Australia Day Awards

L to R: Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe, Citizen of the year Nikki Cadzow, Cr Keith Cook, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones.

Jindivick stalwart Nikki Cadzow has been crowned Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.  

Nikki was awarded the honour in recognition of more than 20 years of tireless service and volunteering around Jindivick. 

Involved in the local primary school, progress association, hall committee, Girl Guides, the Jindivick Country Market and often the sole organiser of the Jindivick Anzac Day commemoration and Australia Day celebrations, Nikki is highly regarded by fellow Jindivick locals and is the soul of the small Baw Baw community.  

L to R: Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe, Young Citizen of the year Ella Duncan, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones, Cr Keith Cook.

Local youth girls football team Vice-Captain Ella Duncan is a beaming light of positivity for her teammates, and anyone who meets her. 

Nominated for her encouraging nature and for being a positive role model, Ella was also a school leader and volunteers at Abbey Gardens Aged Care. 

L to R: Cr Keith Cook, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Simon Carter, Rudi Paoletti, Andrew Giles, Hayden Irvine, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones.

The West Gippsland Relic Mining & Heritage Protection Incorporation is a one-of-a-kind organisation in Gippsland. 

Self-funded, relying on membership and donations, this group have made a significant contribution to Gippsland and north-east Victoria through their work with assisting to maintain the Aberfeldie Track four-wheel drive touring route.  

The West Gippsland Relic Mining & Heritage Protection Incorporation work alongside the community, government departments and other local community groups to help preserve the history of the local area, while also bringing significant economic benefit to surrounding towns by creating tourist attractions.  

L to R: Cr Keith Cook, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Michael Blackwood, Craig Debnam, Andrew Schreyer, Jamie Power, Rachael Newton, Michael Grogan, Dean Addison, Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones.

Run entirely by volunteers and established in 2012, Baw Baw's Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ has now raised more than $1.7 million in the Baw Baw region, as the committee seeks to heighten prostate cancer awareness and other health initiatives.

They raise much needed funds to encourage early testing and reduce prostate cancer-related deaths in the West Gippsland region. Funds raised are distributed both locally to support the West Gippsland community and nationally to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The Biggest Blokes BBQ also supports the provision of first aid and mental health awareness training to local schools and community groups, including Baw Baw Live4Life.  

L to R: Cr Keith Cook, Caitlin Grigsby, Daniel Bryen, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Cr Tricia Jones. 

The Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc established in 2019, is the LGBTQIA+ Charity for Gippsland. This group was awarded for their work in advocating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in Gippsland.

L to R: Cr Keith Cook, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Glenn Van Dord, Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones.

The Gippsland Groovers Club was awarded for their work in supporting people with a disability. The dance club gives people living with a disability an opportunity to enjoy themselves in a safe, happy, and fun environment.

L to R: Cr Keith Cook, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Alan Tatlow, Ann Bullen, Wayne Notman, Rob East, Peter King, Barb Shone, Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones.

The centre’s volunteers have been awarded for their tireless work in getting the centre to where it is today. A completely refurbished hall and grounds with the support of the various community members.

L to R: Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Laurie Collins, Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones, Cr Keith Cook.

Laurie was awarded for his dedication to sharing his skills and time with the local community. Laurie offers his Gallery in Jindivick for monthly exhibitions. He also regularly shares his skills and knowledge in metal work with those keen to learn, including and particularly people living with a disability.

L to R: Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Laurie Collins, Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones, Cr Keith Cook.

Debbie Brown was awarded for her commitment to the Longwarry Food Bank. As well as organising the delivery of hampers each time the bank is open as well as the dry goods, Debbie arranges for people to cook meals to accompany the goods.

L to R: Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones, Alan Tatlow, Mayor Annemarie McCabe, Cr Keith Cook.

Alan was awarded for his time and commitment to various volunteer roles in Baw Baw. Through music therapy, Alan brings joy to many, in particular those in local aged care facilities, and to residents in Alzheimer’s wards.

Alan, in addition to his musical contributions, has served as a volunteer in various local organisations, including Rotary.

L to R: Deputy Mayor Tricia Jones, Cr Keith Cook, Scott Goldman, Mayor Annemarie McCabe.

Scott Goldman was awarded for his deep commitment to youth development. Respected in sports and church, he bridges faith and sporting engagement, guiding transformative youth initiatives.