by Yvette Brand

Dedicating time to improving their communities was recognised for individuals and groups honoured in Baw Baw Shire's annual Australia Day awards.

Volunteerism was at the heart of all award recipients including citizen and young citizen of the year, community event of the year and community organisation of the year.
Council also presented six medallions to individuals and groups for outstanding community contributions.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss commended the outstanding people who go above and beyond for their peers and community.
Cr Goss said council received many strong nominations and selecting the winners was always a challenging task.
"Each winner should take great pride in their achievements and we are grateful to have so many extraordinary members of our community recognised," he said.
In a show of support from the newly elected council, eight of the nine councillors attended the event.

Citizen of the Year - Kylie Sage
Kylie has been devoted to the Warragul RSL team for the past seven years. For the past five years she has co-ordinated and run the Anzac Day and Poppy appeals raising considerable funds for veterans in need.
"Every day she demonstrates compassion, empathy and tenacity when assisting many veterans in need. Her support to veterans and their families in the Baw Baw area is exemplary.
"She has directly contributed to both enriching and saving lives of veterans in our community by her dedication," Cr Goss said.
Kylie said she grew up in Warragul before joining the navy. But when she and her husband decided to have a family, they wanted to return to Warragul.
She said she loved Warragul because of its "strong sense of community spirit."
Kylie said the difference the RSL had made to people's lives was very rewarding. She said the RSL had worked hard to build a place of safety and care for veterans, first responders and their families.

Young Citizen of the Year - Maxx Jenkins
Sixteen-year-old Maxx loves helping people and has dedicated much of his time as a volunteer in various organisations in the Ellinbank community.
Cr Goss said Maxx was proof that having autism was no barrier and Maxx was passionate about helping those less fortunate than himself.
Every year Maxx helps to organise an annual Daffodil Day morning tea cancer fundraiser with his support workers. He runs 'Maxx's Cans for Kindness' collecting cans and bottles from family and friends to earn cash to donate to local charities.
Earlier in the year, Maxx donated more than $800 worth of groceries and gift vouchers to charities including The Salvation Army in Warragul to help those in need.
Maxx was unable to attend the ceremony and his award was accepted by his grandparents Sylvia and Rob Trewern.
Rob described his grandson as "selfless and caring."
"I don't think you've heard the last of Maxx," he said.

Community Organisation of the Year - Warragul SES
VICSES Warragul Unit is made up of 40 dedicated and skilled volunteers who work year-round to support the community on the front line of emergencies and behind the scenes - often in challenging and dynamic situations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the unit and reflects the efforts of its volunteers over the many years and the crucial role it plays within the local community.
In 2024, with two major storm events in the shire, the unit responded to more than 975 requests for assistance - largely fallen trees and building damage - at all hours of the day and night.
The unit also works proactively in the community to engage with residents to increase awareness of how to be prepared for emergency situations.
Accepting the award, unit controller Paul Tandberg commended the very dedicated group of volunteers with Warragul SES.

Community Event of the Year - the Restorative Power of Nature and Gardens by Warragul and District Garden Club

The Warragul and District Garden Club held a symposium titled "The Restorative Power of Nature and Gardens" in March.
The idea for the event originated from a member reading "The Well-Gardened Mind" written by internationally acclaimed psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr Sue Stuart-Smith detailing her worldwide research into the value of gardening and a return to nature in the rehabilitation of patients who had experienced trauma and mental health issues.
More than 300 people attended the event including doctors, nurses, carers, landscapers and gardeners.
"Many participants left the event with a greater understanding and appreciated of therapeutic horticulture noting the value of the connection between nature and mental health," Cr Goss said.
Club president Joy Vikas said the event was something the club believed strongly in. She said when club member Ralph Slaughter said let's invite Dr Stuart Smith to speak, a lot of people said "you can't do it, you're just a little garden club."
Joy said they hoped people who attended went away believing in the restorative power of gardens and nature.

Medallion - Jason Rantall

Jason's work in raising awareness about mental health was honoured. Having recently completed his 'Have A Chat' runs whereby he ran 3249kms over the course of 100 days to raise $75,000 for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
He encouraged local businesses, sporting and community groups to actively discuss mental health. Jason also attended schools, sporting and community groups, and local businesses to give about his own struggles with mental health.
Jason was unable to attend the event.

Medallion - Merilyn Hall

Merilyn was recognised for her efforts to enhance the town's heritage and natural beauty. For 20 years she volunteered her time and efforts working closely with various committees in Walhalla including Parks Victoria to enhance and improve the town's visual amenity.
She turned her hand at everything from weeding to planting and walking track maintenance as well as upkeep of the rotunda in the town centre.
"Her compassion, empathy and unwavering commitment to the environment have earned her the respect and admiration of those who know her," Cr Goss said.

Medallion - Mia Brighton

A member of the Baw Baw Live4Life crew, Mia demonstrated outstanding commitment and is a passionate advocate for youth mental health awareness.
Her work in this role has been outstanding and commended by both her school and community. Mia has motivated others, but also educated them about the importance of raising awareness of mental health issues.
"Mia's positive attitude and willingness to help others are truly inspiring," Cr Goss said.
Accepting the award, Mia said the Live4Life community had changed her life and made a massive difference to the person she was.

Medallion - 1st Trafalgar Scout Group

The scout group was recognised for "outstanding commitment to fostering community spirit and youth development."
The group provides invaluable opportunities for young people to learn essential life skills, engage in outdoor activities, and participate in community service. The dedicated adult leaders regularly organise and participate in camps and other activities such as raft races, billy cart races, fishing events, bike rides and more, regularly taking time from their own daily lives to ensure every scout has enriching experiences.
"Their passion for mentorship and community engagement truly sets them apart," Cr Goss said.
Accepting the award, leader Brett Hicks acknowledged the work put in by leaders. He said many had just returned from a 10 day jamboree in Queensland where they had given up their time to "pour your soul into the kids."

Medallion - Trafalgar Holden Museum

Trafalgar Holden Museum is non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. Each year the team hold two major community events promoting tourism and showcasing the region - the annual Australia Day celebration in January and the Route 69 Day event in October which last year saw more than 500 cars and a few thousand people attend.
The museum is a big tourism drawcard for Baw Baw Shire promoting and supporting local businesses in accommodation, restaurants and cafes and other local shops and businesses. This year saw the loss of founder Neil Joiner whose legacy is continued by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Jen Middleton said the award was recognition of the "awesome" volunteers who ran the museum and she was proud to represent everyone.

Medallion - Barkin' Mad Ultra Event by Hair of the Dog Rescue

The inaugural Barkin Mad Ultra Event was held at the Rokeby trail with running events including a 50km ultra, 20km, 10km and 2km distance. Raising $13,000, proceeds were used to support dogs rescued and rehabilitated by local dog rescue organisation Aus Hair of the Dog Rescue Inc.
The event showcased local trails to runners and incorporated local groups including Rokeby Hall Committee, Baw Baw Runners and Rokeby Crossover Friends group as volunteers. The day also highlighted the work of council's municipal pound who brought dogs in their care to promote local animal adoption.
Event organiser Amy Hewitt said she was proud to be continuing the work of Liz Behrendorff and Aus Hair of the Dog who had raised more than $300,000. Amy said it was the first ultra dog marathon and the event would be definitely held again.