Australia Day Awards

A dedicated family man, volunteer, Men’s Shed member and overall community champion – Ken generously and selflessly gives his time and skills for the benefit of the Neerim South community.

In recent years, Ken has become a regular fixture around Neerim South Primary School, contributing endless hours, resources and handy skills for the benefit of students and the school. With patience and understanding, Ken teaches practical skills such as woodwork, building, mechanics, plumbing and even chess to students.

Together they work to apply these skills building bird boxes, chicken coops, art caddies and countless other improvements to the school grounds and gardens. Students look forward to their days with Ken and appreciate his kindness, patience and calming presence. Ken is deeply committed to providing young people with positive role models and meaningful connections.

Ken also volunteers his time and skills at Neerim South Men’s Shed and Friends of Mt Worth State Park where he participates in monthly working bees to clear paths and ensure the area is safe and accessible for visitors.

Outside of his handyman skills, Ken and his wife have fostered numerous children over the years in addition to raising their own family. He is an advocate for breaking the cycle of family violence and demonstrates compassion, dedication, and integrity in all he does. The community thanks him for his immeasurable contributions and the positive impact he has every day on those around him.

At 18 years of age, Charlotte shows outstanding leadership and commitment through her extensive involvement in youth initiatives across Baw Baw Shire.

She is a longstanding member of Youth Advocates for Baw Baw (YABBies) and an ambassador for the Live4Life program. Through these programs, Charlotte’s passion for youth mental health has flourished and she continues to be a positive voice for her peers in local decision-making, community projects and events. Last year, Charlotte was one of just five young people selected for the Young Producers program, working with industry mentors to co-design and deliver the Expressions Festival – an annual showcase of Gippsland’s young creatives. She also represented Baw Baw Shire at The Push's Amplify Summit in Melbourne attended by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman to discuss what is important to Victoria's young people.

Through these roles, Charlotte has fostered inclusion, creativity and wellbeing in the community, all while balancing the demands of completing Year 12. Her ability to lead, collaborate, and inspire others makes her a vital and valuable young voice in Baw Baw Shire.

 

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Charlotte Dawson, Cr Suzanne Allen

The Hallora Marathon Festival is an annual run, walk and ride event established in 2015 by Daniel Pratt to promote physical activity, community connection and raise vital funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a cause close to his heart. Inspired by personal experiences with cancer, the event brings people of all ages and abilities together, encourages active living and fosters community spirit.

Growing each year, it has become a highly anticipated event in the Baw Baw Shire calendar where participants can sign up for a 42km, 24km, 16km, 8km and 5km course. What started with four participants has grown to over 900 participants over a decade. Last year in December, the team celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the event and recorded the highest participation, attendance and fundraising in the event’s history – raising over $60,000 in vital funds.

Each year countless volunteer hours are dedicated to event planning, organising registrations, rallying sponsors, coordinating raffles and auctions, promotion and on-the-day marshalling – a tireless effort all in the name of community spirit, participation and fundraising. The achievements of this event are a credit to Daniel, his wife Laura and their wonderful group of volunteers who work hard to deliver this powerhouse event.

 

Back Row L-R: Sally Theobold, Tom Kefford, Marty Lynch, Nick Pratt
Front Row L-R: Sue Elliot, Daniel Pratt, Laura Pratt, Emily Doyle, Kerry Swan, Wayne Farnham MP

 

This past October, the band held an exhibition showcasing its history since 1885, featuring historic Warragul images, a tribute to Bruce Armstrong, recognition of ANZAC and 52nd Battalion connections, and displays of trophies, uniforms, and photographs. In November, the 140th Anniversary Celebrations Concert was a standout event featuring memorable performances from the senior and training bands, a world premiere by composer Nat Pollard, a dazzling piano performance by Darryl Coote, and a festive finale with fanfare and cake cutting.

Current Musical Director Geoff Coote, Band President Alice Weatherall, the Band Committee and all Members of the Warragul Municipal Band family work hard to bring the gift of song and music to all. Through its 140-year history, the band has remained an integral part of the Warragul and wider West Gippsland communities and will continue for many decades to come. 

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Alice Weatherall, Anthony Lucas, Tom Cunningham, Cr Suzanne Allen

 

 

For the past 10 years, Karen led the Warragul and District Netball Association as President, showing exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication to the role and all involved. Often going above and beyond what is expected as a volunteer, Karen devotes countless hours each week to ensure things run smoothly from managing competitions, supporting coaches and creating a welcoming environment to all players. Karen’s selfless service and genuine care of community have made a positive and lasting impact on local families and the development of grassroots netball Warragul and surrounds.

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Karen Romano, Cr Suzanne Allen

 

Known affectionately as Scotty, he is a valued member of the local community who dedicates his time and energy to helping others and making a positive impact. Despite living with challenges, his passion for community shines through in his daily efforts to keep Warragul clean and welcoming. For over 23 years he has proudly served as a Warragul CFA member where his commitment and team spirit are deeply appreciated. Scotty is also involved in the local soccer club helping with various tasks around the grounds. Scotty regularly assists local shops by tidying up, offering a helping hand, and brightening everyone's day with his friendly attitude. His dedication, reliability, and generous nature inspire those around him and demonstrates the importance in building strong, connected communities. Scotty’s efforts truly make Warragul a better place for all.

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Scott Smith, Wayne Farnham MP

 

 

Lincoln Judd is a highly respected and long-standing contributor to the Neerim South community. He founded and managed the Neerim Star newsletter in 2016, which has grown into an essential monthly publication connecting over 1,000 locals. As secretary of the Neerim South Public Hall Reserve, he has played a key role in transforming the Algie Hall into a well-equipped and widely used community venue, supporting events, schools and local groups. Lincoln continues to work with Council and emergency services to develop the hall as an emergency and evacuation centre. He is widely valued as a connector and source of knowledge within the community. He has made a lasting, positive impact on community life in the Neerim district, generously volunteering his time and skills to help build a thriving, connected township its residents are proud of.

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Lincoln Judd, Cr Paul Pratt

 

 

Louise Young has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to the Ellinbank community, particularly through the Ellinbank Badminton Club, where she is a life member, committee member, coach, and senior player. Alongside her husband Ken, she has led the extensive renovation of the Ellinbank Badminton Stadium. Louise is also active on the Public Hall Committee, runs the Ellinbank Market, delivers after-school badminton programs for local schools, and plays a key role in the Mid Gippsland Junior Badminton Association by organising tournaments and attracting state-level competitions to the region. Widely regarded as selfless and tireless, she continues to seek grants and opportunities to strengthen badminton and community facilities into the future.

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Louise Young, Cr Brendan Kingwill

 

 

Tyisha is a passionate advocate for local Aboriginal young people and supports at-risk Aboriginal young people across Baw Baw and Latrobe areas. She plays a key role in the Deadly Mob (Baw Baw) and Kickback (Latrobe) programs, planning and delivering weekly activities that strengthen cultural connection, school engagement, healthy lifestyles, leadership and positive relationships with community and police. Tyisha also provides holistic support through care team meetings and individual assistance. A respected and compassionate role model, Tyisha is widely admired for her integrity, empathy and strong relationships with young people. Her dedication and responsiveness to community needs are exemplified by initiatives such as organising a large-scale trip for 21 Aboriginal youth to the AFL Dreamtime game, providing meaningful cultural and community experiences.

 

L-R: Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Tyisha Baxter-Farrant, Cr Suzanne Allen