Paul Schirmer, a longtime Barnawartha resident, has been named Indigo Shire's 2025 Citizen of the Year.
Mayor, Sophie Price, says the award recognises Paul's exceptional community service to Barnawartha and the surrounding area over many years.
"Paul has spent a lifetime volunteering and this truly makes him a worthy recipient of this award. It is well-deserved recognition of his ongoing dedication to supporting and strengthening his community." Cr Price said.
For over 40 years, Paul has been an active member of the Barnawartha Country Fire Authority (CFA), where he still plays an important role today.
He was heavily involved in Scouts, beginning with Rutherglen in 1972, then Kiewa and later serving in Chiltern until the late 1980's. He's also been involved with the Barnawartha Lions Club, the Barnawartha Primary School Council, and the Barnawartha Water Trust before its transition to North East Water.
Paul has been a key member of the Barnawartha Development Association for 15 years, including a term as President, served on the Barnawartha Recreation Trust and organised the town's community garage sales for over a decade.
A keen outdoor enthusiast, Paul has also been a member of the Border Bushwalking Club for 35 years, including 12 years on the committee. In that time, he led numerous treks, including multi-day Alpine walks, and contributed to bush search and rescue efforts.
Inspired to get involved in volunteering by his wife Lorraine's mother as well as his parents, Paul says it's what anyone with a bit of community interest would do and that he was shocked and humbled to receive the award.
"I don't believe this award is just for me. It's for the people who have supported me and encouraged me all this time. Particularly Lorraine, since she stood by me and has given me encouragement, she probably needs a co-award. I think a lot of people who receive this sort of thing have someone strong standing beside them." Paul said.
The Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Wahgunyah's Hugh Bergin.
At just 11 years old, Hugh has become an inspiring community leader through his innovative fundraising initiative, Racquets Against Breast Cancer.
Cr Price says that Hugh is an impressive and inspiring community member who at a very young age has shown leadership, initiative and enthusiasm for helping others, and bringing the community together.
"I don't think there's many of us who haven't been touched by cancer in some way, so it is an honour to recognise Hugh, who at just 11 years old, has shown incredible dedication to raising awareness and vital funds to find a cure.
Launched in 2023 with support from the Cancer Council of Australia, the Racquets Against Breast Cancer event, held at the Wahgunyah Tennis Club, raised an impressive $2,700 in its first year. It has since grown significantly, attracting participants from across the region, including Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Corryong.
Hugh independently manages all aspects of the event, from securing sponsorships from local businesses to organising activities like raffles and barbecues.
In addition to his fundraising efforts, Hugh is an accomplished athlete, excelling in school sports, including swimming, athletics, and tennis. He also assists in coaching junior tennis players and is a valued member of the Wahgunyah Tennis Club.
Hugh says he was inspired to start the event after successfully applying for grant funding for his school, then witnessing his grandma's battle with breast cancer.
"My grandma sadly passed away from breast cancer so I thought to myself, why don't I do something to help raise money for research? I love tennis so I just thought, let's run a tennis tournament. I've had so much support, it's amazing."
Hugh was shocked to hear that he'd firstly been nominated, and then awarded Young Citizen of the Year, saying he heard the news as he'd finished cheering for a winning point at the Australian Open.
"It was so amazing to hear that I actually won. I was so surprised. We'd been cheering about a winning point at the tennis and then my Mum told me, and I was like "OH MY GOSH!"
Hugh shared the same advice as Citizen of the Year Paul, saying anyone interested in giving back to their community should find something they like and channel interest into volunteering or strengthening your community.
This year's Emma George Sporting Scholarship has been awarded to Beechworth cricketer, Marianne (Mary) Edwards.
Representing both Cricket NSW and Cricket Victoria, Mary has been a key player for the North East Knights Under 15 Girls since the age of 11, where she required eligibility exemptions to compete. Her standout performances include ranking 34th in NSW batting rankings during the 2024 U15 Youth Championship in Singleton, where she opened the batting in six T20 matches over three days.
In December, Mary competed in the U16s Country Championship in Bathurst, showcasing her ability to excel at higher levels of competition. Additionally, she was selected for the Cricket Victoria Girls Leadership Program, where she gained valuable skills in coaching, mentoring, and administration as the youngest participant.
The Community Organisation of the Year award has been awarded to the Rutherglen Golf Club.
As a cornerstone of Rutherglen's social and recreational life, in 2024 the Club reimagined its role in the community, moving away from a traditional competition-focused approach and transforming into a family-and community-friendly organisation.
Key initiatives launched this year include the introduction of junior golf programs, integrating golf into local primary and high school sports curriculums, and launching the "Get Girls into Golf" scholarship program. The Club also reimagined its monthly dinners into vibrant community gatherings and strengthened its community-ties through social and charitable events.
Cr Price says the results of these initiatives have been remarkable, with the Club more than doubling its membership in 2024 and evolving into a true community hub.
"I'd like to say a big congratulations to the Rutherglen Golf Club on its dedication to fostering inclusivity and innovation. Through this work, the Club has ensured its long-term viability and relevance, and most importantly, it is providing a critically important place for recreation and connection for the entire Rutherglen community."
Events to recognise the outstanding citizens, community groups and those receiving certificates of achievement are planned across the Shire – click here to find the details.
FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
- Paul Schirmer – Citizen of the Year
- Hugh Bergin – Young Citizen of the Year
- Rutherglen Golf Club – Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
- Marianne Edwards - Emma George Sporting Scholarship
- Glenn Excell - Chiltern District Certificate of Achievement
- Louise Rietmann - Yackandandah District Certificate of Achievement
- Maria Kraus - Beechworth and District Certificate of Achievement
- Hans Duursma - Rutherglen and District Certificate of Achievement
- Kiewa Tangambalanga and District Certificate of Achievement*
- Wahgunyah District Certificate of Achievement*
*No nominations received in this award category
Young Citizen of the Year Hugh Bergin.
