The Cobram Civic Centre was packed with excited faces and the atmosphere was buzzing for the second Moira Shire Achiever Awards night.
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The awards were designed to celebrate the great work of individuals and organisations within the region, and closely resemble the traditional Australia Day Awards.
The awards night began with Echuca singer Drew Walker performing a cover of Rewrite the Stars before the award ceremony began in earnest.
Moira Shire Council chair of the panel of administrators John Tanner said the event celebrated the inspiring individuals and organisations that made up the Moira Shire.
Mr Tanner said the awards both served as a testament to the innovation and resilience of the community and hoped they inspired others to make an impact.
“All nominees were well deserved,” Mr Tanner said.
Meanwhile, Moira Shire Council chief executive officer Matthew Morgan praised the volunteers who were nominated.
He said volunteers were the lifeblood of the community.
There were five award categories at the 2024 awards, with the winners as follows:
Community Star Achiever of the Year Award - Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue Inc, Koonoomoo
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue is a registered not-for-profit volunteer-based charity.
The charity provides a 24-hour emergency wildlife rescue service, a shelter for animals, a national 24-hour wildlife emergency referral service and are the lead organisation in the ‘Save Our Koalas’ project.
Dutch Thunder received the 2024 Australia Day Arts, Culture and/or Environment Project of the Year award.
Dutch Thunder owner Kylee Donkers said receiving the award was fantastic and a proud moment.
Organisation volunteer Emma Lewis was equally ecstatic.
“It’s unbelievable,” she said.
“It’s great to be recognised for the work we do in the community. I feel proud.”
ACE Star Achiever Award - Katamatite Silo Art Project - Katamatite Lions Club
Katamatite Lions spearheaded the Katamatite Silo Art Project, which has drawn visitors nationwide to the region.
The mural, which local artist Tim Bowtell painted, depicts the region's history from pre-colonisation to the early 20th century.
Katamatite Lions member and Solo Art Working Group chair Julie Ballard said the award was for all those involved in the silo project.
Young Star Achiever Award - Emily French and Cameron Sneddon
Two Cobram youths, Emily French and Cameron Sneddon, both won the Young Star Achiever Award.
Emily was noted for her volunteer service to the community, including being the youngest member of the Cobram Agricultural Show committee.
Emily was named Junior Citizen of the Year at the 2024 Australia Day Awards ceremony.
Cameron was noted for his academic prowess and his sporting success.
It was highlighted that Cameron raised, through a swimming challenge, $2650 in aid of Starlight Foundation.
Both award recipients were grateful for the award.
Star Achiever of the Year Award - Cadence Pang
No stranger to award ceremonies, Cadence Pang was the 2024 Star Achiever of the Year.
Ms Pang was noted for her years of service to the community, including volunteering at Irvin House, keeping residents company and participating in fundraising for the CFA.
Ms Pang is currently studying medicine at Monash University and was unable to receive her award which was accepted on her behalf by her father.
In 2023 Ms Pang won the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Star Achiever of the Year Award - Debbie Hayes
Debbie Hayes won the Star Achiever of the Year Award for her tireless work for the community in various social groups, including sporting clubs and the local Historical Society.