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 in Goorambat and now living in Wodonga, Senator McKenzie spoke about her passion of being a proud regional Australian with the traditional rural influences of small business, agriculture, and community.
“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.
“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.
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.
This year’s Young Citizen of the Year was a 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.
A more detailed article on the awards ceremony and all the nominees will appear in this week’s edition of the Yarrawonga Chronicle out Wednesday afternoon.
37°C