Athol ‘Doc’ McDonald from Girgarre (middle), who won Citizen of the Year at the Campaspe Shire Citizen Awards 2025, with Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Uncle Rick Ronnan.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Everything’s coming up roses for Girgarre, with another key figure in the community recognised for their significant contribution to the region.
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Athol McDonald was brought up on stage to accept Citizen of the Year on Wednesday, January 22 for his contribution to Campaspe Shire over the past year.
Mr McDonald, affectionately known around the nursery as ‘Doc’, has been a stalwart in the Gargarro Botanic Garden’s success, leading a team of like-minded, passionate volunteers to transform Girgarre into a botanist’s dream.
His co-authorship of the historic book ‘Girgarre’, which earned a commendation at the 2017 Victorian Community History Awards, further demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the community.
Campaspe Shire Council Citizen Awards 2025: Athol ‘Doc’ McDonald won Citizen of the Year.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Beyond his tireless work in the garden, Mr McDonald founded the Girgarre Salinity Study Grou,p which has already had a lasting impact on the region’s ecological health.
Despite his numerous contributions, the ever-humble Mr McDonald was unaware of his nomination until receiving an invitation from the shire to attend the event.
He was even more taken aback when his name was called out as the winner by Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell.
He said he doesn’t contribute for recognition, claiming it wasn’t what motivated him.
“When we decided on (making) a botanic garden, we wanted something that could last forever,” he said.
Mr McDonald attributes the garden’s success to the dedicated volunteers who contribute week after week.
He also credits his business partners, Joel Raglus and Leon McAsey, owners of the Gargarro Botanic Garden Cafe on the garden’s property.
His wife, Sandra McDonald, said she believed there was no-one more deserving than her husband.
“He’s given a lifetime to the community — not just the garden, but every aspect of Girgarre,” she said.
“Although, our (home) garden isn’t as good as the botanical garden.”
Other nominees for Citizen of the Year included: Ken Hocking; Heather Rendle; Leanne Holmberg; Des Crichton; Katrina Ogden; Ray Muller; Lyn Rumble; Julie Langdon (Sands); Tania Chiswell; Anne Shaw.
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