Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor, Cr Laura Binks, said the awards recognised those in our community going above and beyond.
“Australia Day is a time to reflect on our collective past, present and future,” Cr Binks said.
“On Australia Day, we listen and respect each other’s stories, contributions and aspirations.
“We acknowledge those in our communities who are giving up their time to make it a better place.”
Awards were presented across Strathbogie Shire – with ceremonies being held in Violet Town, Avenel, Nagambie, Euroa and Longwood.
This year’s Shire-wide awards were also presented for the following categories:
- Junior Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Event of the Year, and
- Community Organisation of the Year
The winners of the Shire-wide awards – and local awards – are outlined below.
SHIRE WIDE AWARDS
Junior Citizen of the Year – Lucy Steers – Avenel
Lucy Steers has been a leader at Avenel Primary School. In 2021 Lucy was a school vice captain and a member of the Junior School Council. This has built on her leadership capacity from when she was a House Captain in 2020.
As a school vice captain, Lucy has represented the school at community events such as Anzac Day, prepared and presented a variety of speeches including for World Teachers Day and Principal’s Day. Lucy volunteers at lunchtime activity clubs, giving up her own play time to work with younger students.
Young Citizen of the Year – Finbar O’Sullivan – Avenel
Finbar O’Sullivan is a keen sports person who has represented Avenel Primary School and Seymour College in district, division and regional swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals.
In 2018, at the Maryborough annual Energy Breakthrough, as a member of Avenel Primary School’s cycle team, Finbar set the lap record at the event – riding the 1.1km course at an average speed of 38.3km/h.
Citizen of the Year – Libby Woodhouse – Euroa
Libby is a tireless worker and volunteer, and is, or has, given up her time at:
Libby’s energy and interests seem unstoppable. Her passionate concerns are for both the environment and the community. She is a strong advocate for the recognition of First Nations peoples and constantly looks for ways to acknowledge their past and present lives within this shire.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Jill Branagan – Nagambie
Jill Branagan is a valued community member who is always willing to offer help and support and works hard to secure grants for many clubs in our town.
She volunteers her time and effort without any public recognition or reimbursement. She has been cooking and delivering food during COVID-19 lockdowns and is an active member or volunteer on more than 15 community groups and organisations in Nagambie.
Event of the Year – Euroa Music Festival
The inaugural Euroa Music Festival was the direct result of months of volunteer hours and heaps of persistence by the key organizer, Adam Palmer. Despite Covid setbacks and on-going uncertainty, Adam and his team delivered a quality event, drawing capacity crowds over the three-day Festival. With a focus on emerging artists, Adam pulled together a diverse line-up of musicians.
Community Organisation of the Year – Already Read Bookshop – Euroa
Established 13 years ago – the Already Read Bookshop is made possible thanks to the support of many volunteers, many of which have been volunteering since its inception.
Because of the wonderful reputation of the bookshop, the stock is constantly renewed with donations of new releases and high-quality material. This in turn attracts more people – some very well-read people call in at least three times per week and successfully find something.
AVENEL AWARD WINNERS
Community Organisation of the Year – Avenel Ladies Football Team (1956)
The Avenel Ladies football team was formed and disbanded in 1956. It played its only match at Nagambie in that year.
The result has been forgotten, but there are still four representatives of the team who live in the Avenel community. They are Doreen Whitfort, Joyce White, Mary Walker and Nora Bourke.
Back in 1956 the girls who played in this game were way ahead of their time. This award is to recognize these women and thank them for their contribution to our community in the intervening 65 years.
They all had children and raised their families in Avenel and its surrounds. They have enhanced the experience of living in a small village, and their contributions have helped establish Avenel as a warm and caring environment for its citizens and their families.
Junior Citizen of the Year – Lucy Steers (also Shire-wide winner)
Lucy Steers has been a leader at Avenel Primary School.
