Shire recognises volunteers during 2026 Australia Day Award ceremonies
Published on 26 January 2026
Caption: Kara Kara Australia Day Citizens of the Year Bev and Len Reid, pictured with Northern Grampians Shire mayor, Karen Hyslop.
Stawell’s David Jones and St Arnaud’s Len and Bev Reid are Northern Grampians Shire’s Australia Day Citizens of the Year for 2026.
The tireless volunteers accepted their awards at Australia Day events in the municipality on Monday.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said it was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the council-run events, taking time to connect and celebrate what makes the shire such a special place to live in.
“Days like today remind us how fortunate we are to belong to a place where people show genuine care, kindness and support for one another,” she said.
“The day also gave us the opportunity to recognise many of the individuals and groups who go above and beyond.
“These people give their time, energy and passion not for recognition, but because they care deeply about helping others and strengthening our community. By celebrating them all, we acknowledge the vital role they play in shaping the place we are so proud to call home.”
The day’s festivities kicked off with a community breakfast in Market Square, with awards and citizenship ceremonies conducted in St Arnaud Town Hall.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said there was plenty of competition for this year’s accolades, with councillors selecting winners from a strong pool of applicants in both Kara Kara and combined Central and Grampians ward divisions.
The Kara Kara Citizen of the Year award was jointly awarded to powerhouse couple Len and Bev Reid.
“Reliable, humble and always ready to step in whenever the community needs them, the Reids’ willingness to contribute – often without being asked – has made a significant impact across many areas of our town,” Cr Hyslop said.
This is highlighted by their participation in St Arnaud Agricultural Show, where Mrs Reid is chief steward. Both she and her husband volunteer throughout the entire four-day event, attending planning meetings, coordinating entries, resolving last-minute issues and assisting with full set-up and pack-up.
“Their efforts ensure the show runs smoothly and remains a highlight of the local calendar,” Cr Hyslop said.
Mr Reid also volunteers with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing essential transport for community members travelling to medical appointments in and out of town.
The Reids’ passion for preserving and promoting local heritage saw them play a key role in planning and creating the St Arnaud Mining Trail, and they work closely with Visitor Information Centres throughout the district, providing guided tours and sharing their extensive knowledge of the region’s history.
“Their contribution to St Arnaud is broad, meaningful and long-standing,” Cr Hyslop said.
“They assist with events, help individuals, preserve local stories, promote tourism and strengthen the community in countless ways.
“They do all of this quietly and without seeking recognition, and St Arnaud is richer for it.”
Other Kara Kara winners
Grampians Youth Events – St Arnaud collected the Community Group of the Year award for its efforts to deliver three vibrant events that brought young people together in safe, welcoming spaces.
Jungle Disco, Youth Fest and a youth trivia night attracted more than 120 attendees and created opportunities for fun and creativity.
“They only formed last year but their impact goes beyond events,” Cr Hyslop said.
“They have built bridges between youth and the wider community, engaging more than 10 local organisations and services to showcase what is possible when collaboration thrives.
“They have amplified young voices, provided leadership opportunities and created a platform where youth feel valued and included. They are shaping the future for youth in St Arnaud – and they are just getting started.”
Isobel Green, Zarleya Hutchinson and Maria Taylor are all Kara Kara’s Young Citizens of the Year, after joining forces to make a real difference in the community.
The three year-five students brought the Reverse Advent Calendar project to St Arnaud district. Instead of taking a treat per day, people added one item – such as non-perishable food, toiletries or a Christmas treat – to a box during 12 days in December,
“These boxes were then delivered to families in need right here in our community,” Cr Hyslop said.
“What makes their effort so impressive is how they made the project from happen from start to finish.
“And this was not their only project. As wellbeing leaders at St Arnaud Primary School, they have led initiatives all year. Their actions show wisdom beyond their years and embody the spirit this award celebrates.”
Hardworking and dependable volunteer Des Richards is the 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year.
Since moving to St Arnaud with his now late wife Anne many years ago, Mr Richards rolled up his sleeves and began contributing his time to the harness racing club, the country music scene, the local taxi service and the RSL Sub-Branch, where his dedication has been extraordinary.
He joined the RSL in 1994, serving on the committee and becoming a driving force behind Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.
In 2004, he helped establish St Arnaud Country Music Club, serving as secretary for many years, managing events and championing a talent quest that gave the winner the chance to travel to Tamworth.
“Even after stepping down to retire, Des still turns up each month to help set up the music equipment because nothing is ever too much trouble,” Cr Hyslop said.
“In a time when volunteers are hard to find, his contribution is immeasurable.”
Cr Hyslop thanked everyone involved in producing the morning’s event, including St Arnaud Australia Day Ambassador Karen Douglas; Eleanor Parry and St Arnaud Citizens Band for providing music; Tyler Thiem and Marg Batters for raising the Australian flag; Lions and Rotary clubs for providing breakfast; and Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens for catering morning tea.
Stawell festivities
On Monday afternoon, Central and Grampians wards had their time in the spotlight, with the Stawell event relocated to Stawell Entertainment Centre due to the forecasted conditions.
