Australia Day awards

Alexandra and Geoffrey have been honoured for their visionary, generous and deeply meaningful contribution to the Moama Anglican Grammar community through the G&A Kent Charitable Trust.

Most notably, the Kents have supported the school in acquiring Gunbower Estate; an 84-acre outdoor learning campus purposefully designed to enrich the educational experience of students from Kindergarten to Year 12. This remarkable gift is already reshaping the way young people explore: offering authentic, hands-on learning as part of their school experience.

Gunbower Estate itself holds historic significance, having been held by one family for nearly 100 years. The Kents recognised the unique value of the land - not only its heritage, but its educational possibility - and have ensured it remains part of a thriving future. Under their vision, Gunbower Estate is now being thoughtfully reimagined as an inclusive, dynamic learning environment that supports academic growth, emotional wellbeing and social development. 

This outdoor campus extends learning beyond traditional classroom walls. It provides immersive experiences that improves connections to nature, local history and Indigenous cultures. Students are discovering new strengths, growing in confidence, and developing respect for themselves, each other and their surroundings.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, a wide range of student groups have had the opportunity to explore Gunbower Estate, participating in excursions, reflection programs and curriculum-integrated activities.

Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent have shown a remarkable commitment to education, philanthropy and community legacy. Their gift is not only supporting the school today but building the foundations for the future.

For their generosity, their foresight and their belief in the potential of young people, it is fitting that we honour Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent as our Citizens of the Year.

Kate is an outstanding athlete, coach and community leader whose contribution to athletics in the Echuca/Moama region has been nothing short of remarkable.

Now in her third year as President of Echuca Moama Athletics, Kate has overseen a period of significant growth, expanding the club to more than 220 Little Athletics members, plus 15 Masters and 20 Senior athletes. Under her leadership, the club transitioned from “Echuca Moama Little Athletics” to “Echuca Moama Athletics”, reflecting its evolution into a truly inclusive club supporting all ages and abilities.

Kate has also been instrumental in securing major sponsorship from Moama Bowling Club and successfully lobbied to have their logo appear on athlete uniforms…an historic first for the sport in Victoria. These uniforms are now worn proudly by EMA athletes at local competitions through to state and national events.

As a coach, Kate has developed athletes to state, national and even international levels across Victoria and New South Wales. A special highlight was helping her daughter Hannah achieve a national Under-16 high jump silver medal at the 2025 Australian Championships in Perth.

Kate’s own athletic record is equally impressive: a State and National medallist in hurdles and triple jump, and a representative for Australia in the 400m hurdles at the 1994 Junior World Championships. She still actively competes in senior and masters athletics, demonstrating the same passion she inspires in others.

Kate is also a Team Vic coach, nurturing the next generation of athletes, and a strong advocate for inclusion. She has established dedicated evenings for Multi-Class athletes and athletes with a disability, ensuring everyone can participate, achieve and feel supported.

Beyond athletics, she is a regular volunteer at community events and serves roles across local sporting organisations, including with the Mathoura Football Netball Club and the Moama Recreation Reserve Committee.

Kate’s leadership, inclusivity and commitment show the very best of community sport. Her impact reaches far beyond the track, making her an inspiring role model and a most deserving Sportsperson of the Year.

At just 13 years of age, Mila has already become well-known across local leagues for her sporting ability…whether on the tennis court, the netball court or anywhere else she tries her hand. But through this award, she is being especially recognised for her outstanding achievements as a netball umpire.

This season, Mila stepped up to umpire her first senior games. She progressed quickly through the grades, consistently seeking new challenges and earning the respect of players, coaches and fellow umpires for her fairness, confidence and composure.

It is Mila’s commitment to learning that has truly set her apart. She has undertaken training sessions, attended rule workshops, and actively sought feedback from experienced officials. This eagerness to develop her skills has allowed her to master not only the rules, but also the judgement, communication and focus that netball demands, especially in high-pressure moments.

Throughout the season, Mila handled challenging matches with maturity well beyond her years. Her clear whistle and calm presence ensured smooth gameplay even in heated situations. Off the court, she willingly supported younger umpires through local clinics, sharing her experiences and encouraging others to give officiating a go. She has already shown leadership and a passion for making the game welcoming and inclusive.

Over this next year, Mila is aspiring to become a badged umpire; an achievement those in the sport will know is no small feat. With her determination, skill and work ethic, there is no doubt she will continue to excel.

Mila’s remarkable achievements, her dedication to improvement, and her positive influence on the local netball community make her a truly deserving recipient of the Young Sportsperson of the Year Award.

