Moorabool Shire 2023 Australia Day Awards

Published on 25 January 2023

Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival.jpg

Moorabool Shire Council will present the 2023 Australia Day Awards at the Australia Day Ceremony to be held on Thursday 26 January 2023. The recipients in the main categories being honoured on Thursday 26 January are as follows:

  • Young Citizen of the Year – Noah Barlow
  • Community Event of the Year – Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival
  • Mayor Award – Glenda & Jeff Jones

Young Citizen of the Year – Noah Barlow

Noah is an inspiring young person who advocates for people with disabilities, and has raised over $100,00 as the Captain of Noah’s Ninja’s for the Mito Movement in The Bloody Long Walk. The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), funds essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures of mitochondrial disorders, and increases awareness and education about this devastating disease. There are currently 791 Noah’s Ninja’s, who have raised in excess of $236,000. Noah is also a co-founder of Voices Podcast, in which children tell stories to children in hospital or hospice so no child is left without a bedtime story. Noah was instrumental in setting up the first ever junior wheelchair AFL team, and now plays for Richmond and he also plays powerchair soccer for Melbourne City; Noah is also a school captain at BMPS. He has contributed to a book by Melissa Doyle called “15 Seconds of Brave: The Wisdom of Survivors”. Noah holds webinars and zoom calls with other children who have complex medical needs to teach them about 15 Seconds of Brave.

Community Event of the Year – Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival

The Carnival celebrated its 120th year in 2022, with approximately 2,600 adults and 1,400 children attending the carnival on Easter Saturday. Although the event varies slightly from year to year, it remains true to its roots, celebrating simplicity, old style fun and the Carnival's history. Longstanding activities include the gumboot throw, a treasure hunt with map, pet show, children’s running and novelty races, the Tug-O-War and the woodchop, which is the keystone event of the day. The event celebrates Blackwood's history, and the long-standing traditions of the event, which began as a town gathering and sports day. Gold panning instruction has been added to the day and a musical program has also been included.

Mayor Award – Glenda and Jeff Jones

Glenda and Jeff Jones have played a key role in promoting tourism and local food festivals in Bacchus Marsh. They have volunteered for over 15 years as part of the Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association and have hosted garden parties and “meet the grower” events on their farm. As part of the Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association they contributed to organising the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry & Cherry Festival and the Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival.

Certificates of Achievement for outstanding contributions will be presented to:

Young Citizen of the Year

  • Ophelia Fernando

Community Event of the Year

  • Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival and Carols

The award recipients will be formally recognised at the 2023 Australia Day Awards held at the Mechanics Institute, Inglis Street, Ballan on Thursday 26 January 2023, commencing at 9am.

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