Following a barbecue, attendees headed indoors for citizenship and awards ceremonies.
In announcing the shire’s remaining Citizen of the Year, Cr Hyslop said Mr Jones had been a devoted member of the community since arriving in town in 1981 with his wife Margaret and their children.
“From the moment he settled here, he poured his energy into everything he cared about,” she said.
“He is known for his warm smile, friendly greeting and the joy he brings to others with his humour and kindness.”
For more than 40 years, Mr Jones has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick, elderly and those in need.
His work also contributed to the development of the St Vinnies’ flats, where he now serves as president, caring for residents and ensuring the flats are well maintained.
Mr Jones has helped distribute donated furniture, supported countless families in need and strengthened community welfare in practical, meaningful ways. His commitment extends to his faith community where he serves as an elder, assists with services and cares for the church grounds.
“His two decades with the Lions Club of Stawell reflect the same dedication,” Cr Hyslop said.
“As a member and in later years president, he helped rebuild the club during challenging times and supported events that bring the community together, including the Easter carnival.”
Mr Jones also volunteers for the Grampians Community Health Community Driver Program, while the success of his business David O. Jones Mitre 10 is a testament to years of hard work, vision and a commitment to the community.
“Over the decades, he and his family have supported almost every club and organisation in Stawell and beyond, ensuring local groups continue to thrive,” Cr Hyslop said.
“David serves his community quietly and humbly, without ever seeking recognition. We are thrilled to celebrate him as one of our citizens of the year, with his generosity, compassion and commitment making a lasting impact on our community.”
Other Central and Grampians winners
Sonny Gellie is this year’s Young Citizen of the Year for Grampians and Central wards.
Sonny helped deliver Stawell Library’s Device Advice program, assisting people to set up phones and laptops, organise resumes, send emails, create digital photo albums and manage home internet.
“Many library patrons have praised his patience and his ability to make technology understandable and enjoyable,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Although this began as part of his school’s vocational major at Stawell Secondary College, he quickly turned it into something far more meaningful.
“His commitment never stopped at what was required. Even on pupil-free days he still attended sessions because he knew people would be waiting.”
Sonny is a member of Stawell CFA and was recognised as Junior Firefighter of the Year at only 17.
He has contributed to emergency response efforts and also volunteers with Meals on Wheels at Eventide Homes.
“Sonny’s dedication, kindness and service have already made an outstanding impact on our community. His actions show maturity, compassion and leadership well beyond his years,” Cr Hyslop said.
The Community Group of the Year accolade went to Stawell’s State Emergency Service unit, which has served the community for 60 years.
“That’s six decades of answering calls for help at all hours,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Six decades of stepping into storms, floods, fires, accidents and emergencies with steady hands and determination. Sixty years of volunteers leaving dinner tables, birthday celebrations and Christmas lunches behind so they can protect people.
“Their courage, commitment and compassion reach far beyond what most of us will ever see.”
Halls Gap Recovery Kitchen Cabinet founding members Nicki Van Veen and Blanche Leithhead are this year’s Local Heroes.
During the Grampians summer bushfires of 2024/25, while the emergency was still unfolding, the Halls Gap community came together to form what became known as the Halls Gap Recovery Kitchen Cabinet.
The community-led group – comprising residents, business owners and representatives of existing community organisations – was established to support, guide and coordinate locally-led recovery, along with long-term community strengthening for Halls Gap and surrounding areas.
“It provided a vital forum for community voice, shared decision-making, advocacy, participation and collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring the community itself remained central to its own recovery,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Along with their Kitchen Cabinet roles, both Nicki and Blanche played significant roles in delivering the GLOW Winter Festival. Nicki is a dedicated CFA volunteer and community safety officer while Blanche serves as vice-president of Halls Gap Community Association, and site manager of Halls Gap Caravan Park and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management.
“We are proud to recognise these outstanding individuals for all their countless hours of community services, demonstrating what can be achieved when people work together under a shared banner of community care and leadership.”
Citizenship ceremonies
Northern Grampians Shire has officially welcomed seven new Australian citizens, with Samuel Moir (New Zealand) taking the citizenship pledge in St Arnaud and Jia-Yun Chang (Taiwan), Jennifer Anne Gumela (United Kingdom), Therese Carmel Ilagan (Philippines), Nunurai Sithole (Zimbabwe), Juby George (India) and Annette Marie Murphy (New Zealand) conferred citizenship in Stawell.
“It’s an honour to conduct these ceremonies and very special for the people involved to become citizens on our national day,” Cr Hyslop said.
“I congratulate them all on making the decision to not only become a citizen of our country, but also our wonderful community.”
Cr Hyslop thanked everyone who organised and participated in the council’s Australia Day activities, including Stawell Australia Day Ambassador Josephina McDonald; Stawell City Brass Band; Sarah Tierney for singing the national anthem; barbecue providers Stawell Woolworths and Lions; and the council teams involved in putting the events together.
Navarre, Stuart Mill and Marnoo townships also hosted community-led Australia Day activities.