Bagshot, Axedale locals announced as Citizens of the Year

A BAGSHOT community stalwart with 50 years of service to the region and a tireless young dementia advocate from Axedale have been named Bendigo’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year for 2026.

Citizen of the Year Barry Clay has been a leading figure of the Bagshot township, located around 16km north east of Bendigo, for decades.

He has penned two books documenting the district’s history and, as secretary of the Bagshot Hall Committee since 1975, has overseen the upkeep and day-to-day operations of the cherished gathering place, including handling bookings and finances, grant applications and the maintenance of the surrounding grounds.

Mr Clay has also served on the Bagshot Recreation Committee since 1973, supporting the ongoing care and use of the community recreation reserve, and contributed to a range of organisations closer to Bendigo.

He was founding treasurer of the Huntly Epsom Lions Club, treasurer of the Goornong Neighbourhood Watch for almost 20 years and a member of the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society for 15 years.

Mr Clay has also found the time to volunteer with St John of God Hospital, the Bendigo Prostate Support Group, the Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise and the Huntly Fire Brigade.

As a volunteer with the locally-based Dementia Alliance, Young Citizen of the Year Phannika Finnerty played a crucial role in establishing the charity’s Dementia Buddy Program.

The program is a groundbreaking initiative connecting students, particularly those with autism and additional needs, with people living with dementia and has helped those involved build confidence, develop empathy and contribute to their community.

Her work in this space has also helped reduce stigma and strengthen understanding between younger and older community members.

She has so far contributed hundreds of hours to the Dementia Alliance’s Reflections at Eppalock project, helping with a range of tasks from planting and watering more than 1500 shrubs to painting and baking for carers’ lunches.

Phannika is also a carer for her three younger siblings, all of whom are on the autism spectrum.

Her involvement with community organisations such as Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary, Inner Wheel and the Country Education Partnership further reflect her commitment to community participation.

Ms Finnerty is just 15 years old and is completing her secondary education.

Bendigo mayor Thomas Prince said the City was delighted to honour the two “worthy community leaders”.

“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Barry Clay and Phannika Finnerty on becoming the 2026 Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year respectively,” he said.

“Both of you have made a significant contribution to the Greater Bendigo community in such positive ways.

“Both Barry and Phannika are truly committed to their communities and (are) wonderful examples of volunteers who tirelessly give back.

“These awards recognise their service to others.

“The passion, determination and positivity they bring is uplifting and inspiring.”

Mr Clay and Ms Finnerty will be formally presented to the community in a ceremony on Australia Day at Lake Weeroona.