2026 Greater Shepparton Australia Day Awards Winners

The winners of the 2026 Greater Shepparton Australia Day Awards were announced on Monday 26 January 2026 at ceremonies across Greater Shepparton.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated all award recipients and recognised the valuable contributions they bring to our region.

"We are fortunate to have so many community members driving meaningful and positive change across Greater Shepparton. It's wonderful to recognise their efforts while celebrating our great country on Australia Day," he said.

"A huge congratulations to the seven recipients of the overall Greater Shepparton Awards. Each of these residents has made a significant difference to our region in their own remarkable way."

The winners of the overall Greater Shepparton awards were:

• Junior Sports Award (under 18 years) - Tanner Miller - Tatura
• Sports Award - Sean Reynolds - Shepparton
• Community Event of the Year - Biggest Blokes Lunch - Shepparton
• Young Citizen of the Year - Declan Tyson - Tatura
• Senior Citizen of the Year - Bob Wilkie - Shepparton
• Citizen of the Year - Peter Copulos - Shepparton

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination to recognise their fellow citizens," Cr Sali said.

See below a list of all the award winners, as well as individual profiles on each recipient.

Winners

Winner profiles

Greater Shepparton

Junior Sports Award (under 18 years): Tanner Miller - Tatura

Tanner is a dedicated member of the Tatura Football and Netball Club, consistently showing commitment on and off the field. His work ethic and positive attitude set a strong example for teammates, and his growth as a footballer reflects skill, teamwork and determination. He trains with focus, contributes to team success and displays leadership qualities that uplift others. Off the field, he supports junior programs with maturity and community spirit. Having represented the Murray Bushrangers and now selected for the 2026 Under 18s, he is on the elite pathway toward the AFL and is a deserving Junior Sports Award recipient.

Sports Award – Sean Reynolds - Shepparton

Sean has inspired many young athletes with their dedication to Sports Aerobics and Fitness. Being the owner and coach at Revival Aerobics Studio, Sean creates a safe and nurturing environment to support and mentor approximately 50 athletes of all ages and capabilities. Sean has competed for the past 15 years, winning multiple regional, state and national competitions and most recently winning gold in the Masters Individual at the Federation of International Sport Aerobics and Fitness (FISAF) World Championships 2025 in Prague.

Senior Sports Award (over 65 years) – Des & Marie Thorp - Dookie

Des and Marie Thorp have devoted decades to strengthening the Dookie community since moving there in 1997. Des has contributed over 40 years to local organisations, including the Dookie Fire Brigade, Memorial Hall, Primary School, Football Netball Club and Tennis Club, where he also served as president. A long‑time footballer and life member, he is also one of the few to win every event at the Dookie Bowls Club. Marie has been equally influential through the Dookie Lions Club, Tennis Club, Pre‑School, Primary School Committee, fitness groups and as longstanding President of Major SaddleBack News. Together, they embody the quiet, powerful impact of community service.

Community Event of the Year – Biggest Blokes Lunch - Shepparton

The Biggest Blokes Lunch Shepparton continues to excel as a coming together of the community for the betterment of men's health. Through this event they have enabled dedicated prostate nurses to be employed locally, ensuring men in our area have the best care and support whilst going through cancer treatment. Since its inception, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to support men in our community going through cancer treatment and importantly ensure men are prompted to have prostrate checks. Education through this event has saved lives and inspired the 'Ladies Who Lunch' event which has driven fundraising and awareness for breast cancer, alongside nurses in our region. It has encouraged men to talk about their health and tried to make prostrate checks the norm, to ensure we lose less people to this disease. Now in its 15^th year, the event has achieved being the largest of its kind in the state and the biggest single fundraiser for prostate cancer services as well.

Young Citizen of the Year – Declan Tyson - Tatura

Declan's dedication to American football has taken him to the highest level, representing Australia on the world stage. Beginning at 13 with the Bendigo Dragons before moving to the Croydon Rangers, he went on to represent Victoria three times. Balancing school, part‑time work and travelling to Melbourne for training, he earned a prestigious UK scholarship at just 16 - the youngest and only Australian selected. After returning in 2025, he captained Australia against New Zealand and won the MVP. A mature, community‑minded leader, Declan contributes to Goulburn Valley Grammar School and volunteers with the Tatura Fire Brigade, basketball teams and Football Club.