In 2021 Lucy was a school vice-captain and a member of the Junior School Council. This has built on her leadership capacity from when she was a House Captain in 2020.
As a school vice-captain, Lucy has represented the school at community events such as Anzac Day, prepared and presented a variety of speeches including for World Teachers Day and Principal’s Day.
Lucy volunteers at lunchtime activity clubs, giving up her own play time to work with younger students.
Lucy also represented the school in Melbourne at the National Young Leaders Day.
She has been an active member of the Junior School Council which organises fundraisers and events at Avenel Primary School. Lucy always gives up her time to prepare for events, creating posters and making speeches at assembly.
Lucy has achieved excellent results in school sport this year, representing the school at the Swimming Carnival and qualifying for regional level Cross Country by finishing second at the Seymour District event.
In the wider community, she has been a respected member of the Tabilk Junior Football club, showing dedication and passion in a male-dominated sport.
Lucy is an asset to the Avenel community, who sets a wonderful example for her peers and is a deserved winner of this award.
Young Citizen of the Year – Finbar O’Sullivan (also Shire-wide winner)
Finbar O’Sullivan is a keen sports person who has represented Avenel Primary School and Seymour College in district, division and regional swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals.
In 2018, at the Maryborough annual Energy Breakthrough, as a member of Avenel Primary School’s cycle team, Finbar set the lap record at the event – riding the 1.1km course at an average speed of 38.3km/h.
Despite his age and competing against much older riders, Finbar has held his own and has been a back marker on several occasions.
Despite Covid lockdowns, Finbar has maintained a training schedule.
This has enabled him to be amongst the state’s top ten U17 road cyclists, no mean feat for a 15-year-old.
Citizen of the Year – Jim Billings
Jim Billings is helping get Avenel resident to the shops – literally.
When the idea of a community bus was discussed at the Avenel Action Group, Jim to it upon himself to do the research and conduct a survey of local resident to gauge support.
When he realised there was significant support he approached Seymour Coaches and they came on board. Now, Jim goes to Seymour on Thursday mornings, picks up the bus, travels around Avenel picking up his passengers before taking them to Seymour so they can do their shopping, meet with friends for coffee and attend appointments.
Jim has the assistance of a number of regular helpers who help the passengers get on and off the bus, carry their shopping in for them and generally help make the whole experience a most pleasant one.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Bob and Ann Buntine
Ever since the Buntine family became part of the Avenel community Bob and Ann have had a wonderful influence on all.
As an excellent but retired Teacher, Bob encourages people to perform to the very best of their ability.
Ann’s participation in the Stationeers and other local organisations has also been generous, supportive and encouraging to others.
Bob and Ann have moved quietly about the community their participation and words of encouragement and wisdom have been nothing short of awesome.
This has been very evident alongside the younger generation and especially in the Avenel Football/Netball Club and the Avenel Rural Fire Brigade.
After 14 years the family moved from Avenel at the end of 2021. This award recognises their contribution to the town and its people.
EUROA AWARD WINNERS
Community Organisation of the Year – Already Read Bookshop (also Shire-wide winner)
Established 13 years ago – the Already Read Bookshop is made possible thanks to the support of many volunteers, many of which have been volunteering since its inception.
It’s open every day of the week and is one of the few shops in Euroa for visitors, tourists and locals.
Because of the wonderful reputation of the bookshop, the stock is constantly renewed with donations of new releases and high-quality material. This in turn attracts more people – some very well-read people call in at least three times per week and successfully find something.
Funds raised by the bookshop (before COVID) were used to stage quarterly literary dinners and a number of renowned authors including Bryan Dawe, Heather Ewart, David Astle, Anson Cameron, Gideon Haigh, Rosalie Ham, Ron Iddles and others have been guest speakers.
The bookshop also funds the Books for Babies initiative through the Maternal and Child Heath Centre run by the Shire.