It is with great pleasure that we recognise the Goodnight Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee as our Community Group of the Year.

This small but extraordinarily committed volunteer group has devoted countless hours to preserving, improving and celebrating the Goodnight Community Hall. Their efforts ensure that the hall remains a welcoming space that brings people together and protects local heritage.

This year, the Committee proudly delivered a major milestone event: the Goodnight Hall Centenary. Months of planning went into this celebration, which brought together current and former residents, families and visitors with connections to Goodnight. The family-friendly day featured historical displays, entertainment, local catering and memorabilia, capturing 100 years of shared stories and community spirit. The evening black-tie ball honoured the tradition of the many memorable dances once held in the hall.

The committee also gathered photos, stories and historical records, framing important documents for permanent display inside the hall. In collaboration with council, they also installed three heritage signs, sharing the history of Goodnight, the section of river known as the "Bitch and Pups," and the origins of the Goodnight school.

The centenary celebrations drew around 300 people for the day event and 130 for the evening ball, with many travelling long distances from across Australia. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the hall’s importance to all who hold Goodnight close to their hearts.

Beyond the centenary celebrations, the Committee continues to work tirelessly to maintain and upgrade the facility. Fundraising and grants have supported improvements to the grounds and buildings, including a major restoration of the hall’s 100-year-old Jarrah floor.

Throughout the year, the hall plays host to gatherings, fundraisers and community events, welcoming new residents and encouraging connection in this rural district.

Despite being small in number, the Goodnight Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee shows what community spirit truly means: commitment, teamwork, pride and care for their local area. Their work has preserved a vital community asset and ensured the hall will continue to serve generations to come.

Congratulations to the Goodnight Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee on this well-deserved recognition.

For many years, this volunteer-driven festival has been much more than a music event: it is a celebration of music, community and economic revitalisation for Echuca Moama.

Traditionally held on the last weekend of July - once the quietest trading period of the year - the festival has transformed the winter landscape of our region. What began as a small local gathering has grown into a major attraction, drawing over 15,000 visitors annually from across Australia and beyond.

Across pubs, clubs, cafés, outdoor stages and public spaces, music fills the streets as locals and visitors alike soak in the atmosphere. Markets, shops, restaurants, and accommodation providers benefit significantly, with more than $17 million in direct and indirect spend flowing into the region during the festival period.

The event also plays a vital role in supporting local and emerging artists, providing valuable performance opportunities alongside renowned musicians. By bringing together talent from both sides of the river, the festival fosters strong cross-border collaboration, strengthening shared identity and community spirit.

Led by passionate volunteers, the Winter Blues Festival operates with a remarkable dedication to delivering something special for the twin towns. Their hard work ensures visitors leave with a memorable experience, and locals enjoy the pride of showcasing what makes this community so unique.

The festival’s lasting contribution has helped position Echuca Moama as a thriving arts destination, proving that live music has the power to energise and unite a community.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Winter Blues Festival on this well-deserved honour. 

It is a pleasure to present the Arts and Culture Award to the Caldwell Hall Committee, a group whose dedication has enriched local culture and strengthened community connection.

The Caldwell Hall Committee plays a vital role in keeping the hall an active cultural hub: hosting events, supporting local talent and providing a welcoming gathering place for residents of all ages. Their program includes art exhibitions, music events, community workshops and regular activities that bring people together to learn, share and connect.

One standout achievement is hosting the Small Halls Music Event, which sold out in 2025 and showcased artists from the district alongside performers from major cities and overseas. The hall has also held creative workshops, such as lampshade making, encouraging locals to explore and express their own artistic talents.

The Caldwell Christmas Concert, a cherished tradition that began when the local school still operated in the hall, continues today with community performances and Santa arriving to delight the primary school children.

Beyond major events, the hall is home to a wide range of community activities including weekly yoga sessions, Guild meetings, men’s gatherings, fire brigade meetings and many other social functions. Through all of this, the hall truly remains the social heart of Caldwell.

The committee also plays an important role in protecting local heritage. Their recent project, installing seven large historical photo frames, preserves local memories, celebrates the district’s resilience, and ensures these stories are passed on to future generations.

Another meaningful initiative is the Blue Tree project, where the committee painted a tree blue to spark conversations about mental health… reminding the community to check in with themselves and with others.

Run entirely by volunteers, the Caldwell Hall Committee exemplifies dedication, creativity and collaboration. Their efforts keep local culture thriving and ensure that the hall continues to be a place where people gather, celebrate and feel connected.

Congratulations to the Caldwell Hall Committee on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contribution to arts, culture and community life.