Community
28 January, 2026
Worthy Australians recognised
FOR the first time ever, Corangamite Shire’s Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the year awards both have joint winners.
Gary and Marilyn Kimber, of Cobden, have shared Corangamite Shire’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.
‘Team Kimber’ has been volunteering side by side in Cobden and across Corangamite for more than 40 years.
They have been involved in Rotary, University of the third Age, the Cobden and Camperdown Community Bank and countless other local initiatives.
The couple, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year, describe themselves as the “backstop” for each other, each supporting the other in their endeavours.
“In our work in education we always asked the community for support and volunteers,” Mr Kimber said.
“When we retired, we stepped up our volunteering.
“It’s enriched our lives without a doubt. We’ve made so many friends.”
Both Gary and Marilyn Kimber said they were grateful for the award and would continue to serve the wider Cobden community.
“We’re very excited and very humbled,” they said.
“We’re extremely proud – it’s been a really outstanding occasion.
“We love doing what we do and will continue doing it – communities benefit from the likes of us, so it’s just a wonderful experience.
“The whole occasion was organised beautifully.
“It’s been a very special day for us – we’ve had family and friends here.”
Camperdown’s Bentley Currell and Ben Matthews, of Newfield, were named Young Citizens of the Year.
At just 13 years of age, Bentley has already completed extraordinary fundraising challenges.
Through a series of long distance charity cycling challenges, he has helped raise $1500 for the Epilepsy Foundation then an impressive $26,000 for brain cancer research.
Ben’s award recognises his decade of volunteering with Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club.
He started active patrolling with the club in 2016, and has recorded hundreds of hours of voluntary work, actively watching tourists and locals swim between the red and yellow flags.
“It’s been a family thing for me,” Ben said.
“It’s rewarding in that it’s helping the community.
“From the top down these volunteers are fostering a sense of volunteering and selflessness and it becomes second nature to those coming up.
“It’s an honour to be recognised amongst all the other nominees and recipients.
“I’m honoured and grateful to receive it.”
The Timboon 150th Birthday Celebration won the Community Event of the Year award.
The festival in March 2025 was a two-day event featuring historical displays, a street parade, picnic cabaret, parkrun, sporting activities, a market, Tracks Music Festival and more.
Timboon 150 attracted people from across Australia to celebrate the town’s rich history and vibrant present.
Organising committee member Enid O’Connor said Timboon 150 grew from a group of dedicated local volunteers who gathered at three community meetings in 2024 to start planning.
“We put it into motion and everybody got on board,” she said.
“We’re very lucky that we live in Timboon – it’s a great community and people come together.
“We’re actually very ecstatic because nobody knew what the 150th would look like, so likeminded local volunteers got together and we put on this event which the whole shire has recognised.
“It’s very humbling, but very gratifying.”
The following nominees received certificates of commendation, for Citizen of the Year – Rob Rowe, Grant Meyers, Margaret Parnell, Margaret Tickner, Michele Fratantaro, Georgia Copeland, Peter James, Mary Brown, Dale McIntyre, Jennifer Kripp, Lynn Patzel, Bruce Twaddle, Anna Conheady, Kevin Robertson and Kim McCarthy.
For Community Event of the Year; Skipton Spring Festival, Cobden Mini Golf Easter Eggstravaganza, Music for Farmers and Get around your mates golf day was also nominated.
Mayor Kate Makin congratulated the award recipients and thanked all the volunteers who contribute to community life in Corangamite.
“The start of this year has once again highlighted the extraordinary power of volunteering,” she said.
“Across our region and beyond, people have stepped forward to help others − responding to fires, floods and other emergencies with generosity, courage and compassion.
“To everyone who put up their hand to help, often at short notice and without expectation of recognition, we thank you sincerely.
“We are honoured to recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals through the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards.
“These awards shine a light on people whose actions strengthen our community and reflect the very best of what it means to be Australian.”
At the event, Cr Makin also officiated over the Citizenship ceremony for four new Australians –Mareena Matthew, Milah and Norah Kurian and Ben Njaralamkattil Baby.
Demby McKenzie provided the music and the Lions Club of Camperdown cooked a free barbecue for the community after the formalities concluded.
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