Congratulations to the 2025 Australia Day Award winners

Kylie has been devoted to the Warragul RSL team for the past seven years. For the past five years has coordinated and run the ANZAC Day and Poppy appeals raising considerable funds for Veterans in need in our community.  

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. 

At 16 years old, Maxx loves to help people dedicating much of his time as a volunteer in various organisations in the Ellinbank community. He is proof that having Autism is no barrier and is passionate about helping those less fortunate than himself. 

Each year he helps to organise an annual Daffodil Day morning tea cancer fundraiser with support from 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 over $800 worth of groceries and gift vouchers to charities including The Salvation Army in Warragul to help those in need. Maxx is a quiet contributor to the community never seeking recognition for his efforts.  

VICSES Warragul Unit has delivered outstanding support to the community since it was established in 1975, responding to thousands of requests for assistance in storms, floods, landslips, rescues and road crashes. The unit is led by a diverse group 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 culminative efforts of its volunteers over the many years and the crucial role it plays within the local community.  

2024 was a particularly significant year for the unit, with two major storm events in Baw Baw Shire. During these events, the unit responded to over 975 of requests for assistance - largely fallen trees and building damage - at all hours of the day and night. They worked closely with Council and other agencies to ensure that local roads could reopen as quickly as possible, as well as supporting residents to regain access to their properties.  

The unit also works proactively in the community to engage with residents to increase awareness of how to be prepared for emergency situations. This includes regular school, kinder and scouting group visits, attendance at community events such as the Warragul Show, Gippsland Pride Cup and regular participation in local networks, such as Baw Baw Neighbourhood Watch.  

Held on Monday 4 March in 2024 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, the Warragul & District Garden Club held a symposium titled “The Restorative Power of Nature and Gardens”. 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. 

Following extensive promotion and many challenges along the way, the sale of tickets resulted in an attendance of 348 people from all aspects of medical support including doctors, nurses, carers, landscapers and gardeners. Attendees were appreciative of the event and its value with participants both local and interstate from Tasmania, South Australia and Sydney. 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. 

Jason is an integral part of the Trafalgar community, having recently completed his 'Have A Chat' runs whereby he ran 3,249kms over the course of 100 days (35km per day) to raise $75,000 in funding for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  

He encourages local businesses, sporting and community groups to actively discuss mental health. Jason also attended schools, sporting and community groups, and local businesses and gave talks about his own struggles with mental health. Through his efforts, Jason has helped bring people together and opened vital pathways for meaningful conversations and community connections. 

Since moving to Walhalla in 2004, Merilyn has engaged in extraordinary 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 enhanced and improve Walhalla’s visual amenity. Merilyn immersed herself in her volunteer work aimed at benefiting Walhalla and its many thousands of visitors.  

Never complaining or seeking recognition for her work, 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. 

Mia demonstrates outstanding commitment to her community through her participation in the Baw Baw Live4Life Crew, where she is a passionate advocate for youth mental health awareness and a positive role model to her peers. Her work in this role has been outstanding and is commended by both her school and community. 

She not only motivates others with her bright and personable approach but also helps to educate them about the importance of raising awareness of mental health issues. Mia is in tune with her moral compass and seeks to be a support for others in the variety of communities she belongs to. Mia’s positive attitude and willingness to help others are truly inspiring.

This group display outstanding commitment to fostering community spirit and youth development. They provide 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 that every scout has enriching experiences. 

Their passion for mentorship and community engagement truly sets them apart. During 2024, the group organised several impactful initiatives, including environmental clean-ups and community festivals, encouraging local participation and promoting sustainability. Over the years, the group has built strong partnerships with local organisations, enhancing their contributions to our community. Their emphasis on inclusivity and teamwork not only helps scouts develop essential skills but also strengthens the social fabric of our area, making the 1st Trafalgar Scout Group a vital asset to the community. 

Trafalgar Holden Museum is non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. Each year the team hold two major community events promoting tourism and showcasing our region - the annual Australia Day celebration in January and the Route 69 Day event in October. In 2024, over 500 cars and a few thousand people attended the Route 69 Day which included a cruise led by Victoria Police. 

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.

The inaugural Barkin Mad Ultra running event was held from 5 to 6 October 2024 at the Rokeby trial with running events including a 50km Ultra, 20km, 10km and 2km distance. Raising $13,000 in funding, proceeds were used to support dogs rescued and rehabilitated by local dog rescue organisation Aus Hair of the Dog Rescue Inc.  

The event showcased beautiful 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 wonderful work by the local Municipal Pound at Baw Baw Shire Council who brought dogs in their care to promote local animal adoption.