General News
24 January, 2025
The Wimmera is overflowing with inspiration
Something about the end of January gets me excited every year.
Something about the end of January gets me excited every year.
It's not the public holidays or the relaxed atmosphere.
It's not the travel or the groundswell of optimism a new year brings.
It's the recognition of achievement for the people who rarely seek it.
Australia Day allows us to celebrate our quiet achievers.
Whether it's an Order of Australia Medal or a Citizen of the Year award at a local level, the honours are rarely dull.
It's the chance to hear from people who dedicate their lives to the community and for them to share their stories without fear.
I've written a decade's worth of OAM yarns, and I get as excited for them now as I did when I was a cadet.
This year, we featured Healthy Minds Group cofounder Gavin Morrow, who was fittingly named Horsham Rural City Council's Citizen of the Year for 2025.
You can read about his extraordinary contributions to mental health, community well-being, and grassroots initiatives HERE.
There's a fantastic quote by Mr Morrow at the top of the article.
"...anything I have done has been done with my family; I have not done any of this alone. We have always felt it was a privilege to give as a family: it is something our late father did."
It's a remarkable glimpse into Gavin's humility and gratitude for the collective efforts of his family.
That 'privilege' shows that giving back to the community is not an obligation but an opportunity. It is a source of joy.
Keep an eye out for our Australia Day awards, which will showcase several magnificent people who have made a difference in the community.
For now, enjoy your weekend.
Ben Fraser, Editor