Charlotte is a year 10 student at Drouin Secondary College. She is a selfless and respectful student and member of the Baw Baw community. Over her schooling she has participated in a large range of extracurricular activities throughout the year, such as swimming, athletics, leadership conferences, VicSRC Executive Advisory Committee and Live4Life.
Charlotte plays an active role in the community and is always trying to make an impact and positive change in herself and the community around her. Charlotte was awarded Young Citizen of the Year in 2021 and continues to display a strong commitment towards her community.
Chris Behrendorf
Christopher was nominated for his outstanding work within the Gippsland Umpires Association over the last decade, supporting the young people within the Shire. Christopher is also a board member with the Ellinbank and District Football League and has made a valuable contribution within his role there.
Christopher also spends time fundraising and volunteering with local charity Hair of the Dog, contributing time and resources from his personal business to help the welfare rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned and mistreated dogs over the last 7 years.
Ross Dawson
Ross was nominated for his role in establishing the Drouin Men’s Coffee Club. Ross' philosophy aimed at providing a forum for men in West Gippsland to share their wit and knowledge to support each other’s physical and mental wellbeing.
The initiative has since evolved with groups now meeting in Drouin, Warragul, Moe and Yarragon. 10 to 25 men meet on a weekly basis with Ross assuming the responsibility for arranging a suitable venue and communicating details to members.
Ross provides a focus for up to 50 men who come together every week, and the fact that few miss without good cause is testament to the value of his work.
Erika Wassenberg
Erika was nominated for her time and passion spent towards giving back to the Baw Baw Shire community. She has just stepped down from the role of Drouin Lions Club president, after serving for 3 years. During her time at the club, membership has increased significantly and continues to increase to this day.
Erika is an active Lions Club member and can often be seen raising funds at Bunnings BBQs and other local events. Erika also volunteers at the food relief centre, making sandwiches for disadvantaged school children. She also dedicates time and work towards supporting others who are experiencing grief. She is modest about her achievements and is much loved by those who know her.
Jodie Mace
Jodie was nominated for her enthusiasm and contribution towards her local community in the Mountain Rivers Region of the Shire. Jodie is always putting people first and supporting the many local groups over the past 15 years.
Jodie dedicates several hours supporting local groups with their fundraising efforts, donating cakes and scones and general event organisation to assist the group wherever possible. She is always going above and beyond of what is required.
Jodie has also played an active role assisting with a number of community groups and organisations including: King of the Mountain annual wood chop, SES World’s Greatest Shave, Erica Community Facilities Committee of Management, Annual Monaro Car Day, Australian Red Cross Centenary – helping with a display of uniforms, badges and trophies over the years as, well as serving food at Community BBQs and Christmas gatherings.
Ron Mether
Ron is at the heart of the Willow Grove Recreation Reserve. Having been a member of the committee since 1981, he has helped helped build the football rooms, amongst many other projects.
In recent years Ron has maintained the recreation lawns on a regular basis and cleans the all abilities facilities in town. Ron has also played a key role in the in the grant application and building process for the newly established playground and tennis/netball rooms.
Ron is currently an active voluntary member of the local Landcare group and Community Hall Committee, he regularly mows the primary school grounds, and has been the Master of Ceremonies at the Hill End Australia Day Service the last few years.