2026 Colac Otway Shire Community Award Winners
Published on 30 January 2026
Congratulations to all of the nominees, and to the winners of this year’s Community Awards.
The variety of nominations reflect the dedication people have to our community in the Colac Otway Shire.
Our awards were presented at the Cressy Aerodrome’s Australia Day event and we thank Paul Lamont and his team for putting up their hand to host celebrations for the region.
The award nominees and winners were:
Citizen of the Year - Local Impact Award
The Citizen of the Year – Local Impact Award recognises someone who has made, or is making, a lasting difference to their community.
The nominees for this year’s Citizen of the Year were:
- James Thwaites
- Kirsty Oborne
- Nick Hay
- Jeanette Biddle
- Jane Gross
- Sharon Williamson
- Margaret Barry
The winner of Colac Otway Shire’s Citizen of the Year Award was Jeanette Biddle
Jeanette Biddle retired from the Apollo Bay Public Cemetery Trust in October 2025 after 20 years of service, including 16 years as Chairperson.
Her extensive community involvement also included long-term roles with Legacy, the Apollo Bay RSL, Otway Health, and the Lions Club, where she was a pioneering female leader in the Western District.
Jeanette contributed to numerous other community organisations, including the Anglican Parish of Otways, and worked for 27 years at Great Ocean Road Real Estate before retiring in 2023.
She is known for her exceptional commitment to her community and now resides in Colac.
Young Citizen of the Year – Rising Star Award
The Young Citizen of the Year - Rising Star Award is recognition of a young person who is showing leadership, creativity or commitment to making a positive impact on their community.
The nominees were:
- Patrick Walsh
- Sylvester Colville
- Sarah Carrington
The winner of the Young Citizen of the Year was Patrick Walsh.
Patrick is an exceptional young person whose dedication and initiative greatly benefit his community. He is an active member of the Geelong and South Western Railway Heritage Society, independently creating multiple websites, attending working bees, developing a 1960s era model layout, and organising successful fundraising events that have raised nearly $2,000.
Patrick also contributes extensively to the South Colac Sports Club as a regular timekeeper, canteen helper, and supporter at major events like the CDFNL senior football grand final.
Recently, he has joined efforts to restore the Colac Railway Turntable and has taken it upon himself to help maintain the station grounds, proudly doing this community service without expecting any payment.
Helping Hands Award
This award recognises a Community Service Leader who uplifts others through dedication, compassion, and grassroots involvement.
The nominees for this award were:
- Henry Roberts
- Kerry Bishop
- Marita Brady
- Nadene Brown
- Rosemary Richardson
- Tash Thompson
The winner of the Helping Hands Award was Henry Roberts.
Henry has volunteered as a Court Networker for 26 years at the Colac Magistrate Court.
Court Networkers provide community support to enable people to better understand and navigate the courts.
Henry has recently “called time” after 30 years of service to Colac Area Health’s Do Care Program. This program provides social support and friendship for people over the age of 65 living in the Colac-Otway Region.
Culture and Connection Award
This award recognises the Creative and Active Contribution that individuals or groups have made to energise community life through creativity, sport, or cultural engagement.
The nominees for this award were:
- The Apollo Bay and District Historical Society
- Avelineo Gutteres
- George Mathoat
- Jeff Fox
- Jo Crosbie
- Marissa Gibbs
- Noor Peterson
- Sue Lucas
The winner of the Culture and Connection award was The Apollo Bay and District Historical Society.
The Apollo Bay and District Historical Society preserves and celebrates the region’s heritage through the Old Cable Station Museum, extensive archives, and strong community engagement.
Completely volunteer‑run, the Society has revitalised local interest by delivering exhibitions, research support, educational partnerships, community events, facility upgrades, and a wide range of cultural projects.
Through this dedication, the Society strengthens community pride, connection, and cultural understanding, making it a deserving winner of the Creative and Active Contribution – Culture and Connection Award.