Nine individuals and groups honoured in 2026 Australia Day Awards

A dedicated family man, volunteer, Men’s Shed member and overall community champion – Ken generously and selflessly gives his time and skills for the benefit of the Neerim South community. 

In recent years, Ken has become a regular fixture around Neerim South Primary School, contributing endless hours, resources and handy skills for the benefit of students and the school. With patience and understanding, Ken teaches practical skills such as woodwork, building, mechanics, plumbing and even chess to students. Together they work to apply these skills building bird boxes, chicken coops, art caddies and countless other improvements to the school grounds and gardens. Students look forward to their days with Ken and appreciate his kindness, patience and calming presence. Ken is deeply committed to providing young people with positive role models and meaningful connections.  

Ken also volunteers his time and skills at Neerim South Men’s Shed and Friends of Mt Worth State Park where he participates in monthly working bees to clear paths and ensure the area is safe and accessible for visitors.  

Outside of his handyman skills, Ken and his wife have fostered numerous children over the years in addition to raising their own family. He is an advocate for breaking the cycle of family violence and demonstrates compassion, dedication, and integrity in all he does. The community thanks him for his immeasurable contributions and the positive impact he has every day on those around him. 

At 18 years of age, Charlotte shows outstanding leadership and commitment through her extensive involvement in youth initiatives across Baw Baw Shire.  

She is a longstanding member of Youth Advocates for Baw Baw (YABBies) and an ambassador for the Live4Life program. Through these programs, Charlotte’s passion for youth mental health has flourished and she continues to be a positive voice for her peers in local decision-making, community projects and events. 

Last year, Charlotte was one of just five young people selected for the Young Producers program, working with industry mentors to co-design and deliver the Expressions Festival – an annual showcase of Gippsland’s young creatives. She also represented Baw Baw Shire at The Push's Amplify Summit in Melbourne attended by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman to discuss what is important to Victoria's young people.  

Through these roles, Charlotte has fostered inclusion, creativity and wellbeing in the community, all while balancing the demands of completing Year 12. Her ability to lead, collaborate, and inspire others makes her a vital and valuable young voice in Baw Baw Shire. 

The Hallora Marathon Festival is an annual run, walk and ride event established in 2015 by Daniel Pratt to promote physical activity, community connection and raise vital funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a cause close to his heart. Inspired by personal experiences with cancer, the event brings people of all ages and abilities together, encourages active living and fosters community spirit.  

Growing each year, it has become a highly anticipated event in the Baw Baw Shire calendar where participants can sign up for a 42km, 24km, 16km, 8km and 5km course. What started with four participants has grown to over 900 participants over a decade. Last year in December, the team celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event and recorded the highest participation, attendance and fundraising in the event’s history – raising over $60,000 in vital funds.  

Each year countless volunteer hours are dedicated to event planning, organising registrations, rallying sponsors, coordinating raffles and auctions, promotion and on-the-day marshalling – a tireless effort all in the name of community spirit, participation and fundraising. The achievements of this event are a credit to Daniel, his wife Laura and their wonderful group of volunteers who work hard to deliver this powerhouse event.   

Founded in 1885, the Warragul Municipal Band celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2025 – a monumental achievement of history, heritage, and legacy. Over 14 decades, the band has continued its mission to promote music through education, development, and performance opportunities. At the heart of the band lie its four main pillars – community, legacy, education and family. Last year, band members spent over 600 volunteer hours running weekly programs for participants, and over 120 volunteer hours running free workshops for the Baw Baw Shire community. 

This past October, the band held an exhibition showcasing its history since 1885, featuring historic Warragul images, a tribute to Bruce Armstrong, recognition of ANZAC and 52nd Battalion connections, and displays of trophies, uniforms, and photographs. In November, the 140th Anniversary Celebrations Concert was a standout event featuring memorable performances from the senior and training bands, a world premiere by composer Nat Pollard, a dazzling piano performance by Darryl Coote, and a festive finale with fanfare and cake cutting. 

Current Musical Director Geoff Coote, Band President Alice Weatherall, the Band Committee and all Members of the Warragul Municipal Band family work hard to bring the gift of song and music to all. Through its 140-year history, the band has remained an integral part of the Warragul and wider West Gippsland communities and will continue for many decades to come.