Indigo Shire has announced the recipients of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding community service, leadership and achievement across the Shire.
Gwen Gray, a longtime Beechworth resident, has been named Indigo Shire's 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Mayor, Sophie Price, says the award recognises Gwen's exceptional community service to Beechworth and the surrounding area over many years.
"Gwen embodies the spirit of selfless service and quiet leadership. Her decades of dedication to enriching the lives of others is nothing short of extraordinary," Cr Price said.
At 91 years old, Gwen has devoted her life to supporting young people, families and community organisations. Her service includes co-founding the Beechworth Girl Guides, leading the 1st Beechworth Cub Pack, serving as District Leader of the Koorawarra District and Regional Commissioner for 40 years, founding Zwar Kindergarten in 1965, raising more than $50,000 for Red Cross, managing the Community Op Shop for a decade, coordinating the Labour Day Lawn Tennis Club Tournament for over 30 years, and supporting countless local events, schools and churches through tireless volunteer work.
Known for her quiet acts of kindness in times of grief or illness, Gwen's compassion has touched generations. She received the Order of Australia in 2006 for her service to youth and the community. Cr Price said Gwen's legacy is woven into the fabric of Beechworth and that this award is a heartfelt thank you for a lifetime of giving.
"It's a great honour, and I'm very pleased. It's recognition for all the organisations that help make Beechworth work. I have three children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren that all love Beechworth. It's the friendships and the compassion in this community that gives me the inspiration to do as much as I can," Gwen said.
The 2026 Young Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Amy Schilling of Beechworth.
At just 16, Amy has already made a significant impact through her leadership, fundraising efforts and commitment to empowering young people.
Her achievements include walking 100 kilometres in one month for the One Foot Forward Walk for Mental Health, leading the 40-Hour Famine 40K Walk and raising nearly $2,000, and creating the Teens Who Care Program, which connects young volunteers with local organisations such as Quercus, Beechworth CFA, Landcare and Beechworth Health Services.
Amy also serves as an Indigo Shire Youth Advisor, supports younger Scouts as a service leader and first aider, and advocates for inclusion and equality within her school and community. She recently helped establish an all-girls soccer team at Beechworth Secondary College and offers free homework help and peer support to local students. Cr Price said Amy's compassion, creativity and determination make her an inspiring role model and a deserving recipient of this year's award.
"Being named Young Citizen of the Year gives me the recognition that I need to continue my passion for community work. This award has pushed me to really acknowledge my own achievements and has given me further drive to pursue community service. I feel seen, and I feel appreciated. That's the best encouragement I could ask for," Amy said.
The Kiewa Cricket Club has been named Indigo Shire's 2026 Community Organisation of the Year in recognition of its outstanding commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and community connection.
The club has transformed into a vibrant, family friendly hub, with women leading three key executive roles and new opportunities created for players of all ages and abilities.
In recent years, the club has launched three Open Women's Teams and an Under 12 Girls' Team, established a Club Wellness Team to support members' mental health, collaborated with other sporting groups to share facilities, hosted Old Time Dance afternoons, contributed to local parks, and raised funds for a range of community causes including the McGrath Foundation, flood recovery and fire relief.
The club has also been recognised as Cricket Victoria's Community Club of the Year, received a Highly Commended award from Cricket Australia, and achieved consecutive District Club Champion titles. Cr Price said the club's leadership, innovation and community spirit have strengthened the social fabric of the Kiewa community and created a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
Club President Annie Heffernan said, "Being a small club, we've done big things that have highlighted this part of the Shire. Getting the tick of approval from Cricket Australia for a national level game brought people here and created real community pride, which makes this award even more meaningful. We're like one big family here. When the cricketers have success, it feels like our success. We provide a place for all abilities to belong, achieve and grow, and seeing their pride as they develop is incredibly rewarding."
Town and District Awards are also presented across the Shire, recognising outstanding contributions within individual communities. The 2026 recipients are Shayne Prater for Chiltern, Rowan Wallace for Kergunyah, Carol Fursdon for Rutherglen and David Pinder for Yackandandah.
The Emma George Sporting Scholarship has been awarded to Liana France, a talented young athlete whose dedication and achievements in para alpine skiing continue to elevate local sport. The scholarship provides financial support to help young athletes pursue high level competition and training opportunities, recognising both potential and commitment to excellence.
FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
- Gwen Gray - Citizen of the Year
- Amy Schilling - Young Citizen of the Year
- Kiewa Cricket Club - Community Organisation of the Year
- Shayne Prater - Chiltern Town and District Certificate of Achievement
- Rowan Wallace - Kergunyah Town and District Certificate of Achievement
- Carol Fursdon - Rutherglen Town and District Certificate of Achievement
- David Pinder - Yackandandah Town and District Certificate of Achievement
- Liana France - Emma George Sporting Scholarship
