Mildura Rural City Council's 2025 Australia Day Award recipients have been announced, acknowledging the outstanding achievements residents and community groups make within our region.
This year's Australia Day Award winners are:
Citizen of the Year (joint winners)
Gail Mottram
Katrina Umback
Young Citizen of the Year
Electric Light Theatre Junior Producers
Community Event of Project of the Year
Mildura Weir Park Run
Mildura Mayor Helen Healy presented the awards at the Mildura Australia Day Event at Nowingi Place today.
"Our annual Australia Day Awards are a powerful way to acknowledge the achievements of our community, particularly those quiet achievers who go about their work without seeking recognition or attention," Cr Healy said.
"It's because of their efforts that our region is such a wonderful place to live and work, and this year's worthy recipients once again give us so much to be proud of.
"Congratulations to today's award recipients and everyone who was nominated for this year's awards."
Citizen of the Year (joint winner)
Gail Mottram
Gail has dedicated her life to animals, nature, and creating a greener future.
As founder of the volunteer group Greening Mildura, she unites like-minded individuals to care for the region's trees and promote environmental stewardship.
Known for her approachable leadership, Gail actively engages in all aspects of tree care, including planting, maintenance, and advocacy.
Her efforts secured a government grant to plant trees along the riverfront, creating a shaded walk from the George Chaffey Bridge to the Old Mildura Homestead.
Collaborating with Mildura Rural City Council, Gail has driven initiatives like the Nature Strip Competition and organized tree giveaways for schools, community projects, and local residents.
Her work fosters a lasting culture of environmental care across the region.
Citizen of the Year (joint winner)
Katrina Umback
Katrina has made a profound impact on the Mildura community through her heart health advocacy following the loss of her husband, Scott, to heart disease in 2019.
She played a key role in securing free heart health screenings for the Mallee electorate in 2024, identifying critical cardiovascular risk factors in over 80% of participants and referring more than 40% for treatment.
Katrina has raised nearly $100,000 for the Heart Foundation through high-profile events and has advocated for systemic healthcare improvements, including a catheterisation laboratory in Mildura and rural heart health research with La Trobe University.
Her leadership in the Northern Mallee Leaders Program and ability to inspire community action have transformed heart health awareness and saved lives.
Young Citizen of the Year
Electric Light Theatre Junior Producers
The Electric Light Theatre (ELT) Junior Producers - Jack Hoyle, Georgia Judd, Aleisha Hoyle and Kiara Bruton play a vital role in enhancing creativity, leadership, and theatrical skills.
Selected through an application process, they contribute to costume design, choreography, vocals, stagecraft, and character development, guiding the cast through their creative works.
Recent productions showcased the talents of the Junior Producers in pieces like 'Welcome to Rio', 'Little by Little' and 'The Door List'.
The group, foster positivity, motivate the cast, and cultivate teamwork.
Their leadership extends beyond theatre, impacting their schools, Scouts, and local organisations, while developing transferable skills that enrich their personal and professional lives.
Community Event of Project of the Year
Mildura Weir Park Run
Since 2019, the free weekly Mildura Weir parkrun has provided the community with a consistent opportunity for outdoor activity, social connection, and improved health.
Despite challenges like COVID lockdowns and the 2022/2023 floods, the event thrives thanks to dedicated volunteers and strong local support.
Attracting over 150 participants weekly, including visitors who boost tourism and local businesses, the parkrun fosters inclusivity, welcoming people of all abilities, ages, and fitness levels.
It builds a sense of belonging, reduces isolation, and strengthens community ties.
With year-round events, including special occasions like the Christmas Day parkrun, Mildura Weir parkrun exemplifies resilience, connection, and the power of community.
