Glenelg Shire Community Awards

Julia Street Creative Space

Julia Street Creative Space has demonstrated an increasing commitment to supporting local creatives – this has included ‘Living Laneways', an outdoor exhibition space by local artists, regular workshop offerings and the TRAILS South West Sculpture Exhibition.

Outside of their artistic commitment, the group also gives back the community. This includes donating items to the United Way’s Winter Care Package Program, hosting of the annual Portland Easter Fair and providing support to Friends of the Great South West Walk.

Portland and District Therapy Dogs

The Portland District Therapy Dogs intersect with all ages and abilities, and all sectors of the community, treating everyone as equal.

On any given week they will visit facilities such as the Magistrates Court, Harbourside lodge, Funky Hearts or local kindergartens, giving all individuals the chance to have company, feel supported, relieve stress and gain confidence from an interaction.

Adam Robertson

Adam has a significant knowledge of the local Casterton history, and has shared this history by writing a number of much-loved books.

This has included writing about Warrock Homestead and the Casterton Railway, two iconic infrastructure pieces that have shaped Casterton’s identity throughout the years.

Through his contributions, future generations will be able to learn more about the significant moments and facilities in Casterton, all through the lens of a local.

Kaye Annett

Since a very early age Kaye has been committed to serving her community, and it is difficult to capture the extensive nature of her efforts.

She is an active member of numerous committees and organisations, including the Rotary Club of Casterton, the Baghallah Hall Committee, the Baghallah Fire Brigade and the Casterton Friendship Force. She provides the energy, enthusiasm and willingness to keep these groups, and her community, thriving.

In recognition of this, she was a recipient of the ‘Paul Harris Fellowship Award’ – the highest award bestowed to a Rotarian.

Heywood Men’s Shed

The Heywood Men’s Shed is a welcoming, vibrant and well-respected group providing social activities, engagement, support and community services in the heart of Heywood.

They are open each day, including weekends, and contribute on average, a staggering 10,000+ hours to the Heywood community each year through volunteering and fundraising. On any given day they are building furniture, delivering frozen meals, facilitating fitness groups or hosting social activities.

They are also valued volunteers of Heywood Rural Health, maintaining gardens, cleaning windows or spending quality time with the aged care residents.

Most recently, they won the prestigious Health Volunteer Team of the Year Award in the 2024 Victorian Public Health Care Awards.

Shirley Menz

Shirley boasts more than four decades of involvement in community initiatives.

Starting as a volunteer in her teenage years as Red Cross volunteer, she has since taken on numerous leadership roles. She was President of the Victorian Young Farmers, a Scout and Club Leader,Treasurer and President of the Merino Digby Lions Club and Secretary/Treasurer of the Henty Fire Brigade.

Currently, she continues to dedicate her time to initiatives such as the i-Health Program for Children and the Henty Hall Committee.

Teddy Riddell

Teddy is an active member of the Portland CEMA Group and has impressed group members with their leadership and commitment to inclusivity, chairing meetings and going above and beyond the role of just performer.

Teddy has also been heavily involved in Live4Life. They have won a Mental Health First Aid Award, conducted multiple public speaking gigs, volunteered at events and have even earned the honour of ‘Crew Member for Life’.

Most recently, they won the Lions Youth of The Year Public Speaking Award in 2024 for their speech on Youth Mental Health.

Nea Barclay

This Award recognises Nea’s extraordinary resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy within our community.

In 2023 she founded the Beautiful Mind Gala Ball, bringing together community members from diverse backgrounds to openly discuss mental health. This event was a huge accomplishment and ultimately raised over $18,000 to go towards mental health initiatives.

The success of the event continued in 2024, generating an additional $10,000 and fostering important conversations.

Beyond the gala, she has organised mental health charity days, mental health forums, and has established "Mending Minds," a local support group that encourages men to engage in respectful conversations about their mental health. This group is continuing to grow and is funded wholly through her fundraising efforts.

