The awardees of the Campaspe Shire Council Citizen Awards, Young Citizen of the Year, Chloe Portwine, Community Group of the Year, Rushworth Field & Game Club, and Citizen of the Year Athol ‘Doc’ McDonald (right) with Uncle Rick Ronnan and Cr Adrian Weston.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
It’s not every day you see more than 100 of the region’s most impactful and inspiring people in one room; however, this was one special occasion.
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The Campaspe Shire Citizen Awards were held on Wednesday, January 22, which saw community members recognised for their work across the shire.
By 5.30pm, seats in the function room of Radcliffe’s in Echuca were almost filled, with community members mingling among themselves and councillors making their way around the room to welcome them.
The evening’s highlight came as three outstanding community figures were honoured with prestigious awards, recognising their remarkable contributions to the shire.
Athol ‘Doc’ McDonald was named Citizen of the Year for his work at the Gargarro Botanic Gardens and his ongoing support of the wider community of Girgarre.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Chloe Portwine, a testament to her ongoing advocacy for stroke awareness and research throughout the past year.
Rushworth Field and Game Club was recognised as the top Community Group of the Year for its contributions to conservation and community support in Rushworth and surrounds.
Judging the awards was not an easy task, according to panellist and former Community Group of the Year winner Deb Kitt.
She said it was tough choosing from the list filled with deserving and inspiring nominees; however, Citizen of the Year Mr McDonald was a standout.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell congratulated and thanked all the nominees and winners for their contributions to their communities.
“We are incredibly lucky to have outstanding citizens who selflessly contribute their time, expertise and skills to enhance social connections, create opportunities and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents."
Rochester Lions Club president John Atley, Damien McInnes and Campaspe Shire Council director corporate Matthew McPherson.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Rochester Community House’s Jodi Dobson, Jenna Harvey and Larna Tarrant.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Campaspe Shire councillors Jess Mitchell, Zoe Cook, Adrian Weston, John Zobec and Mayor Daniel Mackrell.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Over a hundred of the shire’s most impactful community members gathered in Echuca for a night of recognition and celebration.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Chloe Portwine proving that winners truly are grinners as Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Uncle Rick Ronnan applaud her for her efforts last year.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Uncle Rick Ronnan welcomes attendees to the ceremony.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Pauline Gordon welcomed the crowd to the ceremony and read out nominees for categories throughout the evening.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Mayor Daniel Mackrell announced the winners for group, citizen and young citizen of the year.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The ceremony was hosted by Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Pauline Gordon.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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