Surf Coast Shire Council will herald dozens of newly named Local Legends at the heart of celebrations for National Volunteer Week.
Record nominations for this year's Local Legends program have helped magnify the breadth of volunteer contributions across the shire, with organisations and individuals eager to recognise unsung heroes in their midst.
National Volunteer Week runs from 19 to 25 May.
Council is supporting several community-based celebrations across the shire:
- Aireys Inlet Community Celebration, 18 May, including a tour of the community garden at 11am followed by a gathering at the town's community centre from 11.30am.
- Lorne Bowls Club morning tea, 20 May with barefoot bowls at 10am and morning tea at 11am.
- Local Legends presentation and volunteer celebration, 22 May from 10am in Council's chambers, Torquay.
- Winchelsea Chatty Café gathering, 23 May, 10.30am at Winchelsea Shire Hall.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth will lead tributes and presentations of Local Legend awards to 15 individual and four group recipients during the celebration in Council's chambers.
The 2025 Surf Coast Local Legends are:
Community Commitment Award
Jason Cichocki, wildlife rescuer
Phoebe Mitchell, community house volunteer
Marie McPadden, scout leader
Melissa Pitt, football club volunteer
Heath Armstrong, surf life saving volunteer
Grant Norris, wildlife rescuer
Mary McNaughton, volunteer Tai Chi instructor
Donna Symes, Salvation Army shop and Share The Dignity volunteer
Community Impact Award
Colby Bryce, mental health advocate
Kaylene Stocks, CFA captain
Cameron McFarlane, community postie
Ben Coyle, bowls club volunteer
Rhani Bayon, Growing Winchelsea volunteer
David Steele, community radio presenter
Tony Martin, physical and mental health advocate
Volunteer Excellence Award, for groups
Lorne volunteering ladies' group
All Aboard DisABILITY Support Services volunteers
Sewing For A Purpose
Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees
