Community Awards

Founded in 1931, CWA Kyneton Day Branch has provided decades of dedicated service through fundraising, community events and practical support for those in need. From delivering home-cooked meals to donating over $10,000 annually, they continue to make a tangible difference across the region.

Charli L.

Gabriel Carazo is the founder of RAD Dads, a pioneering initiative supporting fathers during the critical first 1000 days of parenting. Through inclusive, evidence-based programs and community playgroups, Gabriel is strengthening families, reducing isolation, and creating a culture of confident, connected fatherhood across the Macedon Ranges.

Andie W.

For more than 25 years, Gail Scott has led the All Abilities Tennis Program at South Gisborne Tennis Club, creating a safe and empowering space for people with a disability. Gail’s dedication has built confidence, skills and lasting community inclusion through sport.

Jane D.

Since 2016, the Gisborne & District Lions Club has grown the Lions Gisborne Festival into a free, inclusive and regionally significant event attracting around 6,000 attendees each year. Featuring a street parade, live entertainment, family activities and fireworks, the festival is now synonymous with community celebration in Gisborne.

Russell W.

Through the Young Shedmen program, Gisborne Men’s Shed creates meaningful intergenerational connections that build resilience, skills and belonging. By partnering with schools and community organisations, they deliver lasting grassroots impact across the Macedon Ranges.

Jason A.

Hanging Rock Cricket Club has demonstrated outstanding commitment to inclusion by establishing both an All Abilities team and a Girls U/15 team. Through expanding participation opportunities, the club ensures more people can connect, compete and belong through local sport.

Nick M.

HMS Community is nominated for its outstanding grassroots leadership in preventative health, delivering free health checks in welcoming local spaces to reduce barriers and strengthen community wellbeing. Their inclusive, innovative approach — including tailored support for neurodiverse community members — demonstrates a deep commitment to dignity, accessibility and early intervention across the Macedon Ranges.

Bianca C.

Hubert Weisrock has played a vital role in building community connection by creating inclusive activities that bring people of all ages together. Hubert’s efforts reduce isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging for those who may otherwise feel alone.

Christine M.

Josephine Falzarano plays a vital role in Woodend as Editor of the New Woodend Star and a dedicated Rotary leader. Through the free monthly newspaper, Josephine amplifies diverse community voices and strengthens connection, inclusion and local pride.

Rosemary G.

Josie Cutajar has volunteered at the local Romsey community co-op for the past two years, creating a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels seen and valued. Through simple acts of kindness and genuine connection, Josie helps foster a strong sense of belonging each week.

Steven C.

Julia Stockdale is a dedicated Venturer and Joey Scout Helper who supports younger scouts through leadership, mentoring and hands-on involvement in camps and community events. As a King’s Scout Award recipient and Unit Chair, Julia is a compassionate role model who fosters inclusion, confidence and adventure for young people in the Macedon Ranges

Carolyn G.

Kathleen Wyatt is a dedicated community leader who manages the Uniting Church Op Shop and serves as a volunteer firefighter and Brigade leader with Spring Hill CFA. Through their leadership, Kathleen brings people together, fosters belonging, and makes a lasting contribution to community safety and connection.

Cathryn P.

Kobi Dynon is an inspiring youth coach at Maroccolo Academy Jiu Jitsu who demonstrates exceptional kindness, patience and leadership with every child he supports. Through teaching respect, resilience and effective anti-bullying strategies, Kobi empowers young people of all abilities to grow in confidence and thrive both on and off the mat.

Louise J.

Kristine Rawlinson is the driving force behind Power to Care, a grassroots charity supporting unpaid carers across the Macedon Ranges. Through advocacy, community-building and practical support, Kristine ensures carers feel seen, valued and empowered, strengthening families and community wellbeing.

Rachel C.

For over 50 years, the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival has brought the community together each spring, delivering a diverse and evolving program powered by a small but dedicated volunteer team. The festival strengthens local pride, supports businesses and community groups, and attracts visitors from across and beyond the shire.

Bill M.

The FIDA Team at Kyneton Football Netball Club has created a safe, supportive and empowering environment for players of all abilities since 2021. Through strong community backing, the team promotes belonging, confidence and inclusion both within the club and across the wider region.

Loryn S.

Leonie Williams is recognised for her significant volunteer contribution to Gisborne Soccer Club and their respectful, solutions-focused approach in working with Council. Regardless of the complexity of an issue, Leonie consistently demonstrates professionalism, collaboration and a genuine commitment to positive community outcomes.

Aaron M.

Since 2013, the Macedon Ranges Music Festival has been a volunteer-run, contemporary community event supporting local artists, young musicians and charitable causes. Welcoming up to 1,000 attendees annually, the festival has raised over $170,000 for charity while building a sustainable and inclusive local music culture.

Jimmy O.

The Edgy Veg Awards, now in their fifth year, inspire healthier and more sustainable eating by showcasing innovative, vegetable-rich dishes across local food businesses. This volunteer-led initiative delivers measurable impact — driving strong community engagement, supporting local producers, and influencing positive shifts in food choices across the Macedon Ranges.

