Community
15 January, 2025
Shire announces Australia Day Award nominees
THIRTY Corangamite Shire residents and groups have been nominated for Australia Day Awards in tribute to their contributions to the community.
The Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year will be named at the official council Australia Day event at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown on Sunday, January 26.
Mayor Kate Makin said presenting the awards was one of her favourite duties as a councillor.
“Many of our amazing volunteers are quiet achievers who shy away from the spotlight but this is a way for other people in the community to say thank you - we value your efforts, and we appreciate what you do for the rest of us,” she said.
“Thank you to the nominees and everyone who contributes to making our shire a wonderful place to live.
“Their dedication and hard work are essential to the social connection and wellbeing of our community.
“By giving their time and expertise, volunteers create a positive impact that goes beyond their immediate actions.
“Their example helps foster a caring and inclusive environment that encourages others to participate. It is always encouraging to see new faces joining committees, and I urge everyone to get involved in activities they are passionate about.”
The event will start at 10am and will feature a keynote address by Olympic trap shooting bronze medallist Penny Smith.
Ms Smith, from Bookaar, began shooting in 2009 at the Noorat Gun Club and quickly climbed the ranks to national level.
She experienced international success as a junior, winning trap silver at the 2013 Oceania Championships.
As a senior she won her first World Cup gold medal in Delhi in 2017.
Since then, she has won multiple medals around the world in singles and team competitions and represented Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Games in Paris, where she won bronze.
There will also be a citizenship ceremony to welcome six new Australians, and music from the Camperdown Theatre Company and Lakes and Craters Band.
The event will finish with a free community barbecue lunch for all, thanks to the Lions Club of Camperdown.
Corangamite Shire 2025 Australia Day Award Nominees are:
Citizen of the Year
Maureen and Robert Larkins – Camperdown;
Helen Moloney – Camperdown;
Gwen George – Camperdown;
Gary O’Neil – Camperdown;
Phil Green – Skipton;
Karen Bodman – Skipton;
Ian Phillips – Skipton;
Rebecca Fairey – Noorat;
Georgina Conheady – Noorat;
Josie Douglas – Camperdown;
John Hulm – Camperdown;
Leeanne Whitehead – Timboon;
Laura Conheady – Noorat;
Joycy Salas – Cooriemungle;
Mandi Poustie – Cooriemungle;
Alison Byrne – Chocolyn;
Gary Kimber – Cobden;
Friends of the RSL – Skipton Branch;
Jane McSween – Camperdown;
Kylie Spokes – Weerite; and
Debbie McIntyre – Skipton.
Young Citizen of the Year
Alysa Hibburt – Port Campbell;
Sara Kennedy – Pittong;
Riley Stephenson – Camperdown; and
Bentley Currell – Camperdown.
Community Event of the Year
Skipton Spring Festival;
Lakes and Craters International Horse Trials;
Cobden Pioneer Park Sunday Funday;
Harvfest Ball; and
Camperdown Carols by Candlelight.
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