook and Instagram pages, or scan the QR code in the West Wyalong Advocate or in the window of Evolution Community Consultation Centre on the Main Street.

Anyone having difficulty nominating can phone Council on 6972 2266 for assistance.