Mornington Peninsula's unsung heroes have been recognised at the 2026 Local Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals and events whose dedication, compassion and leadership continue to strengthen our community.
Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh said this year's award recipients reflected the very best of the Peninsula.
"Each of these award recipients represents the heart and soul of our community. Their dedication, resilience and selflessness inspire us all, and it was a privilege to celebrate them with the community at Flinders Civic Hall on Australia Day," Cr Marsh said.
"This year's honourees remind us that real change happens through care, connection and people stepping up for one another."
Each of the 2026 award recipients has made a meaningful and lasting impact across the Mornington Peninsula, through tireless service, advocating and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
To further celebrate this year's recipients, a Peninsula Tales video featuring Citizen of the Year Chantelle Ross and Young Citizen of the Year Regan Morel will be released on 30 January, sharing their stories and the impact of their work within the community. Stay tuned via our Facebook page and mornpen.vic.gov.au/peninsulatales
Here are their inspiring stories:
Citizen of the Year: Chantelle Ross
Chantelle Ross has been named the 2026 Mornington Peninsula Citizen of the Year for her extraordinary leadership and advocacy for people experiencing grief and loss.
As the founder of Projex J Limited, established in honour of her son Jamerson, Chantelle has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for community healing. Inspired by Jamerson's motto, Get Busy Living, she has created free grief support programs, retreats, youth initiatives and wellbeing workshops that have supported more than 10,000 people across the Peninsula.
Through signature events such as Get Busy Living Day and Jamerson's Memorial Fishing Competition, Chantelle has fostered connection, resilience and open conversations around grief. Her empathy, authenticity and tireless dedication have reshaped how local families experience and talk about loss.
Young Citizen of the Year: Regan Morel
Regan Morel has been awarded the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership and long-standing commitment to youth wellbeing and community safety.
A member of the Mornington Life Saving Club since the age of six, Regan has contributed more than 15 years of service and currently serves as Patrol Vice-Captain, committee member and mentor to younger lifesavers. His advocacy extends statewide through his role as inaugural Chair of Life Saving Victoria's Junior Advisory Committee, helping shape youth engagement across clubs.
Through his work with The Reach Foundation, Regan also empowers young people across Victoria, earning respect for his empathy, integrity and quiet leadership.
Community Event of the Year: SPLaSH for Women Ladies Luncheon
The SPLaSH for Women Ladies Luncheon has been named the 2026 Community Event of the Year for its leadership in raising awareness of women's homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula.
Held for the first time in 2025, the event brought together 263 guests and raised more than $27,000 to support essential services for women experiencing housing insecurity. Delivered in partnership with Southern Peninsula Community Support, volunteers and local service providers, the luncheon fostered compassion, connection and understanding across the community.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Betty Preston
Betty Preston has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 30 years of extraordinary service to the Peninsula community.
For 27 years, Betty volunteered at Rosebud Hospital, running hydrotherapy classes for up to 100 rehabilitation patients each week. She also spent 18 years campaigning for an aquatic centre with rehabilitation facilities, playing a pivotal role in the creation of the Yawa Aquatic Centre.
Now aged 92, Betty continues to give back by crafting beanies and headbands for cancer patients across Victoria, embodying a lifetime of service, perseverance and generosity.
Community Advocate Award: Eric White
Eric White has been honoured with the Community Advocate Award for his compassionate support of vulnerable families and his commitment to educational equity.
Through his volunteer leadership with St Vincent de Paul and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation, Eric has helped hundreds of children remain engaged in school by ensuring access to essential resources such as uniforms, laptops and camp fees. His collaborative approach and integrity have strengthened networks of support across the Southern Peninsula.
Community Inspiration Award: Brett McRae
Brett McRae has received the Community Inspiration Award for his outstanding contribution to community connection through sport.
As President of the Rosebud Football Netball Club for the past decade, Brett has led the club to historic success while championing inclusion, mental health initiatives, fundraising and facility improvements that benefit the wider community. His humility and people-first leadership continue to inspire those around him.
Historical Preservation Award: Vic Jeremiah
Vic Jeremiah has been recognised with the Historical Preservation Award for his dedication to documenting the sporting history of Hastings and the Mornington Peninsula.
Over more than 50 years, Vic has compiled more than 50 volumes chronicling the Hastings Football Club's history, creating an invaluable legacy for future generations. His contribution to the John Coleman statue in Hastings further cements his impact on preserving local heritage.
Commendation for Community Service: Kayne Barton
At just 22, Kayne Barton has received a Commendation for Community Service for his extensive volunteer work across sporting clubs, emergency services and the local RSL.
From coaching and committee roles to IT management and event coordination, Kayne's reliability and civic pride have strengthened community organisations and inspired participation across the Peninsula.
Commendation for Emergency Service: Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor has been recognised with a Commendation for Emergency Service for his exceptional dedication through the Mornington CFA.
Joining as a junior member at age 11, Thomas now serves as 4th Lieutenant and is one of the youngest accredited Emergency Medical Responders, supporting high-risk incidents alongside Ambulance Victoria. His professionalism and commitment have earned widespread respect within the brigade and broader community.
Recognition of 50 Years of Service: Rye Athletics Carnival & Family Fun Day
The Rye Athletics Carnival & Family Fun Day has been formally recognised for 50 years of service to the community.
First held in 1975, the event has grown into one of the Peninsula's most iconic annual traditions, promoting participation, sporting excellence and community connection. Its enduring success reflects the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the strength of the Rye community.
Photo caption: (L-R)
Reps for Rye Athletics Carnival: Gary Gillies, Fay McCormick - Recognition of 50 Years of Service, Rep for SPLaSH for Women Ladies Luncheon: Dee Barton - Community Event of the Year Chantelle Ross - Citizen of the Year, Mayor Marsh, Brett McRae - Community Inspiration Award, Eric White - Community Advocate Award, Reagan Morel - Young Citizen of the Year, Thomas Taylor -Mornington Peninsula Shire Commendation (For Emergency Services)
Absent: Betty Preston - Lifetime Achievement Award, Vic Jerimiah - Historical Preservation Award and Kayne Barton - Mornington Peninsula Shire Commendation (For Community Service).
