Karreen Lucas was announced as the overall Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year, with Brooke McCluskey being named as Greater Shepparton Young Citizen of the Year and the Tatura and Community Rotary Art Show winning Greater Shepparton Community Event of the Year.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Kim O’Keeffe congratulated all award recipients and acknowledged the outstanding contributions they have made to Greater Shepparton.

"Thank you to those who took the time to submit a nomination to recognise their fellow citizens, it is fantastic to see individuals doing great things for their community and it is important that we recognise and celebrate them,” said Cr O’Keeffe.

Awards were presented in Arcadia, Shepparton, Dookie, Mooroopna, Murchison, Tatura and Toolamba and the Greater Shepparton Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year were chosen from these regional winners.

Australia Day Award Winners

Arcadia
Citizen of the Year	Karreen Lucas
Dookie
Citizen of the Year	Heather Waldron
Academic Award	Charlie Bowmaker
Community Event of the Year	Dookie Military Vehicle Rally - Military History Group Inc
Mooroopna
Citizen of the Year	Marie Findlay
Young Citizen of the Year	Nimi Jumapili
Sports Award	Nadine Edwards
Murchison
Sports Award	Murchison Under 12 Soccer Team. Coach Neale Williams. Delegate Michelle Donders
Community Event of the Year	Luncheon Service Team - Murchison Neighbourhood House
Young Citizen of the Year	Sara Louise Niglia
Citizen of the Year	Una Stone
Shepparton
Citizen of the Year	Sue Trevaskis
Community Event of the Year	Shepparton Parkrun
Young Citizen of the Year	Brooke McCluskey
Senior Citizen of the Year	Tom Colbert and Dianne Colbert
Sports Award	Alana Baldi
Tatura
Citizen of the Year	Kevin Ryan
Sports Award	Matt Miller
Community Event of the Year	Tatura and Community Rotary Art Show
Business Award	Stacey Prossor
Young Citizen of the Year	Katherine Wagner
Toolamba
Citizen of the Year	Geoff Maynard
Community Event of the Year	Food Swap
Community Service	Vin White

Winner profiles

Arcadia

Citizen of the Year - Karreen Lucas

Karreen is a passionate member of her community and is part of the Arcadia Community Planning Committee. She is always willing to lend a hand to all who ask and contributes to the safety of her community through her many years as a member of the CFA. Karreen is very community minded, and her dedication in raising funds over the last three years has led to fantastic outcomes for the CFA, including the ability to purchase an additional vehicle to increase their service capability.

Dookie

Citizen of the Year - Heather Waldron

Heather is an inspirational community member, welcoming to new comers and continually assists those in need through acts of kindness. She is a member of the Dookie Lions Club and a passionate supporter of Relay for Life, where she runs weekly raffles and annual fun days, raising funds for the cause. Heather is an inspirational community member who is actively engaged in making Dookie a better place to live. Her selflessness and commitment is inspiring.

Academic Award - Charlie Bowmaker

Charlie is a bright, creative man, who with his level of determination and aspirations has become a role model and inspiration to younger members of his community, in both schooling and music. He has received exceptional results in his final VCE results, his Grade 8 Classical Piano and is now studying Performance and Composition of Music at Box Hill, TAFE. Charlie created the band ‘Days of Daze’, bringing pleasure to all ages and demographics of the various communities in which they play. With a strong sense of self-determination and hard work, Charlie has overcome battles to achieve his life goals.

Community Event of the Year - Dookie Military Vehicle Rally - Military History Group Inc

The Dookie Military Rally has been running for seven years, and is now the biggest military rally in the State of Victoria. The Rally continues to grow each year, encouraging people and businesses across Australia to participate in the three days during October.

Mooroopna

Citizen of the Year - Marie Findlay

Marie is a joyful, exuberant, kind woman who has dedicated many years of volunteering for numerous organisations. Marie has assisted the Alexander Street Kindergarten for the past 42 years, where she has had a wonderful rapport with all of the children, parents and extended families. She has also volunteered her time at multiple aged care facilities, engaging with the residents through music and interaction. She also volunteers for the Undera Girl Guides at the Mooroopna Community Farmer’s Market. Marie is a caring, thoughtful lady who gives back to her community and has made a positive effect on her community members.

Young Citizen of the Year - Nimi Jumapili

Nimi is a vibrant young woman, who has dedicated many hours to give back to her community. In her second year of volunteering for Word and Mouth, she has grown into a leadership role. She also contributes to a faith based youth group, performing on numerous occasions for church and school. Nimi is dedicated, reliable and a passionate representative for the region’s young people. She is a great community minded young woman.