Citizen of the Year – Libby Woodhouse (also Shire-wide winner)
Libby is a tireless worker and volunteer, and is, or has, given up her time at:
And, Libby’s volunteering extends throughout Strathbogie Shire.
In Longwood she was on the School Council when her children attended the school and she initiated the gardening project which lives on today.
She has been a contributor to the recent restoration of St Andrews Church. In Locksley she was involved with the Locksley Tennis Club and in Strathbogie she is a member of the Strathbogie State Forest Group.
In whatever organization Libby is involved she is full of ideas. At the same time, she contributes in active and practical ways. She writes letters; cleans, manages accounts, weeds, recycles, donates and more.
Libby’s energy and interests seem unstoppable. Her passionate concerns are for both the environment and the community. She is a strong advocate for the recognition of First Nations peoples and constantly looks for ways to acknowledge their past and present lives within this shire.
Event of the Year – Euroa Music Festival (also Shire-wide winner)
The inaugural Euroa Music Festival was the direct result of months of volunteer hours and heaps of persistence by the key organizer, Adam Palmer. Despite Covid setbacks and on-going uncertainty, Adam and his team delivered a quality event, drawing capacity crowds over the three-day Festival. With a focus on emerging artists, Adam pulled together a diverse line-up of musicians.
Even though Covid lockdowns meant the date had to be reset twice, the last weekend in March turned into a hands-down winner, both for attendees and our town. With 900 of the 1,000 tickets being sold to Melbourne music lovers, Euroa was a winner. Accommodation was booked out, the Friday night street market welcomed all to our town and the weather did not disappoint.
Adam’s wish to make Euroa a place for young musicians has been met, and those who attended continue to rave about this all-age event. Not only has the Euroa Music Festival put Euroa firmly on the map, it has shown that live entertainment is supported and celebrated here.
NAGAMBIE AWARD WINNERS
Community Organisation of the Year – Nagambie Lions Club
The skills and talents of the Lions Club of Nagambie is well known throughout the Strathbogie Shire community.
The group started the Carols by Candlelight in the Park in the mid-2000s and has assisted with catering at hundreds of community events.
Over the years they have ran trivia nights, barbecues, assisted with the NOW Festival, catered at the community market, and many other events.
The group has supported the Driver Reviver projects on major holiday weekends and even donated school awards to the local schools at the end of each year.
Over the club’s 17 years of operation, it donated most of the funds raised back to our local community and Lions projects.
In November 2021 the Nagambie Lions Club disbanded, but recognition of their contribution throughout 17 years of service to their community is worthy.
Young Citizen of the Year – Eddie Perry
Eddie Perry has been a volunteer of the Nagambie CFA for many years, first joining as a
junior recruit. At the age of 17 Eddie has shown great leadership in the team at CFA
Nagambie and puts in 100 per cent at all times.
His teammates say his maturity shown at challenging incidents the CFA is called to is applaudable.
A wonderful example of our youth stepping up to the next level and leading the way.
Citizen of the Year – Marc Erickson and Abbie Burling
During 2021 Marc and Abbie performed an act of bravery that showed compassion, decency and the human spirit.
On a quiet Friday night, they were walking to dog around the lake when they noticed what appeared to be car lights in lake Nagambie.
They ran to the car, while also calling triple zero and found it about three-quarters into the lake, down one of the boat ramps.
Without thinking they dove into the cold murky water and reefed the door open. Reaching across, they felt clothing and started pulling.
It worked and as they swam to shore the occupant started coughing and once at the edge started showing signs of recovery.
Emergency services eventually took over and these accidental heroes headed home.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Jill Branagan (also Shire-wide winner)
Event of the Year – Halloween Night – Nagambie Historical Society Inc
Halloween in Nagambie this year was a year like no other.
86 families visited the Nagambie Historical Society on October 31 to be greeted by ghostly creatures, witches and wizards, spiders and skeletons, all in the spirit of
Halloween.
