Swan Hill Rural City Council is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals and community groups whose leadership, generosity and service have made a significant and lasting contribution to the municipality.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said the Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond for their community.
"These awards shine a light on the people and organisations who quietly make our community stronger, healthier and more connected.
"This year's recipients demonstrate the very best of community spirit, compassion and leadership and I extend my sincere thanks to all those who took the time to submit their nominations, and I sincerely thank everyone who took the time to nominate outstanding individuals and groups." Cr King said.
Paula Williams (Starrs) has been named Swan Hill Rural City Council's Citizen of the Year 2026 in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to community wellbeing and local health services. Most notably, Paula led a remarkable community fundraising campaign that raised more than $1.2 million in less than a year to support the fit-out of a new MRI at Swan Hill District Hospital.
Through her advocacy, generosity and tireless behind-the-scenes work, Paula united individuals, community groups and local organisations behind her message "Give Where You Live", creating a legacy that will benefit the community for generations.
"Paula's leadership and determination inspired an incredible wave of generosity. Her work has delivered a tangible outcome that will have a lasting impact on healthcare access for our region," Cr King said.
Eva Wong has been awarded Swan Hill Rural City Council's Young Citizen of the Year 2026 for her inspiring leadership and dedication to community connection and wellbeing. Founder of Move Swim, Eva created an inclusive, welcoming social swimming initiative that supports physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection for people of all ages and abilities.
Through regular community swim sessions and strong local partnerships, Eva has created a space where people can feel connected, supported and active.
"Eva is an outstanding young leader whose passion for inclusion and wellbeing is making a real difference. Her work shows how young people can lead positive change in our community," Cr King said.
The Inner Wheel Club of Swan Hill has received the Swan Hill Rural City Council's Community Event of the Year 2025 award for Up the Garden Path, a volunteer-led community fundraiser that attracted around 300 attendees and raised $4,000 for Cord Blood Research.
Held at the Grain Shed, the event brought together local businesses, not-for-profit groups and residents in a warm and welcoming environment, strengthening community connections while supporting vital medical research.
"Up the Garden Path is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when volunteers come together with a shared purpose. Inner Wheel Swan Hill continues to play an important role in supporting both local and global community wellbeing campaigns," Cr King said.
Swan Hill Rural City Council congratulates all award recipients and thanks them for their exceptional contributions to the community.
2026 Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Paula Willams (Starrs)
PAULA WILLIAMS (STARRS) is hereby awarded the AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2026 in recognition of her dedication to community service and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the municipality.
Born and raised in Swan Hill, Paula has nurtured her love of painting from childhood. Now an accomplished artist, her work beautifully captures the spirit of the region, reflecting both its landscapes and her love for her hometown.
In September 2024 Paula made a meaningful impact on our community by launching an appeal to raise $1.2 million dollars to support the fit-out of the new MRI at Swan Hill District Hospital
The appeal quickly gained support, drawing over 700 social media followers and securing pledges from sporting clubs, community groups, workplaces, and individuals. To further support the cause, Paula donated several pieces of her own artwork for auction, helping to boost both awareness and fundraising efforts. Paula became a leading advocate for the hospital, rallying support and partnering with the local Guardian to amplify the message. Her slogan, "Give Where You Live", struck a chord and united the community behind the cause.
Thanks to Paula's dedication and the generosity of countless supporters, donations of all sizes poured in. By June 2025, the fundraising goal had not only been met but exceeded, with over $1.2 million raised in less than a year.
This remarkable achievement reflects Paula's tireless behind-the-scenes work and quiet determination, which sparked a wave of community generosity. Her impact will be felt for years to come.
Beyond this, early last year Paula also raised $42,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia at an Australian Wagyu Association gala dinner and charity auction. She has loaned her artworks to the Swan Hill District Health maternity ward, helping transform the space into a warm, welcoming, and joyful environment.
Other notable achievements include:
- Holding her own exhibition at the Swan Hill Art Gallery.
- Exhibiting art in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition Building.
- Being nominated for the Doyles Award.
- Participating in the Bluethumb Exhibition - Under The Tree.
Through her unwavering dedication, community spirit, and leadership, Paula has made a profound difference in her community and is a most deserving winner of the 2026 Swan Hill Rural City Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Congratulations to Paula for this well-deserved recognition.
2026 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year - Eva Wong
EVA WONG is hereby awarded the AUSTRALIA DAY YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2024, in recognition of her exceptional dedication, passion and leadership for the betterment of her community.
