Swan Hill Rural City Council has proudly awarded Vicki Allen the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, and the Robinvale Centenary Committee has been recognised with the Australia Day Community Event of the Year for 2024.
Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King expressed his admiration for the people and the communities that make up Swan Hill Rural City Council.
"Our municipality is woven together by incredible, generous residents who are deeply passionate about where they live. This year, we received numerous high-calibre nominations, and these recipients truly exemplify the community spirit that our municipality is renowned for," stated Cr King.
Cr King recognised the endeavours of the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Vicki Allen, saying, "Vicki has been acknowledged for her unwavering commitment to her community. Her lifelong dedication to the advancement of our municipality is truly inspirational."
"Her contributions include 30 years with the Nyah-Nyah West United Football Netball Club, serving 25 years as secretary, earning club life membership and AFL Victoria recognition. She is actively involved in the Nyah District Action Group and has devoted hours to community projects, including the community garden at Nyah West. Vicki also plays a key role in organising the annual Nyah District Christmas Carnival and was instrumental in the successful running of the Nyah Fishing Competition."
"Vicki's selfless work in the community has benefited so many, and this is what makes her an incredibly worthy recipient of the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year," said Cr King.
The Robinvale Centenary Committee has been awarded the Australia Day Community Event for 2024 for their exceptional work in organising a five-day celebration of Robinvale's centenary in October 2024.
Cr King explained, "This successful event was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of the committee. It was an outstanding occasion that brought many people together, including past residents from all around Australia, to reflect on Robinvale's rich history, celebrate how far the town has come, and look forward to the future," added Cr King.
Cr King extended his heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 Australia Day Award recipients.
"Congratulations to everyone across our municipality who has been recognised this Australia Day for their valuable contributions. Acknowledging the hard work that goes on day in day out across a year, is a privilege and an honour," expressed Cr King.
CITATION - Vicki Allen
VICKI ALLEN is hereby awarded the AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2025 in recognition of her dedication to community service and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the municipality.
Described by AFL Victoria in 2024 as "One of the best from Nyah West," Vicki's lifelong commitment to her community is truly inspirational.
Born and raised in locally, Vicki's tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the Nyah District. A life member of the Nyah-Nyah West United Football and Netball Club, Vicki has dedicated over 30 years to the club, including 25 years as Secretary. She is an invaluable contributor, serving as Game Day Secretary, assisting with player registrations, and volunteering in the coffee van. Vicki also coordinates catering, ensuring meals are served to players and supporters every Thursday during the season.
Vicki's leadership extends beyond the club to the wider community. She has been pivotal in organising the Nyah District Christmas Carnival, an event that draws over 1,000 attendees annually, as well as the Nyah Fishing Competition, which was a major fundraiser for the Nyah-Nyah West United Football and Netball Club and also raised funds to replenish the stock of fish in the Murray River. Her efforts in projects like the redevelopment of Nyah West Park, the Blue Tree Project for mental health awareness, and the creation of a community garden demonstrate her commitment to improving local facilities and services.
As a longstanding member of the Nyah District Action Group, Vicki has played key roles in publishing the Local Link newsletter and working on memorial spaces honouring local heroes. Her community involvement spans decades, including roles with Neighbourhood Watch, the Nyah District Hostel Committee, the Red Cross Blood Bank Unit, and various event committees.
Vicki has been recognised for her dedication with numerous accolades, including the Nyah District Citizenship Award in 2000 and AFL Victoria's Local Legend recognition in 2024.
Her impact is ongoing, as she continues to coordinate the upcoming Nyah District heritage weekend this April, a celebration she has worked tirelessly to bring to life.
Through her unwavering dedication, community spirit, and leadership, Vicki has made a profound difference in her community and is a most deserving winner of the 2025 Swan Hill Rural City Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Council congratulates Vicki on this well-deserved honour and thanks her for her remarkable contributions.
Congratulations, Vicki!
CITATION - Robinvale Centenary Committee
THE ROBINVALE CENTENARY COMMITTEE is hereby awarded the AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR 2024.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council proudly recognises the Robinvale Centenary Celebrations as the 2024 Community Event of the Year. This extraordinary five-day event exemplified the spirit of "small town, big heart," uniting the Robinvale community in a spectacular celebration of its 100-year history.
After twenty-two months of meticulous planning, the Robinvale Centenary Committee delivered a once-in-a-lifetime event for residents, ex-locals, and visitors. The thoughtfully curated program drew large crowds and created cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.
The festivities included a wide range of activities that honoured Robinvale's rich heritage, celebrated its present, and inspired its future. Highlights of the celebration included a Centenary Golf Day, open mornings at local schools, a barbecue at "The Cliffs," and a buffet dinner featuring cultural performances and the cutting of a centenary cake. An old-fashioned street parade, scenic Tiger Moth flights, and a free outdoor concert showcasing Robinvale's home-grown talent were among the standout moments.
The celebrations concluded with heartfelt church services, the planting of centenary trees, and the burial of a time capsule, ensuring the event's legacy for generations to come. This incredible occasion even attracted the attention of His Majesty, King Charles III, who sent a letter of congratulations and best wishes to Robinvale on its milestone anniversary.
The success of this event is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of the Robinvale Centenary Committee. Their efforts brought the community together to reflect on Robinvale's history, celebrate its growth, and look toward its bright future.
Swan Hill Rural City Council congratulates the Robinvale Centenary Committee on this outstanding achievement and thanks them for creating an unforgettable celebration that showcased the best of Robinvale to the world.
Congratulations to the Robinvale Centenary Committee – 2024 Community Event of the Year!