Sports Award - Nadine Edwards

Nadine is an outstanding citizen and is highly involved in the equestrian and running fields. She has been involved in the Kyabram Pony Club as a riding member, instructor and parent for over 35 years. Nadine has competed across Victoria and interstate, with her specialty in eventing. She is also a very keen runner, placing first in various categories at the Mitchelton Running Festival, and taking places in the Tatura Hospital Fun Run, Australian Corporate Games and Wangaratta Marathon. Nadine also volunteers at the Shepparton Parkrun, where she encourages all participating runners. Nadine is a great contributor, role model and is highly valued within her community.

Murchison

Sports Award - Murchison Under 12 Soccer Team. Coach Neale Williams. Delegate Michelle Donders

The Murchison Under 12 Soccer team consists of 14 children aged between nine and 12. The team played 16 games over five months, drew one, lost three and won 12, including the Under 12 Plate Division Championship. The children joined together, travelling from towns including Nagambie, Longwood, Euroa, Tatura and Murchison, demonstrating great sportsmanship each week and supported each other as they strove to improve as a team. Their success and positive, fun attitude whilst playing and training has contributed to the local popularity of the game, inspiring other children to play and compete. As a parent and coach, Neale Williams brought the children together to form a strong competitive team. As a parent and team delegate, Michelle Donders coordinates everything involved behind the scenes.

Community Event of the Year - Luncheon Service Team - Murchison Neighbourhood House

The Murchison Neighbourhood House Luncheon Service is provided by a number of local ladies, namely Susan Beavis, Alison Cameron, Mele Fitikefu, Nola Hutchins, Sally Lee and Cindy Richter. Twice a week, the ladies prepare a two course meal for those wishing to enjoy a meal whilst catching up with other community members. The ladies also provide the meals for special events the Neighbourhood House organises, such as the Halloween and Christmas lunch.

Young Citizen of the Year - Sara Louise Niglia

Sara has successfully completed a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and Diploma of Mathematics and Business, seeing her achieve a high standard of excellence in sport. Her enthusiasm of sport, and passion for working with youths, gives her respect amongst the local school community and wider community. Her great rapport with young people has inspired teenagers to train with her and participate in sport. Sara’s skills are continually developing, and her contributions are recognised through the Australian Weightlifting Federation.

Citizen of the Year - Una Stone

Una is a kind, selfless woman who started giving back to her community years ago with a Sunday roast dinner and a welcoming open door. Her kindness led to fundraising for community needs through baking. Over ten years, Una has baked on countless occasions for various fundraisers, organisations, and has also knitted scarves to assist. Una’s spirit and ongoing kindness has inspired her community, and many organisations have benefited from Una’s donations over the years.

Shepparton

Citizen of the Year - Sue Trevaskis

Sue has devoted most of her adult life to helping others and volunteering her time to multiple groups, including the SYC Hockey and Cricket Club, Sherbourne TOWN Club, Wilmot Road Primary School, Shepparton Agricultural Society, St John’s Ambulance Brigade, Cool Cat Rockers, the CWA and the Shepparton Show. She has devoted many years to these groups, and always finds time to help out when called upon. Sue is inspirational, nurturing and guides the students and juniors she comes in contact with, encouraging them to be the best they can be. Her kindness, dedication and commitment have benefited her community and family.

Community Event of the Year - Shepparton Parkrun

The Shepparton Parkrun commenced in 2014 and has held over 200 events weekly over its four years of operation. In that time, 2,500 different people have taken part and over 330 volunteers have donated their time to run the event. Parkrun is open to all members of the community, regardless of age, ability, or whether a walker or runner. The event allows participants to increase their health and fitness, as well as providing opportunities for social interaction and creating friendships.

Young Citizen of the Year - Brooke McCluskey

Brooke is an outstanding member of her community, who consistently puts others ahead of herself. She is determined, and proactive in wanting to make Shepparton a better place. Brooke has excelled in school and left a legacy in the projects she initiated. She has given back by introducing blood bank ambassadors at school, coordinating the Shepparton Emergency Services Workers Thank You Breakfast, arranging gifts to be given to Australian soldiers serving overseas, and arranging fundraisers for many causes. Brooke is a positive, thoughtful and inspiring young lady.

