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 the following year.
Nominations for 2026 are now closed. The recipients of the awards and scholarship will be announced in January 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Victorian Senior of the Year Awards
The Victorian Seniors Festival held annually in October includes the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. These important awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Victorians who share their skills, experiences, time and energy with our community. It's never to early to think about who you are going to nominate.
Nominations open for the month of May, closing on June 1.
Award Categories:
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year – recognises an individual for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their local community and Victoria.
- Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards – recognises local community champions that significantly contribute to positive ageing in their community.
- Emerging Impact Award – recognises an individual who is new to volunteering and is making a significant impact in their local community.
- Positive Ageing Award – recognises an individual who improves the wellbeing of older people in their community by promoting positive and active ageing.
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award – recognises an individual for a significant contribution to promoting the benefits of cultural diversity in their local community and across Victoria.
- Veteran Community Award – recognises an individual for their exceptional contribution to the veteran community. The recipient of the award does not need to be a veteran.
For more information visit their Awards page.
Previous Indigo Shire Award 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 & 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