Community
30 January, 2026
Worthy Australians recognised
CAMPERDOWN’S Bentley Currell has been named Young Citizen of the Year for his fundraising efforts which raised almost $26,000 for brain cancer research.
He was honoured at the Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Theatre Royal on Monday.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said the 13-year-old had completed incredible fundraising challenges at such a young age.
“When he was just 12 years old, Bentley Currell demonstrated extraordinary determination and community spirit by completing a 500-kilometre charity bike ride from Mildura to Camperdown, raising nearly $26,000 for the Brain Cancer Foundation,” she said.
“Inspired by a school staff member affected by brain cancer, Bentley and his father Gus turned a simple idea into a monumental 10-day challenge, far surpassing their initial $5000 goal.
“Their efforts united the community, culminating in a heartfelt welcome by hundreds of supporters at the Camperdown Clocktower.
“Bentley’s resilience, compassion, and drive to make a difference exemplify the qualities of a true young leader and changemaker.
“Bentley also raised $1500 for epilepsy by riding his bike to Cobden and walking home to Camperdown and has also recently completed the Point to Pinnacle Half Marathon in Tasmania and was the primary school captain at Camperdown College.”
Bentley said he was honoured to be recognised.
“I’m very excited, happy and grateful the shire has nominated me for this very good award,” he said.
Corangamite Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year categories both saw two nominees take home the recognition from Monday’s ceremony.
In addition to Bentley, Port Campbell’s Ben Matthews was also named Young Citizen of the Year.
Gary and Marilyn Kimber, of Cobden, have shared Corangamite Shire’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.
The Timboon 150th Birthday Celebration won the Community Event of the Year award.
Citizen of the Year nominees Grant Meyers, Margaret Tickner, Peter James, Mary Brown, Kevin Robertson, Dale McIntyre, Kim McCarthy, Rob Rowe, Margaret Parnell, Michele Fratantaro, Georgia Copeland, Jennifer Kripp, Lynn Patzel, Bruce Twaddle and Anna Conheady were presented with achievement awards recognising their nominations.
Community Event of the Year nominees Skipton Spring Festival, Cobden Mini Golf Easter Eggstravaganza, Music for Farmers and Get Around Your Mates Golf Day were also recognised.
Cr 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.
Read More: Camperdown, local