Senior Citizen of the Year - Tom Colbert and Dianne Colbert

Tom and Diane have run a local business for over 10 years, which has become the hub of the community. Their devotion to community has made a positive difference to many and does not go unnoticed. They provide advice and assistance to those in need, are encouraging, and happily go over and above in support of the community.

Sports Award - Alana Baldi

Alana is a Special Olympics Australia Carer who also volunteers as a Cricket Australia Ambassador. She is extremely passionate in helping people with disabilities to participate in sport and is determined to make a difference in their lives. She volunteers numerous hours, and through her determination has inspired participants around her to participate in sport, try new activities and join clubs. Alana is persistent in changing society’s perceptions about people with a disability and breaking down barriers to make for a more inclusive and educated society. She is admired by parents, athletes and other carers around her.  

Tatura

Citizen of the Year - Kevin Ryan

Kevin “Gunna” Ryan has been a long serving member of the Tatura community, being a Shire representative for over 40 years. Kevin has made countless contributions to his community, including his support of sporting activities, development of the raw water irrigation systems for sporting clubs, re siting of the Toolamba Primary School, support of local health facilities and more. He has continually been a proud and willing representative at local services and ceremonies, with his involvement and support continuing since his retirement. Kevin is a valuable member of his community, approachable to residents of all ages and continues to strive towards the best outcomes for Tatura.

Sports Award - Matt Miller

Matt is an exceptional sportsman who has excelled at golf, holding the lowest handicap at the Hill Top Tatura Club. He has been Junior Champion on multiple occasions, and last year was the youngest member to win the Club Championship. In addition to playing, Matt is a great club member who has given back by assisting with teaching younger children on both a formal and informal basis. He has inspired young people to start playing golf as well as others his age, encouraging them to ‘have a go’.

Community Event of the Year - Tatura and Community Rotary Art Show: Rotary Club of Tatura

The Tatura and Community Rotary Art Show is an event arranged and run with an entirely volunteered workforce, bringing together many local residents, groups and businesses. The event encourages artists of all levels of experience to exhibit their work, giving them an outlet for their creativity. Publicised widely, the event encourages tourism to the town and attracts a large number of artists from within and outside of Victoria. The event gives the Tatura community a sense of unity and purpose, and all proceeds raised goes directly back to the community.

Business Award - Stacey Prossor

Stacey has successfully ran her own business named “Stacey’s Massaging” for 10 years in Tatura. Busy running her own business, being a wife and juggling two children, she continues to give back and volunteer her time massaging participants of the Tatura 200 Bike Ride, Tatura Hospital Walk, Shepparton Iron Man, and also donates massage vouchers to various local sporting clubs and charities. While overcoming challenges along her way, Stacey is a remarkable business woman, wife, mother, community member and is a true inspiration to all.

Young Citizen of the Year - Katherine Wagner

Katherine is an incredible young lady, who has been a very active member of the Girl Guides Victoria since 2011. She has achieved outstanding results and has taken leadership responsibility to organise local BBQs and bake sales for fundraising, directly benefiting the local Tatura Girl Guides Unit. Katherine has been selected as one of six youths across Australia to represent Girl Guides Australia internationally at the Singapore Centenary Camp. She was nominated for the Fred Hollows Award and was chosen to attend the Victorian presentation, where she was presented with a certificate to recognise her achievements. Among many other achievements, Katherine has shown she is academically accomplished and personally compassionate.

Toolamba

Citizen of the Year - Geoff Maynard

Geoff has used his previous experience in the local Council to benefit his community, through leadership and a continuous positive attitude. He has happily taken on being chair of committees, including the Toolamba Recreation and Community Steering Committees and the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee. Through Geoff’s leadership, knowledge and approach to Committee members, he has inspired others to continue with their great efforts.

Community Event of the Year - Food Swap

The Food Swap started under the auspice of Toolamba Lions Club Inc. and is now run by a local community committee. The event has seen great success over its years, with the aim to encourage people to bring their home grown produce and preserves to trade with others. The event also provides an opportunity for the community to socialise and children to play together. The event gives back to the community in many ways, including any leftover produce being donated to the People Supporting People charity.

Community Service - Vin White

Vin is a loving and supporting husband and father to three children, and has been the manager of the Intensive Care Department at GV Health for the past 25 years. Vin is always willing to volunteer and help anyone in need, and has a particular passion and interest for community health and the welfare of elderly members of the community. He actively works to support them and is part of a number of committees, working to improve his town. Through his passion, determination and work ethic, Vin has encouraged others in his community to become involved in community groups.