Dimboola’s Janet Pilmore gained a Lifetime Achievement award for her years of voluntary work with Girl Guides, at The Gateway Shop, and Dimboola Garden Club and fire brigade ladies’ auxiliary.
West Wimmera Shire Council recognised Kaye Bothe’s contribution to the Kaniva community, naming her Citizen of the Year.
Ms Bothe has been involved in the town’s agricultural and pastoral show and other town projects.
Bonnie Gordon, Young Citizen of the Year, contributed to both her school and wider communities.
She has twice been Lions’ Youth of the Year, was a school-based student representative council member, and has participated in workshops to advocate for rural education and communities.
The Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society-hosted Victoria Agricultural Shows State Convention was Event of the Year, and Edenhope Flora Reserve Committee was Group of the Year.
Northern Grampians Shire Council named St Arnaud volunteer John Beggs and Glenorchy historian Linda Fearon its Citizens of the Year.
DustyRaiyn McIntyre was announced Kara Kara ward’s Young Citizen of the Year for her contributions through a Rural Youth Ambassador Program and Youth Parliament, including initiating a youth space at Raillery Hub.
William Bray, Senior Citizen of the Year, has served St Arnaud’s community through 55 years as a member of the Rotary club, a member of the hospital board, and an inaugural member of Saints and Sinners Bike Riding Group.
Outstanding nominations in the Event of the Year/Community Group of the Year saw two awards presented: St Arnaud Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary torchlight parade the event, and Pebble Church Heritage Association the group.
Central and Grampians Local Hero of the Year is Jo Betram, while athlete Xyrus Gragasin and up-and-coming community leader Zachary Ford are joint Young Citizens of the Year.
Stawell Agricultural Society was awarded Community Group of the Year.
Rotary Club of Warracknabeal announced Dianne Marchment the Citizen of the Year, Barry Schilling Sportsman of the Year, and Ava Koschitzke Young Achiever of the Year.
Minyip Lions Club’s Citizens of the Year were Ray White and Gina Gellion, and Nina Denham was awarded Pat Walsh Memorial Young Achiever.
Hopetoun and District CWA’s certificate of appreciation was awarded to Norma Decker, Marilyn Clancy and Phillip Roberts.
Rupanyup Major Events awarded its Citizens’ Award to Jenny Boyd, and its Young Achiever award to Connor Weidemann.
Ararat Rural City Council’s Citizen of the Year is Julie McDougall, young citizen is Maxi Starick, Kerrin and Irene Gellie are the Volunteers of the Year, and Ararat parkrun the Project of the Year.
The entire January 29, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire January 29, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