Lauren T.

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network provides compassionate, around-the-clock care for injured and vulnerable wildlife, supporting both local and neighbouring communities in times of crisis. Through rescue, rehabilitation and community education, their dedicated volunteers protect the wildlife that makes the Macedon Ranges so special.

Briohny L. & Meaghan W.

Matilda Matthews is a committed youth leader who uses their voice to advocate for peers, represent young people at community events, and champion social justice initiatives. Through volunteering, mentoring, coaching and long-term service, Matilda is consistently strengthening community connection and supports those in need.

Carla M.

As a member of the Live4Life Crew in 2025, Matilda Wills has demonstrated passion and leadership in youth mental health, helping plan and deliver initiatives for secondary students while building confidence and team skills. Matilda’s leadership extends to Sacred Heart Kyneton, supporting new students as a Welcome Buddy and has been encouraged to pursue student representative roles.

Rachel M.

Melaki Baker has shown remarkable growth and resilience through the Gisborne Young Shedman program, transforming from a hesitant participant into a confident and respected peer leader. Invited to return as a Young Shedman Leader in 2026, Mal now mentors others with maturity and empathy, exemplifying authentic youth leadership through perseverance and personal growth.

Jason A.

Since 2018, Melinda Rollinson has played a pivotal leadership role as Secretary of the Macedon Ranges Basketball Association, driving the growth and professional development of local basketball. Melinda’s tireless volunteer service has ensured young players can access a strong, community-based program locally rather than travelling to metropolitan associations.

Samantha I.

Since joining Full Spectrum Theatre in 2021, Molly Clare has chosen to lead not from the stage, but alongside younger autistic performers as a dedicated teen mentor. Drawing on their lived experience, Molly creates safety, belonging and quiet confidence for young people who may otherwise feel excluded, embodying leadership that is compassionate, consistent and deeply transformative.

Jenny H.

Natalie Davis is nominated for her outstanding contribution to community arts across the Macedon Ranges, intentionally empowering young people and everyday community members to engage in creative expression regardless of skill or experience. From painting a deeply meaningful memorial mural at Gisborne Primary School to chalking uplifting messages across nine towns during COVID to boost community morale, Natalie’s work makes art accessible, healing and grounded in connection.

Jeff T.

Peta Turnbull is an exceptional youth leader whose commitment to the WayOut program has strengthened support for LGBTQIA+ young people across the Macedon Ranges. Through co-facilitating House of Awesome and leading at Pride Camp, Peta creates inclusive, empowering spaces where young people feel safe, valued and confident to be themselves.

Merilyn L.

Nominated alongside his wife Ingrid, in 2021, Rob Mulholland stepped into the Junior Coordinator role at Woodend Tennis Club during a period of post-pandemic decline and successfully rebuilt youth participation to pre-COVID levels. Through tireless support of families and a focus on belonging, Rob has strengthened the culture of grassroots tennis and ensured young players feel confident, connected and valued.

Wayne W.

Shanleigh Meldrum is a dedicated advocate and leader for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf Blind communities, ensuring inclusion is embedded in emergency management and community systems across rural Victoria. Through her advocacy, SES service and sector leadership, she is creating safer, more accessible communities where no one is overlooked.

Jane D.

Social Foundry is building a more inclusive Macedon Ranges through trainee programs, volunteer pathways and strong partnerships that support young people, people with disability and vulnerable community members. Their leadership in inclusive practice and LGBTQIA+ initiatives fosters connection, opportunity and belonging.

Anya R.

Stephen Pepper is a driving force behind local climate action, leading renewable energy initiatives and community education through the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group. From coordinating Electrify Macedon Ranges to delivering workshops and one-on-one household consultations, Stephen inspires practical change and empowers others to take action for a sustainable future.

Ralf T.

Tate Kemp is a passionate disability inclusion advocate and founder of All Abilities Public Speaking, using their lived experience to break down barriers and build understanding across the community. Through their powerful storytelling and leadership, Tate is helping sporting clubs and community groups become more welcoming, inclusive and diverse.

Aaron M.

Tom Marsh was instrumental in delivering a major fundraiser for the Harcourt community following the January 2026 fires, helping raise over $56,000 and securing more than $24,000 in donated goods and services in less than six days. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees and personally donating 20% of business profits on the day, Tom’s leadership and generosity exemplify community spirit in action.

Jennifer H.

U&I Educational Partners empowers young people to overcome learning barriers through inclusive, specialised educational support. By bridging the gap between education and life skills, they help individuals move from isolation to confident community participation.

Jess W.

Woodend Cricket Club is recognised for its leadership during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, using its annual T20 event to stand publicly against gender-based violence and promote respectful relationships. By combining visible advocacy with education for men and a formal commitment to ongoing action, the club has demonstrated how local sport can drive meaningful cultural change.

Jenny K.