Council recognises local heroes

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.