Local community heroes celebrated with awards

Published on 19 May 2026

Tonight was one of many National Volunteer Week events taking place around the Shire celebrating our volunteers. The Hepburn Shire Community Awards are a way for Council to acknowledge, celebrate and recognise the valuable contribution of community members and volunteers in our Shire.

Congratulations to award recipients*:

• Citizen of the Year to Frank Page

  Frank has made a tangible positive impact on the Hepburn Shire community through leadership, service, and a strong commitment to community wellbeing, inclusion, and diversity.

• Event of the Year to Radical Fields (accepted by Ryan Kennedy)

  Radical Fields positively impacted the Shire community by engaging and encouraging community participation and celebrating our unique culture.

• Hepburn Together to The Biggest Morning Tea (accepted by Bill and Lois Hetherington)
  The Biggest Morning Tea had a positive impact on the community by bringing people together to participate, promoting inclusiveness while recognising and valuing diversity, and building a more resilient community.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, congratulated all the award recipients and expressed his gratitude for their profound positive impact on our Shire.

“All our award recipients are well deserving and should be proud of what they have achieved. Our volunteers are the heart of our communities, and those who have made exceptional contributions deserve to be recognised.”

“Thank you to all our volunteers for the amazing contribution you make. Volunteers are the heart and glue of our community and Hepburn Shire’s punches above its weight. Well done everyone,” he said.

* There were no nominations for Young Citizen of the Year this year.

Image - Martha Haylett MP, Cr Tony Clark (Timmy), Frank Page, Lois Hetherington, Ryan Kennedy, Cr Shirley Cornish, Cr Pat Hockey and Catherine King MP