Victorian-based Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and Yarrawonga Australia Day Awards Guest Speaker Bridget McKenzie with the 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year Dario Prighel.
Dario Prighel was awarded the 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year at Yarrawonga’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Kennedy Park on Sunday morning.
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The celebrations were well attended with awards presented to local citizens who have given back to their community in the past 12 months.
Hosted by the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club on behalf of Moira Shire Council, a large crowd also listened to a stirring speech from guest speaker Victorian-based Leader of the Nationals in the Senate Bridget McKenzie.
Born and raised down the road at Goorambat and now living in Wodonga, Senator McKenzie spoke about the importance and value of being a proud Australian.
“From the crucible of small country towns right throughout this great land, great things can happen, great things can come from that. So I will forever be thankful for my upbringing in northeast Victoria,” Senator McKenzie said.
“We have built a wonderful country, one we can absolutely be proud of.”
Senator McKenzie is currently serving as the Shadow Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and is continuing her role as Leader of the Nationals in the Senate which she was appointed to in 2019, and the first woman to hold this position.
“This is an incredible country and for too long, too many of our young people have been taught to be ashamed of our country,” she said in her address.
“Has it been a perfect story? No, it hasn't, but when you are celebrating as we are the remarkable story of this nation, the migrant story, first Australians and the blessed place we've created, it stands out globally.
The large crowd at Sunday morning’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Kennedy Park.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“You have to take the good and the bad and reconcile that and promise to move together as one people united under one flag to build a stronger, prosperous, safer society for future Australians.
“We're egalitarian and we want to give everyone a fair go. If you want to work hard, we are the nation that will give you a chance and back you all the way.”
Senator McKenzie then presented the Young Citizen of the Year Award to Nikita Carroll and the 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year Award to Dario Prighel.
Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year
Dario Prighel was awarded the 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year.
Since moving to Yarrawonga some years ago, Dario has been heavily involved in the community with a particular passion for assisting and nurturing children in sport and promoting healthy sports and academic balance.
He has given countless hours pursuing this passion, with his fellow volunteers rating him as a tireless worker who is very humble and does not seek self-recognition.
Dario has held positions within the Yarrawonga Mulwala Tennis Club, Wilby and District Tennis Association, Yarrawonga Mulwala Little Athletics Club, Mulwala Swimming Club, Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association, Junior Pennant Golf, and many more.
Dario is a past Godfather of the Year and is a Life Member of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club.
Dario’s contributions are not limited to hands-on tasks. His commitment to securing grants and advocating for the growth of our local sporting precincts has led to improved facilities and greater opportunities for the community.
His tireless efforts in this area reflect not only his passion for sports, but also his deep desire to see the younger generation thrive through active participation in community activities.
Yarrawonga Australia Day Award recipients and nominees. From left: Citizen of the Year nominees Leo Kelly and Graeme Bugg with guest speaker Senator Bridget McKenzie, 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year Dario Prighel, Citizen of the Year nominee Deidre Poll, Moira Shire Council Chief Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, Citizen of the Year nominee Tim Roadley and Young Citizen of the Year Award recipient Nikita Carroll.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Dario’s willingness to take on leadership roles within organisations and clubs has ensured the continued development and administration of those groups.
His focus on juniors has resulted in his efforts being widely attributed to the nurturing and development of our district children in the skills and love of their respective sports.
In receiving his award Dario said he didn't prepare a speech because his “money was on somebody else”.
“It does show what a great community we have because at least two of the people (also nominated) are involved in a number of issues and groups that I am.
“Deidre's (Deidre Poll) been the heart and soul of our YARC committee trying to get the sports stadium and more importantly, the indoor aquatic centre, which I guess I've been trying to get for about 40 years.”
Mr Prighel said he was brought up understanding the importance of community service, his parents moved to Australia to Cann River 70 years ago from Italy to start a new life and work in the timber industry.
