For the first time ever, Corangamite Shire's Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the year awards both have joint winners.
Gary and Marilyn Kimber, of Cobden, have shared Corangamite Shire's 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.
"Team Kimber" has been volunteering side by side in Cobden and across Corangamite for more than 40 years. They have been involved in Rotary, U3A, the Cobden and Camperdown Community Bank, and countless other local initiatives.
The couple, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year, describe themselves as the "backstop" for each other, each supporting the other in their endeavours.
"In our work in education we always asked the community for support and volunteers," Gary said.
"When we retired, we stepped up our volunteering.
"It's enriched our lives without a doubt. We've made so many friends."
Camperdown's Bentley Currell and Ben Matthews, of Newfield, were named Young Citizens of the Year.
At just 13 years of age, Bentley has already completed extraordinary fundraising challenges.
Through a series of long‑distance charity cycling challenges, he has helped raise $1500 for the Epilepsy Foundation then an impressive $26,000 for brain cancer research.
Ben's award recognises his decade of volunteering with Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club.
He started active patrolling with the club in 2016, and has recorded hundreds of hours of voluntary work, actively watching tourists and locals swim between the red and yellow flags.
"It's been a family thing for me," Ben said. "It's rewarding in that it's helping the community.
"From the top down these volunteers are fostering a sense of volunteering and selflessness, and it becomes second nature to those coming up."
The Timboon 150th Birthday Celebration won the Community Event of the Year award.
The festival in March 2025 was a two-day event featuring historical displays, a street parade, picnic cabaret, parkrun, sporting activities, a market, Tracks Music Festival and more.
Timboon 150 attracted people from across Australia to celebrate the town's rich history and vibrant present.
Organising committee member Enid O'Connor said Timboon 150 grew from a group of dedicated local volunteers who gathered at three community meetings in 2024 to start planning.
"We put it into motion and everybody got on board.
"We're very lucky that we live in Timboon - it's a great community and people come together."
The following nominees received certificates of commendation.
Citizen of the Year
- Rob Rowe
- Grant Meyers
- Margaret Parnell
- Margaret Tickner
- Michele Fratantaro
- Georgia Copeland
- Peter James
- Mary Brown
- Dale McIntyre
- Jennifer Kripp
- Lynn Patzel
- Bruce Twaddle
- Anna Conheady
- Kevin Robertson
- Kim McCarthy
Community Event of the Year
- Skipton Spring Festival
- Cobden Mini Golf Easter Eggstravaganza
- Music for Farmers
- Get around your mates golf day
Mayor Kate Makin congratulated the award recipients and thanked all the volunteers who contribute to community life in Corangamite.
"The start of this year has once again highlighted the extraordinary power of volunteering. Across our region and beyond, people have stepped forward to help others − responding to fires, floods and other emergencies with generosity, courage and compassion. To everyone who put up their hand to help, often at short notice and without expectation of recognition, we thank you sincerely.
"As part of today's celebrations, we are honoured to recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals through the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year Awards. These awards shine a light on people whose actions strengthen our community and reflect the very best of what it means to be Australian."
At the event, Cr Makin also officiated over the Citizenship ceremony for four new Australians: Mareena Matthew, Milah and Norah Kurian and Ben Njaralamkattil Baby.
Demby McKenzie provided the music and the Lions Club of Camperdown cooked a free barbecue for the community after the formalities concluded.
THE RECIPIENTS
Citizens of the Year
Gary and Marilyn Kimber
Marilyn and Gary Kimber have been volunteering side by side in Cobden and across Corangamite for more than 40 years. Known as "Team Kimber," their passion and teamwork have delivered incredible outcomes for groups like Rotary, U3A, the Community Bank, and countless local initiatives. They moved to Cobden for five years, stayed for a lifetime, and raised their family here, never really retiring! Gary has led many projects with skill and vision, while Marilyn has been the quiet achiever, always ready to roll up her sleeves and make things happen. Together, they've supported festivals, garage sales, community health, and education, giving back to the town and Shire they love. Their dedication, humility, and energy make them true role models for community spirit.
Young Citizens of the Year
Bentley Currell
At just 12 years old, Bentley Currell demonstrated extraordinary determination and community spirit by completing a 500-kilometre charity bike ride from Mildura to Camperdown, raising nearly $26,000 for the Brain Cancer Foundation. Inspired by a school staff member affected by brain cancer, Bentley and his father Gus turned a simple idea into a monumental 10-day challenge, far surpassing their initial $5,000 goal. Their efforts united the community, culminating in a heartfelt welcome by hundreds of supporters at the Camperdown Clocktower. Bentley's resilience, compassion, and drive to make a difference exemplify the qualities of a true young leader and changemaker. Bentley also raised $1500 for epilepsy by riding his bike to Cobden and walking home to Camperdown. He has also recently completed the Point to Pinnacle Half Marathon in Tasmania and was the Primary School captain at Camperdown College.
Ben Matthews
Ben's contribution to the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club are exceptional with 75 lifesaving awards and over 300 volunteer patrol hours since 2015. As a Patrol Captain, Ben leads diverse volunteer teams, manages incidents, ensures equipment readiness, and maintains high safety standards. His leadership is calm, strategic and adaptable. He plays a vital role in keeping locals and visitors safe. Ben is also a dedicated trainer and assessor, last season alone, he volunteered more than 70 hours in training, supporting over 150 members to maintain and improve their lifesaving skills. Ben is the Club Coach, Board and Ski Captain, and S2 surf boat sweep, guiding junior and senior crews in local, state and national competitions. He is the Life Saving Club Open Male Club Champion for 2024 & 2025 and was part of Life Saving Victoria's 2023 Open Team of the Year.
Beyond patrols and competition, Ben has chaired the club's Special Events Committee, helping shift fundraising towards healthy, community focused activities such as beach volleyball and charity swims. Ben's influence extends well beyond the beach. He is a senior footballer with the Timboon Demons, a former Timboon P-12 School Captain, and the 2025 Kangaroobie Klassic Number 1 Ticket Holder. He is a respected mentor to younger people and a trusted leader across the community
Community Event of the Year
Timboon 150th Birthday Celebration
This event was a true celebration of the town's spirit, bringing past residents back, welcoming visitors, and creating a weekend full of activities for all ages. From showcasing local history to fun competitions and exhibitions, it was a chance to reminisce, share stories, and pass on valuable knowledge to younger generations. The festival not only strengthened community bonds but also boosted local businesses and tourism, with the town buzzing in custom-made shirts and excitement everywhere. Thanks to incredible coordination and teamwork, this event put the town on the map and reminded everyone of the power of coming together.
