Community Spirit Shines at Achiever Awards

The 2024 Moira Achiever Awards were held on Thursday 18 April, with 33 individuals, groups, projects and events recognised with nominations for their contribution to local communities.

The Achiever Awards aim to celebrate those who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and commitment to community service. This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of community members from all throughout the shire, nominated across five award categories – Community Star Achiever (events and organisations), ACE Star Achiever (arts, culture or environmental projects or events), Young Star Achiever (under 16 years of age), Shine Star Achiever (16 – 24 years of age), and Star Achiever (24+ years of age).

Chair Administrator John Tanner AM congratulated the people, projects and events nominated for the awards, stating that they showcase the many strengths of local communities across the shire.

“Each year, Moira Shire Council’s Achiever Awards hold a spotlight to those who have gone above and beyond in contributing to our communities. Whether it’s through their achievements, dedication to causes, or many hours of volunteer work, these individuals, groups, and projects exemplify the spirit of community service,” said Mr Tanner.

“I congratulate Debbie Hayes, Cadence Pang, Emily French, Cameron Sneddon, the Katamatite Lions Club and Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue on their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to us all, and I hope that their achievements continue to inspire positive change and make our community a better place for everyone.”

Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan oversaw the formalities of the evening, with Administrators John Tanner AM and Dr Graeme Emonson PSM presenting the awards to recipients. Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keefe MP and Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy MP were in attendance.

2024 Achiever Award Winners

Star Achiever Award – Debbie Hayes (Tungamah)

Debbie is a respected resident and pillar of the Tungamah community. Her knowledge of the town is matched by an unwavering commitment to its wellbeing.

Her tireless efforts include contributions to the local Football and Netball Club, local primary school and Historical Society. Debbie’s selfless dedication extends beyond family obligations reflecting a profound sense of community spirit.

Debbie does extensive volunteer work within her community. At the local Football and Netball club, she fosters community unity and sportsmanship. Her contributions to the Tennis Club showcase leadership and commitment. Cleaning duties at the local Primary School underscore her commitment to education and a safe and clean environment.

Debbie’s involvement with the local Historical Society demonstrates a passion for preserving local heritage.

Her active participation in diverse community activities created a ripple effect, inspiring others to engage in local initiatives. By balancing volunteerism, work and family, Debbie exemplifies resilience, community spirit, and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Moira Shire.

Shining Star Achiever Award – Cadence Pang (Cobram)

Cadence is currently studying Medicine at Monash University. Her dream is to be a doctor and give back to the community that has given so much to her. Cadence was a former School Captain at Cobram Anglican Grammar School who has shown great leadership, service, and humility both within the classroom and within our community.

She has spoken at various community events such as Vietnam War Memorial Day and Remembrance Day and has provided companionship to the residents at Irvin House.

Cadence’s participation in fundraisers involving the CFA junior brigade have contributed to the building of Cobram’s new fire station, and in IGA’s family fun days.

She has assisted in barbeques, raffle ticket sales, fairy floss sales, and showbag distribution for the community’s enjoyment. Last year, Cadence was awarded the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award and the Rotary Club of Cobram Academic Award.

Young Star Achiever Award – Emily French (Cobram) and Cameron Sneddon (Cobram)

Emily French is a kind, polite and dedicated student who is always looking out for others and ready to lend a helping hand. She thrives on getting involved with community events, so much so that she joined the Cobram Agricultural Show Committee and is now the youngest member.

At school, Emily often conducts tours for visitors or new families in the area that are thinking of enrolling at the school, and she helps at the school canteen.

Emily has contributed to community fundraising events, is a Steward at the Cobram Show and a great student who is a positive role model to her peers and strives to do her upmost best.

Cameron Sneddon is a dedicated and committed student who has developed positive relationships with his peers and teachers and works alongside them to improve his results and achieve the highest he possibly can.

He is in the high abilities program at school and excels especially at science. Cameron is constantly giving himself personal challenges.

Cameron always puts his hand up to help at school whether it’s to help settle new students into school, conducting school tours with visitors or out in the community. He recently completed a sports challenge successfully and raised a grand total of $2,650 in aid of Starlight Foundation.

Cameron volunteers within the community, helping set up the Vietnam Veterans Day service, assisting at ParkRun, and playing with the school band at local events.

ACE Star Achiever Award – Katamatite Silo Art Project, Katamatite Lions Club

The Katamatite Silo Art Project is a significant project, not just for Katamatite but for the Moira Shire – it was a large undertaking involving numerous stakeholders including Katamatite Lions Club, Moira Shire Council and GrainCorp, the artist, and the wider community.

They have raised significant funds as the project required over $40,000. To achieve this goal, markets were established, as well as an opportunity shop. The Op Shop is intended to raise funds for the ongoing sustainability and maintenance of the project.

The project as completed in 2023 with Tim Bowtell completing the work. The mural depicts many elements of Katamatite History including indigenous, pioneers and transport.

Katamatite has joined other communities on the Silo Art Trail and will provide a major economic boost to the shire.

Community Star Achiever Award – Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue Inc.

(Koonoomoo) Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue Inc. is a registered not for profit volunteer-based charity which includes a licensed shelter and are the lead organisation in the ‘Save Our Koalas’ project.

A service in our community, Dutch Thunder respond to calls regarding sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife throughout Moira Shire and surrounding areas in both Victoria and NSW. They are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of our Australian native wildlife.

Their licensed Wildlife Shelter is situated in Koonoomoo on the banks of the Murray River and is owned by husband-and-wife team James and Kylee and assisted by a small, dedicated team of volunteers. Their outstanding commitment to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and community education makes them an asset to the community.