Golden Plains Shire has announced nominations for its Community Awards 2026.
The awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by individuals and groups.
Young community hero
• Wyatt Markwell: A BMX success who is heading to the UK to compete in his first international competition.
• Trinity Markwell: First in Victoria for under 15s in freestyle BMX with over 40 medals.
• Declan Davidson: Dedicated to supporting residents in any way he can.
Senior community hero
• Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand: Dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years. Passed away in December 2025.
• Dennis and Gerda Ross: Smythesdale Progress Association members and community volunteers for more than 40 years. Dennis Passed away in December 2025.
• Neil Grinter: Bannockburn Football/Netball Club volunteer for more than 20 years.
Community hero
• Rachel Beasley: Doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.
• Angela Sumner: Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue volunteer.
• Leah Phillips: Meredith Mart organiser.
• Sandy Prasad: Runaway Multicultural Cuisine owner, helping community members in need.
• Dr Priyanthe Perera: Goes the extra mile with helping patients.
• Melissa Gillett: Serving on many community/sporting club committees and boards.
• Kerry Dalziel: Turtle Bend president and a Teesdale community coordinator.
• Brittany Mitchell: Strengthening community sport and community connection.
• Evelyn Cannon: Powerful and consistent contribution to the community.
Also nominated: Trinity Markwell, Wyatt Markwell, Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, Neil Grinter and Dennis and Gerda Ross.
Community group
• Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue: Welfare of injured wildlife.
• Bannockburn Bush Parkrun Directors: Encouraging community members to
have fun and keep fit.
• Shinkyokushin Damashii Dojo: Teaches self-defence, health and fitness and discipline.
• Beautify Bannockburn: Cares for and maintains 20 garden beds in Bannockburn.
• Linton Emergency Food Relief Pantry: Volunteers supporting households with fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry staples.
• Bannockburn Cricket Club: More than 230 registered players across 17 teams.
• Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch: Completed the Veterans Memorial Interactive Pathway.
• Golden Plains Soccer Club: Transformed a country club into a rival for bigger city clubs.
• Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve: Secured a $2000 grant to deliver a youth-led event with more than 800 attendees.
