Quiet achiever, youth leader Council's citizens of the year

Published on 24 January 2024

One of the Gannawarra’s quiet achievers and a passionate youth leader have been recognised during the announcement of Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Jacqueline Hibbert was named Gannawarra Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year during a reception held at Kerang earlier this evening, whilst Fifi White was presented with Council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award.

“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Jacqueline and Fifi for receiving these prestigious awards, and congratulates all nominees for their continued generosity and contribution to communities across the Gannawarra,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.

Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, Jacqueline Hibbert was recognised for involvement in numerous community groups.

“A founding member of the Kerang Progress Association and Gannawarra Refugee Support Group, Jacqueline is renowned for her knowledge, reliability and support,” Mayor Stanton said.

“Jacqueline has also held executive positions for many local groups, with her experience as a retired secondary school teacher pivotal for roles she current holds or has held with the Kerang District Health Ladies Auxiliary, Kerang Probus, Kerang Progress Association, the Kerang District Health Rita Hall Opportunity Shop, RSL and Gannawarra Refugee Support Group.”

Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Fifi White was recognised for her work with the Cohuna Leos and Northern District Community Health’s youth events team.

“Fifi has been involved with the Cohuna Leos since 2017, and was president in 2018-19. Her work with the Leos has involved assisting at various community events and has participated in numerous public speaking competitions,” Mayor Stanton said.

“Fifi has also been instrumental in the organisation of the 2023 Summerwave Music Festival and Summerwave on Tour event, sharing her expertise in event management and youth consultation to ensure young people are heard, respected and credited for their work.”

Jacqueline and Fifi will also be recognised for receiving their respective awards as part of Australia Day celebrations occurring throughout the Gannawarra on Friday, 26 January.

ABOVE: Mayor Ross Stanton (second from left) with 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year nominees Tracy Roberts (left), Brooke Williams, Rachel Barnes and Kaye Wilson. ABSENT: Jacqueline Hibbert and Mandy Hutchinson.

The following residents were also recognised during the civic ceremony as nominees for Council’s major citizenship awards:

Citizen of the Year

Rachel Barnes

Rachel has made an outstanding contribution to the community through her passion of educating others about dance.

Rachel dedicates hours of her time to running children and adult dance classes, debutant balls and wedding rehearsals.

After losing her daughter through stillbirth last year, Rachel sought to raise awareness and much needed funds for Red Nose Australia. She hosted a fundraiser called Dancing for Hope, to bring down the statistics of pregnancy and infant loss.

Mandy Hutchinson

Northern District Community Health’s former Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Hutchinson was the founding member of numerous partnerships and strengthened relationships with the community.

Prior to her time with NDCH, Mandy spent eight years with Gannawarra Shire Council, including four years as Director Community Wellbeing.

Mandy has also supported Cohuna Secondary College, been involved in the Cohuna Dance Group and Golden Rivers Theatre Group and served as the netball president of the Leitchville-Gunbower Football Netball Club for the past four seasons.

Tracy Roberts

Tracy has immersed herself in the community, promoting youth and sport opportunities, as well as other community events.

Tracy regularly attends at many local events, thanks to her role as the official photographer for the Kerang Football Netball Club, Kerang Cricket Club, Summerwave Festival and other community gatherings.

Tracy is, or has been involved in many community groups, including the Kerang and District Agricultural Society, the Kerang Show and Shine Committee and the Kerang Technical High School Council, in which she is currently president.

Brooke Williams

Brooke has a positive can-do attitude and is always willing to help and step into committees, including holding executive roles to ensure that the community needs are being catered for.

Brooke is currently Kerang Primary School Council vice-president, Kerang Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club treasurer and swim teacher, Wandella Football and Netball Club committee member and netball umpire/scoring coordinator, Kerang Fire Brigade member and Kerang Little Athletics Centre results and registration manager.

Brooke demonstrates great leadership, organisational skills, enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does. She strives to keep our community alive and provide our youth with support and extra curricular activities.

Kaye Wilson

Kaye has served the greater Cohuna community for more than 30 years, thanks to efforts that have benefited social service, community fundraising, exercise, fitness and aged care support.

Kaye has been the Cohuna Swimming Club’s secretary for the past 20 years, was a Bridge to Bridge committee member for 16 years, was on the Cohuna Secondary College Council for 11 years and has supported the Cohuna District Health Murray to Moyne fundraising team for 20 years.

Kaye is also a passionate advocate for the benefits of physical activity, conducting lifestyle and fitness classes from toddlers to our senior residents.

MAIN PHOTO: Mayor Ross Stanton (left) with the 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year, Fifi White. INSET: 2024 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year, Jacqueline Hibbert.