INTRODUCING THE YOU LITTLE RIPPER AWARDS
Ripley Town Centre is set to recognise the region’s best and brightest with the launch of the inaugural You Little Ripper community awards.
The You Little Ripper Community Awards celebrate local individuals and groups, whose work or actions significantly contribute to the Ripley region in one or more of the following three categories – SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL and YOUTH.
NOMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED
RECOGNISING THREE CATEGORIES
ENVIRONMENTAL
An individual or group that has organised an event, project or initiative, or has provided a service or program, that has contributed towards nature protection, climate action, sustainability and/or care of nature.
SOCIAL
An individual or group that has organised an event, project or initiative, or has provided a service or program, that brings people together and/or encourages inclusion.
YOUTH
An individual or group of young people aged between 12-17 years, who have organised an event, project or initiative that has made a difference to the local community and/or the environment within the region. This could include campaigning, fundraising, mentoring or volunteering.
THIS IS THE FIRST AWARDS PROGRAM OF ITS KIND IN RIPLEY.
Each category winner will receive a $1,000 Ripley Town Centre gift card in recognition of their community contribution.
Those that nominated them will also walk away with a $100 Ripley Town Centre gift card.
HOW THE 'YOU LITTLE RIPPER' AWARDS WILL WORK
COMMUNITY NOMINATIONS
The Ripley community members will nominate their Little Rippers.
NOMINATION VALIDATION
Nominations are assessed and validated by Ripley Town Centre.
JUDGING PANEL SELECTION
Each judge will select one finalist per category, and these finalists will then go to a public vote.
PUBLIC VOTING
Finalists from each category will be announced and the community is then invited to vote for their winner of choice.
COUNTING BEGINS
The votes are counted and verified by Ripley Town Centre.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
You Little Ripper winners are announced, and prizes are awarded.
KEY DATES
NOMINATIONS OPEN: 1 August 2023
NOMINATIONS CLOSE: 20 August 2023
JUDGING PANEL SELECTIONS: 21 August – 1 September 2023
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: 4 September 2023
PUBLIC VOTING PERIOD: 4 – 15 September 2023
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: 19 September 2023
AWARDS EVENT: 28 September 2023
JUDGING PANEL
CR JACOB MADSEN
Division 1 - Ipswich City Councillor
Cr Jacob Madsen — who has lived his entire life in Ipswich — has represented Ripley for the last three years, where he now lives with his family. In March 2022, he became the youngest appointed Deputy Mayor in Ipswich’s history. Cr Madsen believes Ripley is a progressive, future-focused region with immense growth and diverse opportunities. As a local, Cr Madsen takes great pride in celebrating the efforts of the community, and is excited to thank those who are passionate about making a difference.
CR SHEILA IRELAND
Division 1 - Ipswich City Councillor
As proud fifth-generation Ipswichian, Cr Sheila Ireland has served the Ripley community for the past eight years and has been a steadfast advocate for the interests of locals. Before joining Council, she owned retail businesses in Ipswich City Square for more than 16 years. Cr Ireland enjoys being involved in local initiatives that promote the great work of the community and help to build a bright future for the region. She is looking forward to showing her appreciation in her role as judge for the awards.
COURTNEY GILLOTT
Stockland Providence
Courtney has worked in the Ripley community for close to three years, building strong relationships with locals as Community Engagement Manager at Stockland’s Providence. She feels inspired by the community feel of the region, including the incredible people who contribute to making it a great place to live and connect. Courtney is looking forward to working collaboratively with, and acknowledging the achievements of, those who are creating a positive future for Ripley.
TANYA KUNZEL
Ripley Vet, Ripley Town Centre
Tanya supports the region’s furry friends as Practice Manager at Ripley Veterinary Hospital, where she has worked for more than five years. She is humbled by the support, engagement and unwavering dedication of local pet owners since the hospital first opened its doors in 2018. Tanya enjoys supporting local schools through work placements, and taking part in community events like the Ripley Pet Expo, Pups of Providence and key fundraisers like RSPCA Cupcake Day. She loves the vibrancy and diversity of the Ripley community, and is excited to make a difference through her role as a judge.
SUE COLLINS
EcoCentric, Ripley Town Centre
Since 2020, Sue has been an active member of the Ripley community, co-founding an eco-friendly pop-up shop, EcoCentric, in Ripley Town Centre. Together with her sister and fellow judge Linda, she has inspired locals to reduce their environmental footprint with a curated collection of sustainable, upcycled and natural products. Proudly raised in Ipswich, Sue is looking forward to continuing to pioneer positive change throughout the community and help celebrate its unsung heroes.
LINDA O’TOOLE
EcoCentric, Ripley Town Centre
Linda has been a passionate member of the Ripley community for three years, tackling the war on waste in partnership with her sister Sue, through their innovative Ripley Town Centre pop-up shop, EcoCentric. Having successfully encouraged locals to lessen their impact on the environment, Linda is eager to show her appreciation and give back to those who go above and beyond in the community.
