Citizen of the Year Award - Len and Bev Reid

 Mayor, Cr Karen Hyslop presents the Kara Kara Ward Citizen of the Year Award to Len and Bev Reid.

Community Event of the Year Award - Grampians Youth Events (GYE) - St Arnaud

Cr Karen Probst presents the Kara Kara Ward Community Event of the Year Award to Grampians Youth Events - St Arnaud.

Presented by Cr Probst, Grampians Youth Events - St Arnaud was nominated as a youth-led group that has been creating fun, welcoming and free activities for local young people. In a town with limited options, they have stepped in with energy and ideas by running a Jungle Disco with the local library, a Youth Fest at the stadium with live music, games and food, and a Youth Trivia Night at the bowls club. Together, these events have brought in more than 120 young people and created new chances for them to connect, be creative and enjoy themselves. The group has also worked closely with over 10 local organisations and services, helping young people feel more supported and more involved in the wider community. Behind it all are five committed teens who take the lead on planning, budgeting, risk management and delivering each event from start to finish. Their passion and advocacy are the reason Amplify funding came to St Arnaud, opening the door for more free and inclusive activities across the Northern Grampians Shire.

Young Citizen of the Year Award - Isobel Green, Zarleya Hutchinson and Maria Taylor

Cr Murray Emerson presents the Kara Kara Ward Young Citizen of the Year Awards to Maria Taylor and Zarleya Hutchinson
(Please note: Isobel Green was not in attendance)

Presented by Cr Emerson, three exceptional Year 5 students, Maria Taylor, Zarleya Hutchinson and Isobel Green were nominated for their compassion, initiative and commitment to helping others. Their teamwork brought the Reverse Advent Calendar project to St Arnaud and surrounding districts. They led every part of the initiative, from securing a Bendigo Bank grant and presenting to community groups, to organising donation sites, collecting items and coordinating distribution with the Lions Club, St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, local schools and the Early Learning Centre. Thanks to their efforts, all 100 boxes were filled with food, toiletries and Christmas treats for local families in need. Alongside this, they have been active Wellbeing Leaders at St Arnaud Primary School, championing kindness programs, organising community appreciation cards, supporting major awareness days and fundraising events, including the World's Greatest Shave.

Senior Citizen of the Year - Des Richards

Cr Karen Probst presented the Kara Kara Ward Senior Citizen of the Year Award to Des Richards.

Presented by Cr Probst, Des Richards was nominated for his unwavering loyalty, quiet hard work and long standing commitment to the community. After moving from Charlton many years ago, Des became a familiar and dependable volunteer across St Arnaud, giving his time to the Harness Racing Club, the Country Music community, the local taxi service and especially the RSL Sub Branch. Since joining the RSL in 1994, he has served on the committee, supported ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, managed rosters and merchandise, acted as master of ceremonies and helped secure grants to restore both the cemetery war memorial and Liberty Hall. Des also helped establish the St Arnaud Country Music Club in 2004, serving as Secretary, running events, producing newsletters and supporting young talent. Even in retirement, he still turns up each month to help set up equipment because nothing is ever too much trouble. In a time when volunteers are hard to find, Des’s generosity, reliability and community spirit stand out.

Citizen of the Year Award -David Jones

Central and Grampians Ward Citizen of the Year Award to David Jones pictured with his wife Marg.

Presented by Ms Kealy MP, David Jones was nominated for his generosity, compassion and lifelong commitment to the Stawell community. A quiet and humble contributor since arriving in 1981, David has spent more than forty years supporting locals through St Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick and elderly, assisting families in need and leading the St Vinnies Flats with care and dedication. His service extends to his faith community, two decades with the Lions Club of Stawell, and more recently the Grampians Community Health Community Driver program, where he offers companionship and support to residents attending important appointments. Through David O Jones Mitre 10, he and his family have backed countless sporting clubs, schools and community groups, strengthening the region across generations. With his trademark kindness, humour and warm presence, David continues to bring joy to others, supported always by his wife of fifty seven years. He is a remarkable community member whose contributions have touched many lives.

Local Hero of the Year Award - Blanche Leithhead and Nicole Van Veen

Cr Justine Hide presents the Local Hero of the Year Award to Blanche Leithhead and Nicki Van Veen.
(Please note: Nicki Van Veen not in attendance).

Presented by Cr Hide, Blanche Leithhead and Nicki Van Veen were nominated for their exceptional community spirit during the 2024–25 Grampians bushfires. Both played vital roles in coordinating support, communication and community wellbeing through the Halls Gap Recovery Kitchen Cabinet.

Blanche Leithhead
Blanche is a dedicated community advocate who contributes across multiple committees, supports the GLOW Winter Festival and often acts as a key communicator for Halls Gap. Throughout the bushfire recovery, she was involved in every forum and event, helping keep residents informed and connected. Her willingness to step forward, even during difficult times, reflects her deep commitment to the community she loves.

Nicki Van Veen
Nicki showed outstanding leadership as President of the Recovery Kitchen Cabinet while running her business and volunteering with the CFA. She helped deliver community meals, wellbeing activities, workshops and children’s programs, and led weekly recovery meetings for six months. Nicki also secured nearly $250,000 in funding for the Halls Gap CFA, strengthening the brigade for the future. Her energy, organisation and compassion were central to Halls Gap’s recovery.

Community Group of the Year Award - State Emergency Service (SES) - Stawell Unit.

Cr Jenny Greenberger presents the Central and Grampians Ward Community Group of the Year Award to the Victoria State Emergency Service - Stawell Unit

Presented by Cr Greenberger, the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) - Stawell Unit was nominated for their sixty years of serving the community with extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment, responding to storms, floods, fires, accidents and emergencies at all hours, often leaving family events and everyday life behind to protect others. This honour also acknowledges the many past members whose dedication built the foundation the unit stands on today. The SES’s impact reaches far beyond emergency response: they rescue the lost, free the trapped, support communities before and after disasters and shape young people with values of discipline, purpose and care. Their loyalty to each other and to the town is remarkable, and their quiet bravery has made Stawell a safer and stronger place for decades. We thank them for the long hours, the difficult moments, the sacrifices made and the steadfast service they continue to provide to our community.