Senior Citizen of the Year (over 65 years) – Bob Wilkie - Shepparton

Since returning as a National Serviceman, Bob's built a distinguished banking career while maintaining a strong and enduring commitment to the Shepparton RSL. Being President since 2016, he has overseen key welfare initiatives, supported commemorative services, conducted hospital visits and contributed more than two decades of volunteer fundraising – helping raise over two million dollars for local veterans and their families. His leadership was pivotal in the refurbishment of the Shepparton RSL Veterans Centre, now an essential support hub for the Region. Bob's steadfast dedication and respect for tradition continue to inspire veterans across all generations.

Citizen of the year – Peter Copulos – Shepparton

Peter's impact on Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley spans more than six decades and stands among the region's most significant contributions. After migrating to Australia as a young man, he built the Copulos Group from the ground up, developing major commercial properties, creating successful hospitality ventures and generating employment for thousands across the country. Peter's community commitment is equally profound through key local projects, along with extensive philanthropic support for health services, emergency services, veterans, education and cancer research. Now 86, Peter continues to strengthen the region through his family foundation. A proud Shepparton resident, he has encouraged generations of his family to live and invest locally, leaving a legacy that will shape the community for decades to come.

Shepparton

Junior Sports Award (under 18 years) – Lucy Potter

Lucy delivered an outstanding year in 2025 as part of the Athlete Development Program at Greater Shepparton Secondary College. She became a Victorian State Champion, earning multiple medals across the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m, and later added a silver and a personal best at the Victorian All Schools Championships. Her dedication was recognised with selection to represent Victoria at the National All Schools Championships. Her success extended beyond the track, with a bronze at the Terang Gift, a netball premiership with the Shepparton Bears, completion of the Run Melbourne half marathon, and strong performances across several regional Gifts. Her achievements highlight remarkable versatility, strong work ethic and leadership qualities, making her an inspiring role model for younger athletes.

Sports Award – Sean Reynolds

Community Event of the Year – Biggest Blokes Lunch Shepparton

Young Citizen of the Year – Mietta Innes-Irons

Mietta is a dedicated equestrian rider whose resilience and determination inspire people well beyond the horse‑riding community. After sustaining two spinal cord injuries that left her with partial paralysis and ongoing pain, she has continued to pursue her goals with remarkable strength. Despite these setbacks, she achieved 24 first places in 2025, including gold at both international and state levels. Alongside her own success, she trains horses and coaches other riders, demonstrating her commitment to helping others grow. Mietta's calm nature, work ethic and courage make her an exceptional role model for younger riders in this demanding sport.

Senior Citizen of the Year – Bob Wilkie

Citizen of the Year – Peter Copulos

Tatura

Junior Sports Award (under 18 years) – Tanner Miller

Sports Award – Matthew Rennie

Matthew has achieved exceptional success across CFA competition, basketball and football. Beginning with the Tatura Urban Fire Brigade at age 11, he became a standout junior before moving into senior ranks, where he made history by winning the Senior Hydrant Race four years in a row - the youngest ever to do so. Undefeated from 2018–2023, he earned multiple state titles and a CFA 10‑year service award. Beyond CFA sport, he excelled in basketball, representing Shepparton and Victoria's elite development programs, and in football, where he captained Tatura's Under‑18s and won several best and fairest honours. His leadership, versatility and dedication highlight many of Matthew's successes.

Senior Sports Award (over 65 years) – Dianne Downie

Dianne Joy Downie has made an extraordinary lifelong contribution to sport and community life in Tatura. From her early success in Highland Dancing to becoming one of the region's top table tennis players over 50 years, she has combined achievement with mentorship, coaching and long-term committee service. She helped establish local badminton, excelled in lawn bowls at club, regional and state levels and held multiple leadership roles at Hill Top. Alongside raising four children, she volunteered extensively across kindergarten, community programs and the Australia Day Committee. Known for her generosity, leadership and sportsmanship, Dianne remains an inspiring and dedicated community role model.

