Golden Plains Shire Council proudly congratulates the outstanding individuals and community groups nominated for the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2026.
These Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by individuals and groups within our vibrant community. The 2026 Awards comprise of four categories: Young Community Hero of the Year, Senior Community Hero of the Year, Community Hero of the Year and Community Group Award.
Young Community Hero of the Year Award Nominees
- 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 15’s in freestyle BMX with over 40 medals.
- Declan Davidson – A passionate community member dedicated to supporting Golden Plains residents in any way he can.
Senior Community Hero of the Year Award Nominees
Council respectfully acknowledges that two of the nominees in this category have passed away.
- Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand – A dedicated volunteer to the Golden Plains community for 30 plus years.
- Dennis and Gerda Ross – Members of the Smythesdale Progress Association and community volunteers for over 40 years.
- Neil Grinter – A Bannockburn Football & Netball Club volunteer for over 20 years.
Community Hero of the Year Nominees
- Rachel Beasley – A local hero who doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.
- Angela Sumner – A volunteer for the Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue.
- Leah Phillips – Organiser of the Meredith Mart, a place where the community can go for free food and other goods.
- Sandy Prasad – Owner of Runaway Multicultural Cuisine who helps community members in need.
- Dr Priyanthe Perera – Who goes the extra mile with helping her patients.
- Melissa Gillett – Whose commitment and contribution to serving in many local community/sporting club committees and boards makes her a driving force in the community.
- Kerry Dalziel – President of the Turtle Bend Committee and one of Teesdale’s Community Coordinators.
- Brittany Mitchell – Whose contribution, leadership and long-standing commitment to strengthening community sport and community connection is highly valued.
- Evelyn Cannon – Who demonstrates a powerful and consistent contribution to the community.
Also nominated from previous categories are Trinity Markwell, Wyatt Markwell, Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, Neil Grinter and Dennis and Gerda Ross.
Community Group Award Nominees
- Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue – Who work tirelessly in attending to the welfare of injured wildlife.
- Bannockburn Bush Parkrun Directors – Who run events every week encouraging community members to have fun and keep fit in a friendly environment.
- Shinkyokushin Damashii Dojo – Who teaches children and adults the art of self-defence, health and fitness and discipline.
- Beautify Bannockburn – A group of like-minded community members that care for and maintain approximately 20 garden beds in High Street, Bannockburn.
- Linton Emergency Food Relief Pantry – A dedicated group of volunteers who support over 100 households a week by ensuring fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry staples go to those in need.
- Bannockburn Cricket Club – Whose exceptional growth and inclusive, community first culture has welcomed over 230 registered players across 17 teams.
- Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch – Who recently completed the Veterans Memorial Interactive Pathway which was unveiled on Remembrance Day.
- Golden Plains Soccer Club – Who in one year have created a committee of members who have transformed the country club into a rival club for bigger city clubs.
- Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve – Who successfully secured a $2,000 Victorian Government Grant to deliver a youth-led event during Victorian Youth Week in September.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said he was impressed with the amazing contributions of nominees from all parts of Golden Plains Shire.
We were thrilled by all the incredible nominations we received for this year’s Community Awards. Golden Plains Shire is home to many upstanding individuals made up of dedicated volunteers, local heroes and legends and future leaders
Every nominee is part of what makes Golden Plains a great place to live, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Community Awards event.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2026 nominees will be recognised, and the award-winners named, at an event on Thursday 29 January 2026.
For further information, contact Council’s Communications & Engagement team at [email protected] or call 5220 7111.