Citizens of the Year celebrated

BENDIGO’s 2025 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year have been announced as Glenda Serpell and Pollyanna Smith.

Ms Serpell is the founder and director of charity Sunshine Bendigo, established in 2016, which collects, sorts, cleans and redistributes pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need.

So far, it has come to the aid of 7,484 children.

The charity also supported families in Rochester, Elmore and Echuca during the recent floods.

Ms Smith works as a volunteer in the community and has been involved with Girl Guides Bendigo for the past decade, where she’s now a Unit Leader.

She began as a Guide Helper at the age of 13 and went on to assist with the development of Girl Guides Victoria’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

As a Unit Leader, Ms Smith is involved in many activities for the Girl Guides and runs weekly sessions for young guides aged between five and nine years.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the City was delighted to honour the two local leaders.

“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Glenda Serpell and Pollyanna Smith on becoming the 2025 Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year, respectively,” she said.

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

“These awards acknowledge your dedication and commitment to others and for the enthusiasm, drive and energy that you bring that is inspiring and heartwarming.”