THEY are the selfless volunteers who on Australia Day inspire entire communities.
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Councils across central Victoria have revealed their citizens, young citizens and senior citizens of the year.
They include firefighters, advocates and event founders.
More news:
Campaspe Shire
Citizen of the Year - Hannah Thompson
Hannah Thompson has been a long standing volunteer in the Rochester community.
She suffered a significant stroke at the age of 23 which left her with an enduring disability but this has not stopped her from helping out whenever and wherever she can.
Hannah has been collecting for The Royal Children's Hospital in the Good Friday Appeal since she was 9-years-old, helps her Dad deliver Meals-On-Wheels, sells raffle tickets for a bowling club, co-edits a church newsletter and helps out at St. Joseph's Primary School with reading and other tasks.
Young Citizen of the Year - Jack Norris
Nominated for his significant contribution to the Kyabram community, Jack Norris received the Young citizen of the year award.
Jack takes great pride in representing the young people of Kyabram and strives to make the community a better place. He is a strong voice for his peers and serves on the College Council at his local school, Kyabram P-12.
Jack is also a member of Campaspe Shire Council's Youth Advisory Group and has been a very active member in the consultation process informing the development of the Kyabram Community Based Plan.
Loddon Shire
Citizen of the Year: Howard Matthews
Howard Matthews has made tireless contributions to the Wedderburn community since being a founding member of the Wedderburn Cycling Club in the 1950s.
Howard's service to Wedderburn's sporting clubs extended to the Wedderburn Band Cricket Club, the Wedderburn Football Club and the Wedderburn Golf Club.
It was at the CFA Region 19 Wedderburn Urban Fire Brigade that Howard's most significant volunteer service was made. Between 1955 and 1982, Howard held numerous positions including secretary and treasurer from 1969 to 1973, 1st Lieutenant from 1973 to 1975, and foreman/apparatus officer from 1961 to 1965.
Young Citizen of the Year: Hugh Cartwright
Hugh Cartwright completed VCE in 2020 at East Loddon P-12 College, where as College Captain in a unique year, he helped run assemblies online via Microsoft Teams.
He helped put together online events like the ANZAC Day service that crossed to all areas of the Loddon Shire. He also offered encouragement and support to other students throughout the year.
In 2020 Hugh was recognised with the Year 12 ADF Long Tan - Innovators East Loddon Award for his significant contribution to the VCE Agriculture and Horticulture program at East Loddon P-12 College. He was an integral component of student voice in encouraging this subject to return to the VCE curriculum.
Mount Alexander Shire
Citizen of the Year - Ian Gallagher
Known as a quiet achiever who is considerate, respectful and always ready to lend a hand, Ian Gallagher has been a volunteer corrections officer for 15 years.
It is a role that requires the trust, respect and co-operation of offenders under his charge.
Ian has also been an active member and full time volunteer of the Lions Club in Castlemaine for 15 years. Through this he chops and distributes firewood for locals while being a driving force behind the scenes for the cub.
Senior Citizen of the Year - Lorraine le Plastrier
This longstanding advocate was pivotal in establishing the Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group as well as the Positive Ageing Advocacy Group.
In 2019, Lorraine joined the Healthy Heart of Victoria Control Group, contributing by providing insight through a disability and access lens.
As the 2020 pandemic tightened its grip, she contributed to the Emergency Response Working Group through community projects including the distribution of face masks.
Young Citizen of the Year - Jade Bujeya
Jade Bujeya has been an active volunteer and youth leader in our community for the past five years.
She has coordinated various youth events and activities through her role on the Mount Alexander Shire's Youth Advisory Group.
In 2018, Jade founded the Youth Makers Market and maintains the lead role in the coordination of the event as well as being a stallholder.
City of Greater Bendigo
Cathie Steele and Ma Aye Paw were named citizen and young citizen of the year in a ceremony on Monday.
Central Goldfields Shire
Citizen of the Year - Jesse Wright
A founding member of Maryborough's SES unit, Jesse Wright has been a local SES volunteer for the past 42 years. He is also an active contributor to the local Driver Reviver Program.
As an SES volunteer, Jesse has been a first responder to countless road crashes and weather events assisting local families during their time of need.
He has helped our community through flood, fire and other tragic events, often at the expense of his family, dropping everything to respond to call outs for assistance.
Young Citizen of the Year - Caitlin Britten
Caitlin Britten is a sportsperson, role model, leader and ambassador of the Central Goldfields community.
In what was a challenging school year, Caitlin led her cohort with positivity and optimism as 2020 student leader.
She is an experienced public speaker having delivered a presentation at the Law Enforcement and Public Health Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2019 on initiatives to reduce the incidents of gendered violence.
Buloke Shire
Citizen of the Year - Margaret Pollington
Margaret Pollington is devoted to Nullawil. She has a hand in countless sporting and community organisations and leads by a hand-s-on style that encourages mentoring and passion.
Her input has brought a number untold benefits to Nullawil and its residents. Among her work is be grant convener for the Nullawil Silo Art Project, executive roles In the North Central Lawn Tennis Association, supporting the Wycheproof P12 College and being involved in local and surrounding netball leagues.
"A positive role model, Margaret's enthusiasm for encouraging the younger generation to become involved will build on her already remarkable legacy," Buloke mayor Daryl Warren said. "Margaret is a worthy Citizen of the Year and joins an honour role of great magnitude."
Young Citizens of the Year - Will Noble, Tyson Coates, Jake Sullivan, Jet Adams and Zac Livingston
This group of young men from Donald turned the dream of a skate park in their town to a reality.
Will Noble, Tyson Coates, Jake Sullivan, Jet Adams and Zac Livingston led the way in developing the youth-based amenity with their initiative, energy and enthusiasm involving the community.
After launching the project in 2018, the recreational space has now been delivered.
"Achieving goals and overcoming challenges has created a learning pathway for the boys, and their ability to attract significant fundraising dollars from the community has yielded an asset to be enjoyed for years to come," Cr Warren said. "This project represents the most significant contribution by our youth in recent times."