“What it meant was that my father immediately got involved with the community and set a good example for me,” he said.
“Later on, my father-in-law was awarded an Australian medal for services to his community. So, I think I had some pretty good mentors there.”
Humble in receiving his award Mr Prighel said he was lucky that he had very good committees doing all the work.
“I've tended to be the figurehead, but it’s the committee members that actually do all the work.”
Mr Prighel joked that he had been head of swimming committees and the athletics club but admitted; “I can’t swim and the same with little athletics, I had never done athletics much at all in my life but somehow got stuck there because they were going to fold.
“There are thousands of people in the community that don't get the recognition that I have today.
“Please make sure you nominate these people next year because they all deserve it,” Mr Prighel said.
Other 2025 Citizen of the Year nominees were
Graeme Bugg – For his work along the Murray Valley Highway between Hogans Road and Buchanans Road collecting any rubbish he and his wife Ruth find along the way. The environment is better for it, and it promotes Yarrawonga to look like a clean town.
Leo Kelly - Leo came to the Yarrawonga area in the mid-1980s and established a large-scale vegetable growing property overcoming many obstacles. Leo branched out into the community with his generosity donating produce to the Yarrawonga Foodbank every week along with donations for various groups. Leo is also involved in encouraging the building of businesses within the Yarrawonga, Burramine and Cobram communities via networking among the residents and listening to their issues and delivering them to the local government.
Deidre Poll - Deirdre has volunteered and been a committee member for the Yarrawonga Rowing Club, Helping Hands and the local playgroup, which was re-established in 2021. Deidre also helped reinvigorate the local toy library and is also a volunteer. She has also assisted community members suffering ill health by helping them move house and driving them to medical appointments all in her spare time, while she also cares for her grandchildren.
Tim Roadley – Nominated for his efforts in assisting many community groups across the region as the activities organiser at Bunnings Yarrawonga which often provides the seeds for numerous projects. Tim volunteers weekly at Yarrawonga P-12 in a workshop and breakfast program and is involved in environmental projects such as the sensory garden and Dutch Thunder wildlife rescue. Tim is also active in assisting Parkrun Yarrawonga, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club as secretary and coach, fundraising for the Stroke Foundation, Local diabetes support group, SES Victoria, Mental Health Awareness (Blue Tree Project) and Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Young Citizen of the Year
This year’s Young Citizen of the Year produced another worthy recipient in Nikita Carroll.
Nikita has a passion for helping others and does this daily in little ways such as stopping to talk to someone, or in a bigger capacity, in emergency situations with the SES unit.
Nikita attended Cobram Secondary College where she was elected band leader in 2023 and school vice-captain in 2024. In these roles, Nikita mentored the younger members of the music program and supported her peers.
She has won several awards for cross-country events, represented the school on numerous occasions at School Sports Victoria events, and gained a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
During her time with the SES, Nikita has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism in her role. Her commitment to serving the community, especially during times of emergency and crisis, has made a significant impact on both her colleagues and the public she serves.
Nikita’s proactive approach to community education has set a high standard within the organisation. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and inspire those around her reflects her deep understanding of the VICSES mission and values.
The VCE Leader of Cobram Secondary College described Nikita as honest, hard-working, reliable and generally a young lady who can be counted on to step up to the occasion and just get the job done.
Community Organisation of the Year and Community Event of the Year
There were no nominations for Community Organisation of the Year and Community Event of the Year for 2025.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club President Belinda Pendergast encouraged community organisations to nominate their club for the 2026 award when nominations open later this year.
“It is a worthy exercise to nominate your organisation and event to recognise the efforts of everyone who assists in making your club or event a success,” Ms Pendergast said.
“These awards recognise the achievements and work of individuals, clubs and events within Yarrawonga and the surrounding district.
“Today we come together as a vibrant community, proud to celebrate not only our shared history, but also the incredible diversity that makes our nation unique,” Ms Pendergast said.
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