Ararat Rural City Council has announced the recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding contribution, leadership and volunteer service across the municipality.
The awards were formally presented at Council's Australia Day celebration in Alexandra Gardens on 26 January.
Main awards:
- Citizen of the Year: jointly awarded to mother and daughter, Judy Price of the Willaura Uniting Church and Lisa Heard of Red Cross
- Community Leader of the Year: Robert Keith
- Volunteer of the Year: Ararat Cemetery Trust
- Young Citizen of the Year: Peta Chaplin of the Ararat Fire Brigade and Ararat Regional Theatre Society
Highly commended:
- Citizen of the Year Highly Commended: Morris Allgood of the Rotary Club of Ararat and Greenhill Lake Committee
- Volunteer of the Year Highly Commended: Harry Collins of RAR - Rural Australians for Refugees
- Young Citizen of the Year Highly Commended: William Delaney of Ararat Outdoor Pool, Ararat Rotary and East Grampians Health Service
Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison, said the award recipients reflected the strength and generosity of the region. "Across our municipality there are people quietly giving their time, skills and energy to make life better for others, and these awards are one way we can pause and say thank you," Dr Harrison said. "The contributions of this year's recipients - from service clubs and emergency services to faith communities, arts, the environment and social justice - speak to a community that is resilient, connected and optimistic about its future."
Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, said Australia Day in Ararat Rural City was an important opportunity to recognise local role models. "On behalf of Council and the whole community, congratulations to our award winners and those who have been highly commended this year," Cr Sanders said. "Their dedication, leadership and willingness to lend a hand embody the very best of our rural city, and Council looks forward to celebrating their achievements together on Australia Day."