The ghost trail through the haunted house was complete with spider webs and creepy crawlies of all shapes and sizes. For those game enough to make their way through the
haunted house enjoyed trick or treat and activities.
The volunteers at the historical society are to be congratulated on their Halloween Ghostly Show and the community looks forward to Halloween 2022.
VIOLET TOWN AWARD WINNERS
Community Organisation of the Year – Violet Town Men’s Shed
The Violet Town Men’s Shed provides a great place for people who want somewhere to go, meet with like-minded people and do something useful at the same time.
It is open three mornings a week where wood working and other skills and expertise are put to good use.
The Men’s Shed is a much-appreciated organization that provides the community with support for Creative Achievements, Mental Health, Fund Raising Activities, Market Stalls, Friendships and Morning Teas for socializing – which we all know is much needed in these COVID times!
The men’s shed is an awesome new facility that has been funded and constructed thanks to the help of many people in Violet Town.
Citizen of the Year – Jeff Jennings
The list of organisations on which Jeff is a volunteer is long – so bear with me as I go through them.
All this, and Jeff is still described as a very quiet achiever who helps elderly people around town with odd jobs and repairing mowers and machinery without charge.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Julie Ryan
Julie has volunteered at the VT Community Op Shop for over 22 years.
She always puts in extra work taking extra stock home to store rather than ‘binning’ it, irons clothes that need it. Under new management, Julie is the go to for advice. Julie helps out the footy club and RSL. She always has a smile on her face and says hello to everyone in town and always lends her ear.
Julie is a committee member at St Vincent’s Euroa and organises Burton’s Christmas Food Vouchers for the VT Community House to give to Food Share recipients. She is a life member of the Violet Town Football Netball Club and a member of the Violet Town RSL.
Event of the Year – Violet Town Football and Netball Club 125-year reunion
From 1895 to 2020 the Violet Town Football and Netball Club has been the centrepiece of Violet Town. Although Covid interrupted much of the 2020 season and the reunion had to be put on hold, a window of opportunity appeared in 2021 and the postponed event of 2020 enabled the club to celebrate its enormous contribution to the town.
When the small window opened between lockdowns, 350 people celebrated the club’s rich history including the 1960/61 premiership coach who is now 91 years of age, Bill Pinder and Andrew Knowles the 1987 & 90 premiership coach.
The event allowed interstate travels to renew friendships and relate past stories.
LONGWOOD AWARD WINNERS
Community Organisation of the Year – Longwood Coursing Club
The Longwood Coursing Club is a favourite for so many greyhound owners. Not just because the facilities and the track are kept in perfect condition, also because of the catering by the Longwood Ladies, headed by Jean Hamilton.
The coursing track (built by volunteers in the 70s) is used every Sunday of the
year for time trials, with owners often travelling long distances to Longwood.
The club works tirelessly to ensure that the track is always safe for the greyhounds.
At 300m, this requires a lot of work as fencing is also a vital safety feature. That’s 600m of fencing that must be checked constantly! The track also needs to be watered regularly to protect the greyhounds feet, so the watering system also has to work!
The Longwood Coursing Club is to be congratulated for its tireless work in ensuring that the Longwood track and facilities are always in great condition for the esteemed events on the greyhound coursing calendar.
Citizen of the Year – Wendy Jones
Wendy’s passion for Longwood is evident by her long term commitment via the Longwood Action Group.
She puts in many hours writing rants, reports, community plans, request to council, media releases and so much more.
Wendy is a founding member of Longwood Action Group, she was the previous publican of the White Hart Hotel and is the previous secretary/treasurer of the Longwood Football and Netball Club.
Wendy is always giving up her time to help the Longwood community and the people who live here.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Barbara Porter
Barbara has spent many years contributing to our community. She spends hours volunteering and catering for events in our township. Barbara is also:
- Secretary of Longwood Community Centre Committee of Management since 2015
- Secretary of Longwood Fire Brigade since 2004
- Previous Secretary of Longwood and Football and Netball Club
