Dedicated, passionate, and determined are three words that stood out across the nominations for the recipients of Alpine Shire Council's 2025 Community Awards.
Seven remarkable individuals were recognised for their achievements at the Community Award ceremonies held across Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford, alongside two inspiring and impactful events.
At the Bright Ceremony, Marianne Dredge was recognised as Local Achiever of Bright and District, while Billy Michie was awarded Local Young Achiever. The Community Event of the Year, an award that highlights one event across the Alpine Shire, was given to Bright Twilight Tastings.
In Mount Beauty, John Gibbons was awarded the Local Achiever for the Kiewa Valley, while Zoe Gray was recognised as the Local Young Achiever.
In Myrtleford, Isabelle Cooke was awarded the Alpine Shire Citizen of the Year, while Debbe Geddes and Jack Byrne received the Local Achiever of Myrtleford and District and the Local Young Achiever of Myrtleford and District. The Lifetime Achievement Award was also recognised in Myrtleford and awarded to the Marian 100, an event that has seen approximately 1,500 students raise money for charity over the past 33 years.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, applauded the nine recipients of the Community Awards, thanking them for their valuable commitment to the Alpine Shire.
"I am in awe of these incredible people that make our Shire the most remarkable place to live, including the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, which organised Bright Twilight Tastings last year, and Marian College, which has run the Marian 100 since 1992," she said.
"I am in awe of people like Marianne Dredge, Debbie Geddes, and John Gibbons, all of whom are recognised in their communities as compassionate leaders who work tirelessly to create inclusive and respectful spaces for people to enjoy.
"It is through the contributions of Marianne that we see active and joyful participation amongst our seniors, and through Debbie that we not only celebrate the vital place of agriculture in our region, but also recognise the significance of investing in our existing infrastructure to ensure that our facilities remain places for people to use and enjoy for years to come.
"Through John, we reflect on our environment – what it used to be and what it can be again, with consistent care, love, and attention.
"My awe extends to Jack Byrne, Zoe Gray, and Billy Michie, who all show such a keen interest in learning, not only for their own benefit, but to be able to teach and inspire others to care as much as they do.
"I am inspired by Jack's curiosity, which has seen him take on so many unique opportunities and succeed, time and time again, and by Zoe's determination, which has seen her combine her love for her community with real and targeted action.
"Billy's passion for bushfire safety and emergency preparedness assure me that we are in safe hands across the Alpine Shire as he continues to motivate other young people for the benefit of future generations."
Cr Nicholas highlighted the nomination of Isabelle Cooke as Alpine Shire Citizen of the Year.
"It is a selfless act to constantly put yourself forward as an advocate for others whose lived experiences do not align with what you know to be best practice," she said.
"Through her work at local, state, and federal levels, Isabelle has shown herself to be a person who will always act in the best interests of others, and that is truly inspirational.
"All nine of these award winners are a credit to their communities and to the Alpine Shire."
For more information about the recipients of the 2025 Community Awards, visit https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community-services/grants-awards/community-awards