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.<\/p>\n
Citizen of the Year Barry Clay has been a leading figure of the Bagshot township, located around 16km north east of Bendigo, for decades.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Her work in this space has also helped reduce stigma and strengthen understanding between younger and older community members.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Phannika is also a carer for her three younger siblings, all of whom are on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n
Her involvement with community organisations such as Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary, Inner Wheel and the Country Education Partnership further reflect her commitment to community participation.<\/p>\n
Ms Finnerty is just 15 years old and is completing her secondary education.<\/p>\n
Bendigo mayor Thomas Prince said the City was delighted to honour the two “worthy community leaders”.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Both of you have made a significant contribution to the Greater Bendigo community in such positive ways.<\/p>\n
“Both Barry and Phannika are truly committed to their communities and (are) wonderful examples of volunteers who tirelessly give back.<\/p>\n
“These awards recognise their service to others.<\/p>\n
“The passion, determination and positivity they bring is uplifting and inspiring.”<\/p>\n
Mr Clay and Ms Finnerty will be formally presented to the community in a ceremony on Australia Day at Lake Weeroona.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, […]<\/p>\n