Golden Plains honours its community champions

THE depth of volunteerism and community spirit across the Golden Plains Shire was on full display this week, as the recipients of the 2026 Community Awards were celebrated in Bannockburn.

The shire’s Community Awards were presented at a ceremony at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Thursday night, recognising outstanding individuals and groups whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen local communities.

Declan Davidson was named Young Community Hero of the Year.Declan has been a member of the Golden Plains youth council for two years and is currently serving as youth mayor.

He is also wreck leader for the Victorian Youth Parliament, supports the Food Relief Working Board and is a volunteer tutor at the Regional Education Support Network.

The joint winners of this year’s Senior Community Hero of the Year are the late Wendy Leeanne Hellebrand, and Gerda Ross and her late husband Dennis.

Ms Hellebrand was an active member of the Inverleigh Valley Lions Club for 30 years and an active volunteer for the Lions v District Cancer Foundation Skin Cancer Check and Screening Unit.

She was known for her efforts advocating and caring for the community’s seniors, and assisting people during their time in police custody.

The council remembered Ms Hellebrand for her achievements and remarkable contributions to the Golden Plains community.

While volunteering in the shire for over 50 years, Mr and Mrs Ross both worked full-time and in retirement continued to show true community spirit.

They both held executive roles with many community groups over the years, including the Smythesdale Progress Association, Friends of the Woady Yaloak Landcare Group, Smythesdale Gardens and CWA Seniors and Junior Crew.

The council remembered Mr Ross for his community spirit and tireless volunteer work throughout his life.

Joint winners were also announced for the 2026 Community Group Award.

Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue was honoured as “an outstanding volunteer group who respond to multiple calls daily, often at all hours of the day and night, providing critical rescue services across the region”.

The Linton Emergency Food Relief Pantry, meanwhile, works to alleviate food deprivation in the community, supporting over 100 households in need. The group is made up of volunteers from the Men’s Shed and other local residents.

Evelyn Cannon was honoured as this year’s Community Hero of the Year.

Ms Cannon has been heavily involved in a large number of activities which have been of significant benefit to the Golden Plains community, particularly in the areas surrounding Illabrook, Rokewood and Cape Clear.

This includes her role as chair of the Cape Clear, Illabrook and Rokewood Junction Community Committee and her support for the longstanding Cape Clear Winter Solstice Bonfire.

Mayor Owen Sharkey said the awards highlighted the extraordinary commitment of volunteers across the shire.

“On behalf of council and the community, we extend our congratulations to this year’s winners and nominees and express our immense gratitude for all they do to help make Golden Plains a wonderful place to live,” he said.

“Thank you also to the community members who took the time to submit all the fantastic nominations.

“What an absolute joy to celebrate their remarkable contributions and recognise the efforts of our tireless volunteers.”