This year’s Australia Day Award recipients are:
Citizen of the Year: Lisa Crowhurst
Young Citizen of the Year: Kaitia Phillis-Thornton
Community Event or Project of the Year: Cullulleraine Music Festival 2025
Mildura Mayor Ali Cupper presented the awards at the Mildura Australia Day Event at Mildura .
Citizen of the Year: Lisa Crowhurst
As Secretary and a driving force behind Sunraysia Wildlife Carers, Lisa has devoted her time to wildlife rescue, care, and rehabilitation in the Sunraysia region.
She operates a licensed wildlife shelter and has successfully rehabilitated and released hundreds of native animals.
Her commitment includes responding to emergency calls, rescuing injured wildlife, and providing ongoing care.
Lisa has played a key role in expanding wildlife carer training across Victoria, serving on Wildlife Victoria’s advisory team and delivering workshops statewide.
She educates community groups, mentors new carers, and collaborates with agencies such as Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, and emergency services.
Her efforts have improved community awareness, supported mental wellbeing during wildlife emergencies, and strengthened biodiversity initiatives.
Young Citizen of the Year: Kaitia Phillis-Thornton
Kaitia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to community service through her voluntary roles with Girl Guides and the Sunraysia Gang Show.
She has created inclusive, empowering environments for young people, planning camps and activities that foster confidence, resilience, and friendship.
Her initiative in organising alternative opportunities for those facing financial barriers highlights her dedication to equity and inclusion.
Beyond her volunteer work, Kaitia has inspired peers and adults alike through her positivity and perseverance.
Community Event or Project of the Year: Cullulleraine Music Festival 2025
The 2025 Cullulleraine Music Festival was a three-day, volunteer-led event that celebrated regional arts and strengthened community spirit on the shores of Lake Cullulleraine.
Featuring a diverse mix of local and national performers, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities, the festival provided a platform for local talent while boosting tourism and supporting small businesses.
It fostered collaboration among community groups and promoted mental health awareness through dedicated sessions.
With around 800 attendees, the festival delivered economic benefits, inspired volunteerism, and positioned Cullulleraine as a cultural destination.
Irymple
Irymple Citizen of the Year – Kathryn Nolen
Irymple Young Citizen of the Year – Nathaniel Kuchel
We also enjoyed amazing singing performances by Mariah Pain and Lilliana Bertalli, who wowed everyone with their talent.
A massive thank you to the Lions Club of Irymple and the Irymple Progress Association for bringing this event together to celebrate these individuals who go above and beyond in our community.
Kathryn Nolen
Kathryn has dedicated more than five decades to serving the Irymple and Sunraysia communities.
From raising funds as the 1975 Queen of Sunraysia for the Mildura Base Hospital children’s ward, to leading the Sunraysia Doll and Teddy Bear Club and raising thousands for Heartbeat and the Sunraysia Cancer Support Group, her impact is extraordinary.
Many know and love her for her iconic Christmas light displays featuring over 100,000 lights shining bright for the community to enjoy for more than 20 years.
Nathaniel Kuchel
Nathaniel is a standout young leader at Irymple Secondary College and in the broader community.
He has served on the Student Representative Council, worked as a peer mentor, and earned a place at the prestigious Alpine School for Student Leadership in 2024. As part of his leadership project within the program, he helped create established a yarning circle at the school, giving students a space to embrace Indigenous culture.
Outside of school, Nathaniel volunteers at the local drag strip, competes in drag racing, plays basketball, trains in mixed martial arts—and still manages a part‑time job!
Merbein
Citizen of the Year: Terry “Moose” McGowan
Terry’s passion for Merbein shines through everything he does. From inspiring and mentoring the next generation of artists in our local schools, to leaving his creative mark across town—whether it’s the planter pots or the iconic magpies welcoming visitors to Kenny Park—his contributions can be seen everywhere. A thoroughly well-deserved honour for someone who gives so much to our community.
Senior Citizens of the Year: Anne & Syd Nash
Anne and Syd have been the backbone of the Merbein Great Vanilla Slice Triumph for many years. This wonderful event continues to grow from strength to strength and contributes so much to the broader community. Their dedication, energy and generosity embody the very spirit of Merbein.
Red Cliffs
Citizen of the Year: Helen Cua – Red Cliffs
Junior Citizen of the Year: Imogen Gower – Red Cliffs (15 years)
Sports group of the Year: Red Cliffs Football Netball Club – Netball C Reserve Team
Event of the Year: 2025 Penrite Hattah Desert Race
Image: Download Flag, Country, Australia. Royalty-Free Vector Graphic – Pixabay
