Volunteers striving to improve the world around them have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Civic Awards, with nominees awarded in a ceremony on Monday 26 January.
The awards, presented each year on Australia Day, reward community members who, in the last year, have excelled in making the Yarra Ranges a better place to live in.
The winners of the 2026 Australia Day Civic Awards are:
– Citizen of the Year – Emma Sullivan
– Mayor’s Lifetime Achiever – Gordon Buller
– Community Group of the Year – Montrose Township Group
– Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership – Heath Pawley
– Environmental Achiever of the Year – Patrick Natoli
– Young Environmental Achiever of the Year – Coen Pearson
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, congratulated this year’s winners.
“We have an exceptional community, full of people willing to put their hand up and help others, to build resilience, to protect the things we love and grow this beautiful area we call home,” Cr Higgins said.
“These people don’t volunteer for the recognition, but we also know that most volunteers don’t get the recognition they deserve. That’s where these awards come in.
“This year’s awards help celebrate people working tirelessly to help animals, to raise awareness of men’s mental health, to reduce stigma, to eliminate food waste and to educate others in the community about how we can all do our bit.
“Our recipients come from different walks of life, united under the banner of community spirit. I think that’s a tremendous thing, and I’m proud of these awards and this year’s group of winners.”
The awards were presented following the Council’s Citizenship Ceremony at the Lilydale Civic Centre, where 60 community members from across 24 different countries formally became Australian citizens.
“This is an incredible country, largely because of the people who call it home,” Cr Higgins said.
“It’s heartening to see so many people wishing to become Australian citizens and to call the Yarra Ranges home. It’s also a personal privilege that, as Mayor, I get to be the first person to welcome them as our newest Australians.
“Congratulations to all of our new citizens – I know you’ll make us proud, and we’re proud to have you here.”
