The winners of the Macedon Ranges Community Awards 2025 have been officially announced, with inspiring individuals and groups recognised for their contributions to the shire.
Held at the Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday May 22 during National Volunteer Week, the event celebrated outstanding efforts across eight award categories, as part of a newly consolidated format combining the former awards in January and Youth Awards in September into one flagship celebration.
Mayor Dom Bonanno congratulated all the nominees and award recipients, saying the night highlighted the strength and heart of the Macedon Ranges.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible people who passionately and consistently make our shire a better place. Their stories reflect a community that values compassion, connection, and contribution,” he said.
“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 the time to nominate them.”
The winners and their categories 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.
• Youth Leadership Award: Emily Danister.
This award is presented to individuals or groups aged 12-25 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, advocacy, or service to youth in the Macedon Ranges.
Emily was recognised for her volunteering to support local single mothers, younger students in dance and with local Aboriginal leaders in caring for Country. Bonnie Saunders was also nominated for her notable advocacy and achievements in gender equality in trades and vocational training.
• Young Citizen of the Year Award: Aidan Hunter.
Aidan was recognised for his contributions towards scouting with 1st Gisborne Scout Group, volunteering with Bullengarook CFA and his cadet achievements.
• 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.
Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc is an outstanding example of inclusive community arts in action. Since its founding in 2022, MRAAI has worked to increase access to the 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 prioritises holistic wellbeing through leadership development, mental health advocacy, and partnerships with organisations like Proud2Play, and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health. Their 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.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s 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).
