From BMX stars to tireless volunteers: Golden Plains Awards nominees named

FROM BMX highfliers to committee stalwarts, the Golden Plains Shire Council has announced the individuals and community groups nominated for its annual Community Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate the exceptional contributions made by individuals and groups within the community with the award winners to be named at a formal event on Thursday 29 January.

This year’s awards comprise four categories including Young Community Hero of the Year, Senior Community Hero of the Year, Community Hero of the Year and Community Group Award.

The Young Community Hero of the Year Award nominees are:

• Wyatt Markwell, a BMX success heading to the UK to compete
• Trinity Markwell, who is ranked first in Victoria in the under-15 age group for freestyle BMX with over 40 medals, and
• Declan Davidson, a passionate community member dedicated to supporting locals.

The Senior Community Hero of the Year Award nominees are:

• The late Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, a dedicated volunteer to the Golden Plains community for more than 30 plus years
• Gerda Ross and her late husband Dennis, members of the Smythesdale Progress Association and community volunteers for over 40 years, and
• Neil Grinter, a Bannockburn Football and Netball Club volunteer for over 20 years

The Community Hero of the Year nominees are:

• Rachel Beasley, a local hero who doesn’t hesitate to volunteer and help her community thrive
• Angela Sumner, a volunteer with Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue
• Leah Phillips, organiser of the Meredith Mart
• Sandy Prasad, owner of Runaway Multicultural Cuisine who helps community members in need
• Dr Priyanthe Perera who goes the extra mile with helping her patients
• Melissa Gillett who serves on many local club committees and boards
• Kerry Dalziel, president of the Turtle Bend Committee and one of Teesdale’s community coordinators
• Brittany Mitchell, whose contributions to strengthening community sport and connection is highly valued, and
• Evelyn Cannon who demonstrates a powerful and consistent contribution to the community.

Also nominated from previous categories as well as this category are Trinity Markwell, Wyatt Markwell, Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, Neil Grinter and Dennis and Gerda Ross.

The Community Group Award nominees are Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue, Bannockburn Bush Parkrun, Shinkyokushin Damashii Dojo, Beautify Bannockburn, Linton Emergency Food Relief Pantry, Bannockburn Cricket Club, Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch, Golden Plains Soccer Club and Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said he was impressed with “the amazing contributions of nominees from all parts of Golden Plains Shire”.

“We were thrilled by all the incredible nominations we received for this year’s Community Awards,” he said.

“Golden Plains Shire is home to many upstanding individuals made up of dedicated volunteers, local heroes and legends and future leaders.”