in the categories of: Citizen of the year, Senior Citizen of the Year (55 years and older), Junior Citizen of the Year (up to 18 years), Sports Award for an Individual, Sports Award for an Organisation, and Community Service Award (individual or

Group).

The Australia Day Awards are a way the community can thank those people who have worked tirelessly for organisations throughout the community and excelled in their chosen field.

Nomination Forms can be obtained from Walgett Shire Council Chambers, Walgett Visitor Information and Internet Centre, Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre, Collarenebri Post Office and Commonwealth Bank Agency, Burren Junction Post Office and Service Station, Grawin Store, Carinda Store or by contacting Natalie Dunstan on 6828 6116.

Completed nomination forms are to be returned no later than Friday, January 7 2005 to:

Australia Day Awards, Walgett Shire Council Chambers, PO Box 31, Walgett NSW 2832.

Evaporative airconditioners

Each urban area has a number of evaporative airconditioners that

discharge water into the street gutters, stormwater pipes and sewer pipes.

These discharges are a problem because:

o It can provide an opportunity for disease-carrying mosquitos to breed and propagate;

o It contributes to the degradation of roads, curb and guttering;

o Polluted water can enter the environment and;

o Water discharged into sewer systems unnecessarily increases the load on those systems.

The discharge of airconditioner water into streets or sewer mains may breach the Local Government Act and/or the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, and on-the-spot fines can be issued to the owner, or occupier, of the premises where discharge is occurring.

Residual water should generally be run onto the lawn or garden to avoid water wastage.

For inquiries on evaporative airconditioner water discharge contact council's regulatory officer, Greg Lyons by calling 0410 008 013.