Our People
29 January, 2025
Australia Day honours recognise outstanding work by quiet achievers
Ararat Rural City Council celebrated its best on January 26.
The Ararat Rural City Council celebrated the 2025 Australia Day Awards on January 26.
This annual event recognises the achievements of outstanding community members.
"The Australia Day Awards acknowledge those who have made a real difference to Ararat Rural City, recognising outstanding individual contributions, as well as highlighting the collective efforts that make our municipality a better place," mayor Jo Armstrong said.
Julie McDougall was awarded Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the Ararat disability support centre, McGregor House, and Pinnacle Inc.
Meanwhile, Maroona's Kerrin and Irene Gellie received this year's Volunteer of the Year award.
The couple dedicated more than 50 years to serving their community, including the CFA, Langi Morgala Museum, Maroona Primary School and the Maroona Recreation Reserve Committee.
Their significant contributions to preserving local history culminated in 2022 with the opening of the Maroona History Centre, a dedicated space to historical items and a photographic display of the original settlers of the Maroona district.
This year's Young Citizen of the Year award recognised Maxi Starick for his outstanding contributions to the Ararat Fire Brigade.
Since joining as a junior member in 2018, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication, courage and maturity.
Maxi has completed extensive training and actively contributed to the brigade's social activities, serving as the committee spokesperson and contributing to the brigade's community engagement efforts.
Finally, Ararat Parkrun was named the Community Project of the Year award.
Since 2016, the free weekly event has promoted positive health and wellbeing through 5km walks, jogs, and runs.
Ararat Parkrun has now hosted more than 300 events, welcomed more than 13,500 participants across the finish line, and engaged the support of more than 180 volunteers.
Following the awards, Cr Armstrong welcomed four new citizens to the community.
"The Citizenship Ceremony held on Australia Day is an opportunity for members of the community to welcome our newest citizens and reflects our commitment to celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all," she said.
Read More: Ararat