Eva Wong is an inspiring young leader with roots in Swan Hill, now studying Social Work in Bendigo. Known for her positivity, warmth, and genuine care for others, Eva has continued to make significant contributions in the Swan Hill community.
Eva, a swimmer and former member of the Nyah Two Bays Swim Club, saw a gap for swimmers who didn't want to join a professional club but didn't want to swim alone - rather a friendly community for enthusiasts to share their love of the sport and swim at their leisure.
In 2025, Eva founded Move Swim, a community-based social swim club designed to create a supportive, welcoming environment for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Move Swim focuses not only on physical wellbeing, but also on mental health, social connection, and creating a sense of belonging. The club encourages people to come together, be active, and build friendships in a no-pressure, inclusive setting.
Eva has already delivered several successful Move Swim events in Swan Hill, including weekly Friday morning sessions, attracting many community members who come together to swim, stay active, and enjoy meaningful conversation afterwards. Over summer, she is collaborating with local ambassadors to further establish Move Swim Swan Hill. This initiative offers the community a positive, healthy start to the day throughout the warmer months.
Participants have shared how enjoyable and uplifting Move Swim has been - helping them improve their swimming skills, connect with like-minded people, and boost their overall wellbeing. The program not only enhances community activity but also strongly promotes mental health and social wellness.
Local businesses in Swan Hill have also shown their support, recognising and rallying behind Eva's incredible work. Through Move Swim, her leadership, and her passion for community, Eva continues to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of many.
Eva is an incredibly hard worker and an inspiration to many young people across the municipality. As a social work student, she is deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Her passion for supporting small communities shines through in everything she does, and her dedication to helping people thrive continues to have a meaningful impact on those around her.
Through her passion, leadership, and devotion to her community, Eva has made an extraordinary impact and is fully deserving of the 2026 Swan Hill Rural City Council Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year.
Congratulations Eva for this well-deserved honour.
2025 Community Event of the Year - Up the Garden Path
The Inner Wheel Club of Swan Hill is hereby awarded the AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR 2025.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council proudly recognises the Up the Garden Path as the 2025 Community Event of the Year. A Community Fundraiser that attracted around 300 attendees from Swan Hill and surrounds, offering an affordable, enjoyable outing during the winter season.
Up the Garden Path was hosted at the Grain Shed in Swan Hill June last year, created and hosted by Inner Wheel Swan Hill Club, the event combined a cosy Devonshire Tea with a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor garden-themed stalls. Local businesses and not-for-profit groups were invited to host stalls, turning the venue into a welcoming, colourful marketplace for all ages. The purpose of the day was to bring the community together in a relaxed, friendly setting while raising funds and awareness for Cord Blood Research.
Up the Garden Path raised $4,000 for Cord Blood Research, this tangible fundraising result demonstrates the generosity and compassion of our community and connects a regional town like Swan Hill to important medical research that can save and improve lives.
The event delivered a range of additional benefits, including supporting local businesses and not-for-profits by providing a platform to sell products, share information and build connections.
Beyond this event, Up the Garden Path also Up the Garden Path also highlighted the ongoing contribution of Inner Wheel Swan Hill to our region. The club regularly hosts local fundraisers supporting Swan Hill District Health (including the MRI machine appeal and The Good Kitchen), Dignity Bags, Christmas gift boxes and many other projects, and actively supports UN Women's "Unite" and "Orange The World" initiatives to end violence against women and children. Through Orange the World, Inner Wheel works closely with Swan Hill Rural City Council (SHRCC), Police, BPW, CWA, Rotary and Lions clubs, Mallee Family Care, the Swan Hill Library and local businesses during the 16 Days of Activism (25 November-10 December), helping spread messages of respect and safety across the community. This event both raised funds on the day and helped build long-term support for these vital community and global wellbeing initiatives.
Up the Garden Path was planned and delivered by volunteers from Inner Wheel Swan Hill Club. Members coordinated stallholders, managed bookings, set up indoor and outdoor spaces, prepared and served Devonshire Tea, handled promotion and social media, and stayed for pack-up at the end of the day. The smooth running and warm atmosphere of the event were a direct result of this dedication. Volunteers gave many hours of unpaid work to ensure that guests felt welcomed, stallholders felt supported, and the fundraising goals for Cord Blood Research were achieved. The same volunteer team that created Up the Garden Path also gives many hours each year to other Inner Wheel initiatives.
This event embodies the very essence of the Australia Day Community Event of the Year, offering a space for the community to come together while leaving lasting and meaningful impacts.
Congratulations to The Inner Wheel Club of Swan Hill for their exceptional contributions in the community.
