Young Citizen of the Year Chloe Portwine with Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Uncle Rick Ronnan at the 2025 Campaspe Shire Citizen of the Year Awards. Photos: Jemma Jones.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Bamawm’s Chloe Portwine has been recognised for her efforts in raising stroke awareness, particularly through Stride4Stroke 2024.
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Campaspe Shire Council named 16-year-old Chloe as their 2025 Young Citizen of the Year at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, January 22.
Motivated by her dad suffering from a stroke in 2016 at just 35 years of age, Chloe wanted to increase education around the symptoms, prevention of and recovery from stroke.
“It was something that was close to my heart that I knew could make an impact to others, not just myself,” Chloe said.
Campaspe Shire Council Citizen Awards 2025: Chloe Portwine who won Young Citizen of the Year thanked everyone who supported her in the past year.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
“I thought if it is going to help someone else, especially because we are in a rural community, there is a much higher chance... for someone to get out and make a statement and get people to know.
“To see the support that I got, was unreal. I couldn’t have imagined how much people came together.”
With an initial goal of $500, Chloe smashed her aim thanks to the donations of locals and strangers alike.
“I didn’t even think I’d make it to $500,” she said.
“By the end of November, we had hit more than $2600. I couldn’t believe it.
“I would have set my goal higher if that’s what I expected!”
Bamawm’s Chloe Portwine was all smiles receiving her recognition at the event.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Chloe’s passion resulted in stroke awareness being integrated into the curriculum at Echuca College, using social media and mentoring to inspire new ways of learning that have expanded into health education more broadly.
Her health teacher put Chloe forward for the award, an achievement she did not expect to take home.
“I didn’t think I was going to win,” she said.
“I am absolutely astounded with how well we did (with Stride4Stroke), it was beautiful to see.”
In her citation, Chloe’s contributions to stroke awareness in the community, as well as her impact as a leader among her peers, were highlighted.
“Chloe’s leadership has created a lasting ripple effect, encouraging her peers to act on public health matters and inspiring those around her with her dedication to improving community health and wellbeing,” it said.
Looking forward, she will continue pushing for greater recognition of stroke symptoms and treatments, planning to participate in Stride4Stroke again in 2025.
This also extends as a support to those in the community who are going through events similar to Chloe and her family.
“I’ve been putting (myself) out there a bit more,” she said.
“Offering a shoulder to lean on, knowing I’ve had that experience for those who may have had similar.”
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