Some of the Buloke Shire's outstanding contributors were recognised for their dedication to the community at the council's Australia Day Eve awards on Tuesday evening.

Among them, Wycheproof's Len Storey was named Citizen of the Year, Charlton's Tessa Fitzpatrick was named Young Citizen of the Year, and Event of The Year Award joint-winners were International Mountain Day and Lions Club of Wycheproof Show and Shine.

Born and raised at Wycheproof, Len's family's hard-working farming ethic and iconic traits of a 'true Australian and Mallee boy' were instilled from a young age.

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"There is nothing Len hasn't contributed to across the Wycheproof community - over time he has been a part of everything," local Mick Giddings said.

Len is presently active in the celebration of 'The Bill's Water Trough' structure at Bakery on Broadway and is finalising the details for the official plaque. He is also busy erecting an historic windmill structure in the re-furbished Wycheproof P-12 College grounds.

Tessa has also been described as an inspirational role model for the youth of her township.

She began adding her 'voice of youth' to many community organisations from an early age, broadening these natural leadership abilities beyond her secondary school roles in School Representative Council, as House and Sports Captain, to becoming an ambassador on Rotary Exchange to Canada.

Tessa has chosen to work locally and study online to continue to live in the community.

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The International Mountain Day event, celebrated at Mount Wycheproof, drew international attention and reconnected us to this significant geological wonder, known as the 'Smallest Mountain in the World'.

The event engaged and reunited the community on a number of levels. ABC Wimmera Radio broadcasted their Breakfast Show from the top of the mount, inviting past and present residents to be interviewed or call-in and contribute to the live discussion, or just listen and reminisce.,

Lions Club of Wycheproof Show and Shine is a major fundraiser for the community and many other charities that the Wycheproof club supports.

The 2021 annual event was the fifth time it's been held on the Sunday of the March long-weekend.

The number of beautifully restored cars, motorbikes and trucks, and distance these enthusiasts travel to be part of the event continues to climb.

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The winners of the 2022 Campaspe Shire Australia Day Awards were also announced at celebrations across the district on Wednesday.

Awards were presented for Citizen, Young Citizen and Community group of the year and they were given to Mitchell Bull, Dimity Pearson and the Wirima in Rotary Park committee respectfully.

Mayor Chrissy Weller congratulated the winners for their exceptional contribution to their communities, in their own individual ways.

"Mitchell, Dimity and the Wirima in Rotary Park Committee reflect dedication, leadership and commitment to their communities," she said.

"I applaud them on their individual successes and accomplishments, which are well worth our recognition."

Mitchell Bull has reinvigorated the Kyabram Blue Light Program and become a pioneer for youth engagement in Kyabram.

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Since Mitchell's involvement, the Blue Light Program has raised $80,000 in grants and donations, developed youth events, the Ky Fit Program and even the construction of a gymnasium at Kyabram P-12 College.

Dimity Pearson is a proud advocate for young people in the shire.

She is an integral member of the Campaspe Youth Advisory Group, delivering a presentation to Council which resulted in youth participation becoming a Council priority.

Despite COVID setbacks and juggling several jobs, Dimity remained completely committed to her voluntary roles.

Five women from Rochester formed the Wirima in Rotary Park Committee, which has now left an enduring legacy for Rochester families for years to come.

Across four years, the committee rallied for a natural play space for Rochester, without mass-produced plastic play equipment.

With no previous experience in the field, they researched sustainable materials, interviewed architects, negotiated constraints, consulted with stakeholders and created design briefs.

Thanks to hard work and an ongoing devotion to their dream, Wirima in Rotary Park is now a reality.

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