Annual Community Awards
Every year we recognise the people and organisations that are going above and beyond in their community through our Indigo Shire Awards. The following awards open in September annually and are awarded on January 26.
Nominations for 2026 are open from September 15 at 9am and close at 4pm October 12.
Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year
Our communities are supported by hard working volunteers who give so much of themselves in order to see their town thrive. They are often leaders in their area, from sporting clubs to service groups, event organisers to community groups, and everything in between. If you know someone who makes a real difference to your community, then nominate them for the Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year Award.
Nominate
Young Citizen of the Year Award
Young people drive many of the changes for good in their community through active citizenship and consistent contribution. They are leaders through their participation in community groups, sporting, creative, and service groups, as well as making lasting positive changes. This is your chance to let them know what a difference they make by nominating them for the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Nominate
Community Organisation of the Year
Community groups are the lifeblood in any of Indigo Shire’s towns and places. The diversity of their compassion, care, support and actions are endless. You can help recognise these important services in your local community by nominating a fabulous group for the Community Organisation of the Year Award.
Nominate
Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship
It is well recognised that talented sporting people make great personal and financial sacrifices in order to achieve greater levels of performance in their chosen sport. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship is endeavouring to relieve some of the financial burdens incurred when participating in high-level sport. The fund is under the auspice of the Indigo Shire Council.
If you know of someone who has been outstanding in their sporting achievements and has the desire to continue to strive and compete at state and national levels then this scholarship award could just be for them.
Apply
Previous Recipients
2025
Paul Schirmer – Indigo Shire Council Citizen of the Year
Hugh Bergin – Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Rutherglen Golf Club – Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
Marianne Edwards – Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship
Maria Kraus – Beechworth & District Certificate of Achievement
Glenn Excell – Chiltern & District Certificate of Achievement
Louise Rietmann – Yackandandah & District Certificate of Achievement
Hans Duursma - Rutherglen and District Certificate of Achievement
2024
Christine Dormer – Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year
Kurt Sorenson – Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Kergunyah Country Women’s Association - Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
Reuben Pfahlert – Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship
Valma Chenoweth – Chiltern & District Certificate of Achievement
Joelene Humphrey – Kiewa/Tangambalanga & District Certificate of Achievement
Colin Harkin – Barnawartha & District Certificate of Achievement
Julie Simpson - Rutherglen & District Certificate of Achievement
2023
Laurie Thatcher – Indigo Shire Council Citizen of the Year
Henry Rotherham – Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Joseph Brooks – Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Totally Renewable Yackandandah – Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
Grace Brown – Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship
Rohan France – Beechworth & District Certificate of Achievement
Ken Jones - Kiewa Tangambalanga District Certificate of Achievement