Moorabool Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards
Published on 26 January 2026
Moorabool Shire Council congratulates recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, announced at a ceremony at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Monday 26 January.
Peter Shilton was named Moorabool Shire Citizen of the Year, Big Freeze in the Marsh 2025 received Community Event of the Year award and Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre was presented with the Mayor Award.
The annual awards recognise the individuals and organisations who make an outstanding contribution to the Moorabool community through leadership, volunteering and community spirit.
Citizen of the Year - Peter Shilton
Peter is a well-known and highly respected identity in Bacchus Marsh and across the shire, recognised for his long-standing commitment to volunteering and community service.
A former veterinarian and local business owner, Peter is currently Chairman of the Pentland Hills Landcare Group and an active Rotary member. He has chaired the Rotary Art Show for many years and is a familiar face at community events, whether cooking sausages at Rotary barbecues or playing saxophone in the Rotary band.
Since retiring, Peter continues to volunteer extensively and is known for his humble, hands-on approach and dedication to helping others.
Community Event of the Year - Big Freeze in the Marsh 2025
Held each May at Maddingley Park and organised by Anne Phyland, Big Freeze in the Marsh is a major fundraising event supporting FightMND.
The event brings the community together for a day of icy slides, football games and fundraising, with participants ranging from local businesses and MPs to footballers, children and professional boxers.
In 2025, the event raised an impressive $58,000 and attracted hundreds of spectators, highlighting Moorabool’s strong community spirit and generosity.
Mayor Award - Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre
Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre (BMLAC) was recognised for its outstanding fundraising efforts for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Little Athletics centres in Victoria has participated in fundraising for the Appeal for 50 years.
In March 2025, BMLAC ran a five-hour Relaython at Masons Lane Reserve, challenging athletes to keep a relay baton moving continuously from 7.00am to noon. The event brought together athletes, families, life members, community members, local businesses and MPs.
A total of $9,430.47 was raised, with participants completing 227 laps — the equivalent of 90.8 kilometres.
BMLAC was awarded ‘The Royal Children’s Hospital Largest Centre Donation’ by Little Athletics Victoria and was invited to take part in the televised Good Friday Kid’s Day Out cheque presentation. The Centre was also officially presented this award at the Little Athletics Victoria 2024/25 Gala Awards in July.
Despite being one of the smaller sporting clubs within Moorabool Shire, having 263 registered athletes, the event highlighted the significance of community spirit and the strength in working together to raise money for sick children and their families.
Certificates of Appreciation
Certificates of Appreciation in the Citizen of the Year category were presented to Sharon Murphy, Elizabeth Bamford and Dr Jodie Valpied, and to Philosophy in the Library, Peppertree Parkrun and Elaine Thru the Lens in the Community Event of the Year category.