General News
22 December, 2024
2025 Australia Day awardees announced
Three community members have been selected as the 2025 Warracknabeal and District Australia Day award winners and will be acknowledged at the local Australia Day event at the Warracknabeal Racecourse on the morning of Sunday 26th January, 2025.
The event is hosted by the Warracknabeal Rotary Club and is supported by many local organisations.
Rotarian and chair of the judging panel, Tony Gregson, comments that “We were very pleased with the high quality of nominations for the three categories Citizen of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year - and very thankful to community members who took the time to submit nominations.”.
The three award winners are well known community members.
Dianne Marchment is the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Dianne has dedicated probably thousands of hours to this community, making significant contributions to many organisations and having a real influence on the vibrance and sustainability of our community.
Dianne leads by example and will pitch in and do any job required to make something a success.
She has taken on numerous executive positions and coaching roles in many sporting clubs, namely swimming, basketball, ski club, and netball.
She has also actively supported other community clubs and organisations in constructive ways such as fundraising, grant writing, help with book keeping, trouble shooting, future vision and advice with sponsorship.
The Warracknabeal Community Garden and Warracknabeal Golf Club are two examples of groups receiving this support, but there are many more.
Drawing on her leadership skills, can-do attitude, passion for our community, and Wimmera/Mallee region, and her accounting and business background Dianne has been a driving force in many community organisations and committees, including Wimmera Leadership, The Business Leaders Group, the Warracknabeal Action Group and Events Warracknabeal.
Notable examples of Di’s leadership through WAG include the establishment of Take A Break child care in Warracknabeal and the transfer of Y-Fest to a new committee, Events Warracknabeal, which ensured the future viability of the Easter Festival.
“Di is the motivator, decision maker and the go getter. She brings people together and encourages others to work as a team to get things done”, one committee member said.
Barry Schilling is the 2025 Sportsperson of the Year. Barry has made significant contributions to both local and regional cricket and hockey over many decades as both an administrator and player. In both sports he has taken on leadership roles as president, coach and umpire as well as volunteering much of his time.
Barry was recognized with a life membership of Kellalac / Sheep Hills Cricket club in 1997 after more than 25 years involvement, and became integral to the merger of Brim/Kellalac/Sheep Hills clubs.
A highlight of Barry’s cricket career was the Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association A grade premiership in 2002/03. Barry was also a valued and long standing member of the Warracknabeal Men’s hockey team, which won many Wimmera premierships.
convenor, Barry was recognised with a Wimmera Hockey Association life membership.
Ava Koschitzke is the 2025 Young Achiever of the Year. Ava has an impressive list of achievements both academically and on the sporting field.
A VCE student at Warracknabeal Secondary College, Ava had a stellar 2024- a joint school captain, sports captain, Student Representative Council member, Principal’s awardee and then Ava capped off the year with the most prestigious award, Dux of the college.
A dedicated and talented netballer, Ava has captained junior teams, received awards at local and Wimmera League levels and coached teams.
She had her first A Grade netball game when just 15 years old. In 2023, Ava won the Eagles Best and Fairest award and was runner-up in the Wimmera League count.
In basketball, Ava has competed both in the Warracknabeal competition and played for the Horsham Hornets for several years. She has also offered her time and skills in coaching and umpiring roles.
In all areas Ava stands out as a determined, hard worker, but also one who readily supports others to achieve. A very worthy Young Achiever of the year.
To find out more about these three inspirational locals, and to show support for their achievements and contributions, community members are encouraged to come along to the free community Australia Day celebrations in January.
The morning starts around 8am with a cooked breakfast and musical entertainment provided by local musicians, The official program, which starts at 9am, includes a guest speaker, Matt Rosa, guitarist and singer, Brylie Chivel and award presentations.
with friends and soak up the community atmosphere.
Mark it in your diary.
Contributed by Wendy Hewitt