A STALWART of the Quambatook community and a young artist have been recognised as part of Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2025 citizen awards program.
Sandra Benett was named Citizen of the Year at a reception in Kerang on Wednesday, while Rory Martin was presented with Young Person of the Year.
“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Sandra and Rory for receiving these prestigious awards and congratulates all nominees for their continued generosity and contribution to communities across the Gannawarra,” Mayor Garner Smith said.
“All who were nominated are winners as far as my fellow councillors and I are concerned, with our communities the benefactors of their efforts.”
Ms Bennett was recognised for her dedication to the Quambatook community.
“Sandra’s love of the Quambatook community and her willingness to give helps make Quambatook a stronger community,” Cr Smith said.
“She has great knowledge and understanding of the community, how it works, and will offer advice when needed.
“Sandra has been involved in many of Quambatook’s groups and organisations, including the town’s former school’s parents club, angling, tennis, netball and golf clubs. She also moderates the Quambatook Community Facebook page and was a key supporter for emergency services and volunteers during the floods.
Cr Smith said Ms Bennett’s greatest contribution was the town’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Held in memory of her friend, Cheryl Hind, this event has run for the past 22 years, with the 2024 edition raising more than $14,000.
Mr Martin was recognised for his artistic talents.
“The winner of the Gannawarra Youth of the Year at the 2024 BLG Youth Awards, Rory is a quiet achiever who is renowned for his artwork,” Cr Smith said.
“Rory was awarded the Jim Lannan Memorial Award in 2023, kindly organised through the Lions Club of Cohuna for his promising talent in the arts learning area.
“Rory takes pride in his work, consistently achieving in art, and has plenty of promise.”
We hear from both recipients in next week’s edition.
Citizen of the Year award nominees:
June Bagg
June is a dedicated volunteer for various Cohuna and district groups, serving the community for close to 60 years.
June has volunteered at the Cohuna and District Historical Society for the past 24 years, serving customers at the society’s trash and treasure, as well as holding various roles with the archives team.
She volunteered for 35 years at the Cohuna Secondary College canteen.
Tim Betson
Tim has been involved in the tractor pull community for close to 30 years, and has been Quambatook Tractor Pull Association president for the past seven years.
It has been though his leadership that the annual Easter Saturday event, the Quambatook Tractor Pull – Australian Tractor Pull Championships, has grown.
For Tim, the Quambatook Tractor Pull is not a one-day-a-year event. For around nine months of the year, Tim is constantly thinking, talking and working towards the Easter Saturday event and how he can improve and include local organisations.
Adrian Dee
Adrian has contributed to the advancement of the dairy sector, putting the Gannawarra on the map thanks to his Clydevale Holsteins operations.
The Dee’s efforts to incorporate automatic milking systems into their operations have inspired others to invest in their dairy technologies.
Adrian’s contributions extend beyond his own farm. He has played a pivotal role in the Holstein Association of Australia, becoming a respected breeder known for supplying high-quality genetic stock to the artificial breeding industry.
Claire Fry
Claire Fry has been one of the municipality’s major contributors to the recovery from the 2022 floods. Through her role as Kerang Neighbourhood House coordinator, Claire has organised flood packages, first aid boxes, defib machines generators and pumps for all the local halls around the area whose communities were impacted by the 2022 floods.
Claire also runs first aid classes for locals and organises activities for the communities to get together and enjoy.
Adam Gardiner
One of the many Gannawarra Shire residents recognised at the BLG Youth Awards, Adam is a fantastic and mature young person who has always loved helping in community service and is dedicated to making the communities of Kerang and Cohuna a better place.
Adam helped with a variety of events of the year including Amplify Awareness, laser tag, school visits and R U OK Day.
Ron McKerrow
A retired Lake Charm farmer, Ron spends most of his days volunteering his time to raising money for local charities. He has collected tens of thousands of cans and bottles, cashing them in for charity and the manufacturing of wheelchairs.
Ron also keeps the Lake Charm area mowed and tidy, and it is not uncommon for motorists to see him either on the slasher or ride-on mower around the area.
A very community-minded man, Ron will call into residents for a chat or lend a helping hand to those that may need it.
Greg Murphy
Greg Murphy is an active and dedicated volunteer with the CFA for more 43 years, representing the Kerang Fire Brigade and a variety of other groups and causes. He has worked tirelessly to advance the CFA’s emergency response and preparedness efforts, and to be a voice for volunteer firefighters.
Greg is well-known within the CFA for his unwavering commitment to Volunteer Fire Brigade Victoria. This includes his support and participation in the VFBV Urban Running Championships, as well as his role as the District 20 VFBV president.
Tiarna Shepard
Tiarna, who was also recognised at the BLG Youth Awards, has an infectious bubbly personality and cares so much for all her clients. She has a great rapport with clients and is committed to helping others.
Tiarna has been a long-term staff member for the community care team at Gannawarra Shire Council and Northern District Community Health and goes above and beyond.
Young Person of the Year nominee:
Zarne Thamm
A member of the Kerang Football Netball Club, Zarne is kind and helpful to other community members, especially older people.
Zarne was also recognised at the 2024 BLG Youth Awards.