Roger Middleton - Portland

Roger's unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and remarkable contributions to our community have left an indelible mark on all those he has been involved with.

Roger's passion for volunteerism is truly inspiring. For years, he has generously devoted his time, talents and skills to numerous causes and community clubs, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to making our community a better place, especially for young people and those in need.

Volunteer groups Roger has been involved with include Portland and District Relay for Life, Beats Cycle for Hope, Heathmere Football Netball Club, Colts Cricket Club, Portland BMX and the Portland Touch Football Association.

Alan Elijah - Casterton

The first winner of the Glenelg Shire Outstanding Achievement Award is Alan Elijah.

Alan has spent countless hours in service of the Casterton community.

He was instrumental in advocating for quality Aged Care for the Casterton community. Altogether Alan has volunteered on the Edgarley Board, including as Chairman and Finance Committee Chair, for more than 13 years.

He has demonstrated long term commitment to Edgarley and the Aged Care sector, including through a substantial period of change and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the support of local leaders, Alan played a key role securing funding and overseeing the successful redevelopment project, which will have a lasting impact on the community.

Other volunteer groups Alan has been involved with include the Casterton Bowling Club, where he has been the chairman since 2019, the Casterton Cemetery Trust since 2005, the Casterton Tennis Club (Lawn and Sacred Heart) and the Casterton Badminton Club.

Wendy Dowling - Dartmoor

Wendy has been recognised for her generations of passionate advocacy, promotion and coordination of projects to benefit the local community of Dartmoor.

As the long-standing president of the Dartmoor Progress Association she has led many transformational projects which have strengthened the local economy, boosted tourism and supported community well-being.

Visitors to the town always comment on the clean and tidy streetscape which is testament to Wendy’s excellent leadership and coordination of progress association activities, including operating the town’s communal lawnmower.

This coordination has supported the attraction of countless Tidy Town awards, setting the benchmark for other communities to follow.

Dartmoor’s famous wood carvings, delivered through Wendy’s coordination, are considered one of the region’s most famous attractions. Wendy was also instrumental in attracting State Government funding to build the town’s iconic rail precinct into a picturesque walking trail.

The list of projects continues with the Village Green Revitalisation Project, improving the community meeting space.

Portland Dog Obedience Club

The Portland Dog Obedience Club is a purely volunteers run community organisation.

Volunteers work tirelessly every Sunday to ensure pet owners can manage dog behaviour and control their animals, ensuring a safe community.

Their work aligns strongly with the Glenelg Shire Council Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Mark Taylor - Portland

Mark has been a volunteer at the Portland Library for over 35 years. 

He is a very valued member of the community and Library staff.

Mark's contribution to the smooth running of the library includes returning and shelving items as well as several other tasks.

He is always punctual and never complains about anything. He is polite, friendly and always willing to help the community when needed.

Joint Winners

Hayley Pumpa, Heywood

Hayley is a 17-year-old student at the Portland Bay School, where she is a school captain.

She is very involved in community events in Heywood and Portland.

Hayley has advocated for Portland Bay School to raise money through Shark Pitch for exercise equipment to be built on the oval near the school for all the community to be able to use. She works at the Shell service station in Heywood and helps out at the Speedway. She has had many successful work placements within the community.

Other organisations Hayley is involved with include Meals on Wheels, Girl Guides and the community gardens.

Ajay Sonti, Portland

Ajay is a 13-year-old student at Portland Secondary College who has demonstrated dedication and commitment to the community through his leadership, positive influence on peers, and outstanding contributions to various community events.

His enthusiastic attitude, attention to detail, and leadership are evident in all areas when participating in community events.

Ajay's hardworking mindset, combined with his humbling personal attributes, truly set him apart as a deserving candidate for this award.

Ajay has also excelled in many other areas including winning the Victorian junior public speaking competition, and being invited to speak at the Shrine of Remembrance Schools ANZAC service where he delivered a speech to 5000 students.