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 26 January.
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. We appreciate what you do for the rest of us'."
"Thank you to the nominees and everyone who contributes to making our Shire a wonderful place to live," Cr Makin said.
"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 10 am 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 competition 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, 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
Citizen of the Year
- Maureen & Robert Larkins – Camperdown
- Helen Moloney – Camperdown
- Gwen George – Camperdown
- Gary O'Neil – Camperdown
- Phil Green – Skipton
- Karen Bodman – Skipton
- Ian Phillips – Skipton
- Rebecca Farey – 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
- Debbie McIntyre - Skipton
Young Citizen of the Year
- Alysa Hibburt – Port Campbell
- Sara Kennedy - Pittong
- Riley Stephenson - Camperdown
- Bentley Currell - Camperdown
Community Event of the Year
- Skipton Spring Festival
- Lakes and Craters International Horse Trials
- Cobden Pioneer Park Sunday Funday
- Harvfest Ball
- Camperdown Carols by Candlelight
