Kaniva resident Kaye Bothe is West Wimmera Shire’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented to Mrs Bothe at Kaniva’s Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, January 26.
Other Australia Day award winners include young citizen of the year Bonnie Gordon; Community Event of the Year — the Victorian Agricultural Shows State Convention; and Community Group of the Year — Edenhope Flora Reserve Committee.
Mayor Tim Meyer said Council received an exceptional number of high-quality nominations this year.
“Our communities are filled with incredible people doing amazing work,” he said.
Cr Meyer said Mrs Bothe was a worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year award.
“Kaye’s dedication to Kaniva and her tireless efforts in so many areas have had a huge impact,” he said.
“She was instrumental in ensuring the Kaniva Show continues to grow, securing grants, and organising events that have brought our community together.
“Her leadership and passion exemplify the best of West Wimmera.”
Mrs Bothe has served as Secretary of the Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society since 2020, helping to secure funding for improved attractions and hosting the successful 2024 Victorian Agricultural Shows State Convention.
She has also made significant contributions to the Bill’s Gully Welfare Group, Kaniva Community Advisory Committee, and various community projects, including bringing the Lexus Melbourne Cup to Kaniva in 2021.
“Kaye’s commitment to supporting and enhancing community life is remarkable,” Cr Meyer said.
The Young Citizen of the Year was Bonnie Gordon.
Miss Gordon’s leadership has made a significant impact through her long-time involvement with the Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society, where she has contributed to the success of the annual show.
She has been twice named Lions Youth of the Year at the local level and has represented Kaniva at the regional level.
Miss Gordon’s leadership extended to her time at Kaniva College, where she was instrumental in the development of the Student Representative Committee, giving students a voice and advocating for her peers.
In 2024, she was selected as a Country Education Partnership Rural Youth Ambassador, participating in workshops to advocate for rural education and communities.
“Bonnie’s commitment to her community and her peers is truly inspiring,” Cr Meyer said.
“Her leadership, service, and advocacy make her a deserving recipient of this award.”
The event of the year was the Victorian Agricultural Shows State Convention, hosted by the Kaniva A&P Society in Kaniva.
The convention brought more than 100 delegates to the region, showcasing Kaniva’s hospitality with workshops, tours, and local catering.
The community group of the year was the Edenhope Flora Reserve Committee.
The committee has worked tirelessly to restore and maintain local reserves, partnering with the Newlands Lake Reserve Committee. Their efforts have included weed management, the installation of interpretive signage, and the creation of the Edenhope Mosaic Trail, which engaged local volunteers and strengthened community connections.
Cr Meyer said all award recipients exemplify the values that make West Wimmera such a vibrant place to live.
“From our citizen of the year to the dedicated volunteers behind these events and projects, their contributions are invaluable,” he said.
“Our communities thrive because of the time, energy, and passion of these incredible people.”
All winners will be formally recognised at Australia Day ceremonies on Sunday, January 26.
Winners will receive a framed certificate and a lapel pin.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 22 January 2025.