The winners of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards were announced at an event in Echuca last night.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell congratulated all nominees and winners for their outstanding contributions to their local communities.
"Our Citizen of the Year Awards serve as an important means to formally acknowledge the dedication and commitment of hardworking individuals in our municipality, who have been nominated by their fellow community members," said Cr Mackrell.
"We are incredibly lucky to have outstanding citizens who selflessly contribute their time, expertise, and skills to enhance social connections, create opportunities, and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents."
Judged by a panel made up of past award winners, Campaspe Shire Mayor & CEO, the awards were presented in three categories, with the award winners as follows:
Citizen of the Year – Athol 'Doc' McDonald
Young Citizen of the Year – Chloe Portwine
Community Group of the Year – Rushworth Field & Game Club
Citizen of the Year, Athol McDonald, affectionately known as "Doc," has made exceptional contributions to the Girgarre and wider communities through his dedication and service over many years. He has played a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of the Gargarro Botanic Garden, from securing funding and liaising with designers to overseeing projects and organizing planting days. As chairman of the Gargarro Botanic Board, Athol's commitment to community history is evident in his co-authorship of the book "Girgarre," which earned a commendation at the 2017 Victorian Community History Awards, and his book marking the centenary of the Girgarre Football Netball Club. His environmental efforts, including founding the Girgarre Salinity Study Group, have had a lasting impact on the region's ecological health. His legacy is most evident in the thriving, award-winning Gargarro Botanic Garden and café, which he has been instrumental in bringing to life, inspiring many to volunteer and contribute to its ongoing development. Athol's tireless work and vision have created a sense of pride and accomplishment within the community, making him a truly deserving winner of this award.
Young Citizen of the Year, Chloe Portwine Chloe is a remarkable young leader who has made a significant impact on our community through her advocacy for stroke awareness. After her father suffered a stroke when she was just 8 years old, Chloe developed a passion for educating others on stroke prevention. She joined the "Stride for Stroke" campaign, initially aiming to raise $500, but ended up raising over four times that amount, directly contributing to the Stroke Foundation's research and support services. Her efforts have inspired others and fostered a sense of community spirit among her peers. Chloe also worked with her school to integrate stroke awareness into the curriculum, ensuring younger students are equipped with vital knowledge on stroke prevention and management. Her innovative use of social media and mentoring of other students has sparked health advocacy campaigns in her school, addressing issues like mental health, nutrition, and substance abuse. Chloe's leadership has created a lasting ripple effect, encouraging her peers to act on public health matters and inspiring those around her with her dedication to improving community health and well-being.
Community Group of the Year winners, the Rushworth Field & Game Club, are a dedicated group of 65 members and volunteers. The award recognised their exceptional contributions to conservation and community support. The club has been instrumental in creating nesting boxes and hen houses, providing safe habitats for breeding birds and animals such as ducks, parrots, kookaburras, and sugar gliders. Additionally, they have actively worked to reduce fox numbers in the region through organized fox drives. Their unwavering commitment to conservation was recently honoured with the Field and Game Australia Blue Wing Award. Beyond their environmental efforts, the club has refurbished the Rushworth Tennis Club rooms, making them available for use by the club and other community groups and demonstrating their broader dedication to the community. They also play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and relocation of sick, injured, or found wildlife, ensuring these animals are safely returned to their natural environment and through various educational initiatives, the club raises awareness about animal conservation in local schools and kindergartens, inspiring the next generation to care for the environment.
"On behalf of the Council and the community, I extend my congratulations to all nominees and winners of the awards across the shire. We are fortunate to have such exceptional individuals and groups in our region who inspire us all with their generosity of time and passion for the community," said Cr Mackrell.
