2027 Citizen and Young Person of the Year nominations now open

Published on 12 October 2026

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Now is your chance to recognise their contribution.

Nominations are now open for Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2027 Citizen of the Year and Young Person of the Year awards, which celebrate residents who make a positive difference across the Gannawarra.

“For more than 30 years, these awards have celebrated the people who make our communities stronger through their dedication, generosity and community spirit, regardless of age,” Deputy Mayor, Cr Ross Stanton said.

“Our 2026 winners show just how much of a difference one person can make to their community. This year’s Citizen of the Year, Graeme Peace, has served the Cohuna community for more than three decades, while our Young Person of the Year, Brylee Clingan, is a respected leader within the Kerang Football Netball Club.

“These awards provide an opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of local residents whose contributions often make a lasting impact on the people and communities around them.”

Nominations for the 2027 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year are open to Gannawarra Shire residents aged 25 years and over as of Tuesday, 26 January 2027. Gannawarra Shire residents aged 15 to 24 years as of Tuesday, 26 January 2027 are eligible to be nominated for the 2027 Gannawarra Shire Council Young Person of the Year award.

To nominate someone you know for either of these prestigious awards, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or collect a nomination form from Council’s Customer Service Centres. Nominations close at 9am on Monday, 23 November 2026.

“Every nominee will be recognised for their contribution to our community at a civic reception held before Australia Day,” Cr Stanton said.

“You don’t need to wait for someone else to nominate a deserving person. If you know someone who goes above and beyond for others, whether through volunteering, leadership or community involvement, I encourage you to put their name forward.”

For more information, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Australia_Day_Awards or phone Council on (03) 5450 9333.

TOP: Cr Garner Smith (centre) with the 2026 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year, Graeme Peace (left) and 2026 Young Person of the Year, Brylee Clingan.