General News
20 March, 2026
Community work recognised
A DARLINGTON resident and the Chocolyn Fire Authority (CFA) were among those recognised at the annual Polwarth Awards last Sunday.
Hosted by Member of Polwarth Richard Riordan and his wife Catherine, the awards saw eight nominees for the Polwarth Medal celebrated alongside special guest Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson.
Trish Wynd was among the nominees and was the only nominee from the Corangamite area, saying she was chuffed to be recognised.
“I was awarded for community work and being involved with the Darlington community,” she said.
“We’ve recently had a lot of restoration work up at the hall – there’s still a bit to go, but we’re finally getting to have a movie night on Friday.
“It’s the first one in three years, so we’re very much looking forward to having the hall back up and running.”
She said she was surprised by the diversity of areas of work covered by award nominees.
“It was very interesting to hear the different aspects of life going on,” Mrs Wynd said.
“There were young people involved in sport, and another young person involved in culture.
“One of the oldest recipients helps out at the courts, so there was a very diverse group of people who were put forward for the award.
“It was nice reconnecting with people you hadn’t seen in a long time.”
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to local emergency services brigades and units in acknowledgement of their ongoing commitment to community safety.
Among those recognised were members of the Chocolyn CFA brigade, with local representative Leigh Harry accepting a certificate on behalf of the brigade.
Mr Harry said the recognition was for the work done by CFA volunteers over the summer, which included fighting the Larralea, Otways and Skipton-Carranballac fires.
“Richard Riordan connected with me to represent the brigades in the Corangamite area – he didn’t single me out, but he knew me from my CFA Volunteers Group work – and he asked me to represent the brigades around here,” he said.
“There were a few CFA people from the area who went on strike teams down to the Otways during those fires, but also the fire at Leslie Manor and the Skipton-Carranballac fire.
“It was recognition to the CFA in our local community for what they’d done over the summer.
“It’s great for appreciation to be shown by community leaders and to recognise the time the State Emergency Services (SES) and CFA contribute – there were the fires and the floods on the Great Ocean Road, so some of the brigades down in the Otways had a very demanding summer.
“It was an award to thank the Corangamite CFA volunteers for their contribution to what’s been a pretty challenging summer for the community.”
Mr Riordan said the event was an important opportunity to recognise the dedication of volunteers across the Polwarth electorate.
“From emergency service volunteers to those quietly supporting families and students, these individuals represent the very best of our community spirit,” he said.
Read More: Darlington, local