Community Event of the Year – Hussln Charity Car and Bike Show

Cameron Scorey has spent five years leading the Hussln Charity Car & Bike Show, raising over $17,000 for causes such as Beyond Blue and Shepparton Foodshare. The 2025 event drew more than 140 vehicles and hundreds of visitors, becoming a major regional attraction that strengthens community pride and generosity. Supported by local and international donors, the show promotes mental‑health awareness, food‑relief support and strong community connections. Cameron also contributes widely through the Merrigum Football Club and youth sporting sponsorships, demonstrating exceptional leadership and community commitment.

Young Citizen of the Year – Declan Tyson

Senior Citizen of the Year – Judy Forster

Judy has been a dedicated pillar of the Tatura community for decades. A founding member and long‑serving secretary of the Tatura and District Historical Society, she continues to share her deep local knowledge with visitors to the museum. Her commitment to service also includes more than 30 years as secretary of the Tatura Cemetery Trust, along with a career as a primary school teacher and Integration Aide. Judy has always stepped in wherever needed - driving residents to appointments, supporting Meals on Wheels, and assisting the Fire Brigade alongside her husband. Her compassion, reliability and willingness to help have made her deeply valued in the community.

Citizen of the Year – John Sullivan

John Sullivan has dedicated more than 50 years to the Merrigum CFA, including 24 years as Captain, attending over 900 callouts and leading crews through major events such as Ash Wednesday, the Sydney Fires and Black Saturday. His calm, experienced leadership is widely praised by CFA colleagues. Beyond firefighting, John has served the Merrigum Football Netball Club, the Lions Club and the Good Friday Appeal and continues volunteering with the Tatura Tree Group. His decades of service, community commitment and respected leadership is highly regarded within the Tatura and broader community.

Dookie

TBC

Murchison

Junior Sports Award (under 18 years) – Esther Ewart

Esther has excelled across all her sporting endeavours with the Murchison/Toolamba Football Netball Club, earning back‑to‑back Best and Fairest awards for her outstanding performances. Her dedication extends well beyond winter, continuing through her involvement in tennis and senior cricket, where she brings the same determination and team spirit. Esther's loyalty to her local clubs, combined with her impressive versatility across multiple sports, showcases the strength of emerging talent in the district and reflects a bright future for community sport.

Community Event of the Year – Love Murchison Event

Jessie Boer, Manager of Murchison Neighbourhood House, created Love Murchison to strengthen community connections. Held at the Murchison Cricket Ground in October 2025, the event brought together 20 local organisations, 10 stallholders, musicians, a Hot Rod display, children's activities and food vendors. With 350–400 attendees, it showcased local talent, built pride and fostered a strong sense of belonging. The success of the day inspired calls to make it an annual event. Jessie continues to unite the community through initiatives such as Christmas Carols in the Park, the Murchison Winter Festival and Movie Night.

Citizen of the Year – Margaret McMaster

Margaret has been a devoted and influential member of the Murchison community for more than 50 years. From kindergarten and school committees to launching major fundraisers like the Mother's Day Luncheon and school fete, she consistently stepped up to lead and support local initiatives. She served 17 years on the Murchison Community Care Board, helping oversee major upgrades to the nursing home and medical clinic. A tireless fundraiser, she contributed to raffles, fetes, markets and community events. Even after retirement, she continued supporting Friends of Hospice and local activities. Known for her kindness, reliability and generosity, Margaret remains deeply cherished in the community.

Mooroopna

Citizen of the Year – Monsignor Peter Jeffrey

Monsignor Peter Jeffrey overcame early setbacks, a hereditary condition and later cancer to become a highly respected Catholic priest. He served in several Victorian parishes and held major leadership roles, including Rector of seminaries in Melbourne, Fiji and Auckland and director of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. Named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in 2000, he later became well known in Shepparton and Mooroopna as appointed Parish Priest of St Brendan's Catholic Church in 2002 and of St Mary's Mooroopna where he served until retiring in 2025 where he continues to reside today.