The winners of the Macedon Ranges Community Awards 2025 have been announced.
Held at the Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday, May 22, the event recognised efforts across eight categories.
Nominees were put forward by the community earlier this year, then assessed by a panel and scored according to their relation to impact to the community, alignment to council goals and equity of recognition.
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno congratulated the winners and nominees.
“Volunteers are not paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. Congratulations to all the winners in each of the categories, but also more broadly to all the nominees and those who took time to nominate them,” he said.
The winners were:
Citizen of the Year Award: Greg Snart
Greg was recognised for his advocacy for community fire safety and emergency response, municipal fire planning and youth mental health.
Young Citizen of the Year Award: Aidan Hunter
Aidan was nominated for his contributions to scouting with 1st Gisborne Scout Group, volunteering with Bullengarook CFA and his cadet achievements.
Youth Leadership Award: Emily Danister
Emily was recognised for her volunteering to support local single mothers, younger students in dance and with local Aboriginal leaders in caring for Country.
Contribution to the Environment Award: Vince Mulkerin
Vince was nominated for his work with the Riddells Creek Cool Changes project.
Contribution to Community Arts Award: Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc.
The organisation was recognised for its works to increase access to arts for people living with disability, neurodivergent individuals and LGBTQIA+ artists in regional Victoria.
Contribution to Sports and Wellbeing Award: Kyneton Women’s Football Club
Kyneton Women’s Football Club was nominated for its proactive work in creating inclusive spaces – particularly for women, LGBTIQA+ people, First Nations groups and those from diverse backgrounds – demonstrates courage and innovation in community sport.
Inclusive Communities Award: Birds of a Feather Program at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health
The Birds of a Feather Program was recognised for its work in improving social connectedness and equity for older LGBTIQA+ people in the community.
Community Event of the Year Award: Kyneton Agricultural Society (Kyneton Agricultural Show)
Kyneton Agricultural Society’s annual agricultural show was highlighted for this award, for individuals and groups for the outstanding community event of the year.
