Corryong Awards

Citizen of the Year 2025 – Kate Wheeler

Kate was born in Toowoomba (Qld) and began her nursing training in Brisbane in 1967. Following a stint in Tasmania to learn midwifery, Kate and two friends found their way to Corryong in May 1972. Nursing was very rewarding with the hospital having about 20 acute beds and a busy Maternity Unit. Soon after arriving in Corryong Kate met Robert Wheeler and they were married in 1973. Together they had five children and now eight grandchildren.

In 1972 with a boost to nursing staff it was decided to open Draper Ward for aged care. This proved to be insufficient accommodation for our community. Kate was instrumental in forming the Nursing Home Auxiliary to build a new facility. She argued strongly that the proposed new 20-bed unit would be too small and this proved to be correct. Kate worked tirelessly on that committee in executive positions as well as baking hundreds of cakes for street stalls. The Nursing Home (now Hilltop) was opened in 1983.

When Corryong District Hospital was considered for a Multi Purpose Service (MPS) Kate again put up her hand and played a significant role on the Project Control Group. Once again Kate argued for more comforts for our aged care unit but her pleas went unheard.

Kate completed her Master of Health (Rural and Remote) through the University of Southern Queensland. She then completed her Masters in Mental Health. Kate was a credentialled Mental Health Nurse and worked tirelessly in this role for 21 years. Kate saw a social need for many of her clients and started hosting a monthly dinner for them. So was born ‘Kate’s Kitchen’. These were mainly held in the Day Care Centre in the evening. ‘Kate’s Kitchen’ was recently resurrected and open to all of the community.

While raising her children and working as a nurse, Kate also volunteered on local committees, many of which she still assists with today. Kate has been involved with Corryong Camp Draft since it began 50 years ago, being a committee member and running the canteen and catering. All of her children played football with Cudgewa Football Netbll Club where she also volunteered in the canteen, making casseroles or helping with the strapping. Most recently you will find her courtside, offering netball players first aid and strapping. Kate is also a member of the Rotary Club of Corryong involving herself with fundraising activities, as well as Meals on Wheels.

Event of the Year 2025
– Corryong & Upper Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society

The Corryong Show was in danger of folding several years ago but more recently it has had a revamp, the highlight for many being the fireworks display at the conclusion of the event. During Show Day, local talent from crafts, artworks, homemade goodies and fresh produce are on display. The program also includes markets, a variety of food vendors, dog jump competition and pet show, animal nursery, trailer backing competition, music, rides and a display in the arena.

The Corryong Show would not come together without the volunteer committee which organises behind the scenes. Further to that, there are volunteers who run events, the bar and organise and judge items in the pavilion that make the day a huge success.

Community Appreciation Awards

The following people who were nominated for Citizen of the Year, were recognised as ‘Local Legends’ for their contributions to the community:- Carli and Michael Cameron, Jane Mongan, Graeme van Brummelen, Deidre Lebner and Colin Low.

Carli and Michael Cameron were nominated for their support to youth in the community. Since 2018 they have been driving local recruits to the 37 Army Cadet Unit at Wodonga and back, to expand their leadership and teamwork skills, as well as learning the importance of volunteering.

Jane Mongan is best known in the community for providing a beauty service running her part time business for 22 years. With this time she has raised three children and has moved her business to seven locations. She was nominated for the work she does with young adults who require support and extra care.

Deidre Lebner was recognised for her selflessness and the care she offers others. Despite losing her husband to cancer and having her house burnt down during the 2020 bushfires, Deidre has shown strength and resilience by volunteering her time to bushfire recovery and the Corryong Show. She also works to provide respite to families of those who have dementia.

Graeme van Brummelen was acknowledged in 2022 for the support he offered after the bushfires such as organising local shop vouchers for community members through Baptist Union of Victoria. Graeme continues to fulfil his ministry role, offering support to many families and in particular youth. He is a member of Sewing Seeds Program run by Corryong Health for mental health support and is a participant in the Corryong Health Strategic Plan as one of the joint representatives of the local church community. He is committee member for Thrive Suicide Prevention. He involved himself with the Corryong Spirit event and also organised and ran ‘Just a Farmer’ movie event, a joint venture between Thrive, Corryong Baptist Church and Corryong Health.

Colin Low is currently an active Rotarian and a former Lions Club member. As part of these community groups he has contributed to many fundraisers and is very familiar with a BBQ. After the bushfires Colin joined the Thowgla CRC helping to make the valley more prepared and defendable. Col is also a volunteer with the Corryong & Upper Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society committee and also the Man from Snowy River Festival. When Colin is not running his own businesses or volunteering his time, you may also find him umpiring a footy match or two.

Walwa Awards

• Citizen of the Year – Hayden Drummond
• Business of the Year – Walwa Caravan Park (Kevin and Heidi Conway)
• Community Organisation of the Year: Walwa Community Op Shop

Citizenship Ceremony

Towong Shire welcomed six Australian citizens in a ceremony led by Mayor Andrew Whitehead.

Originally from Nigeria, Philippines, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the new citizens took the pledge in a ceremony held at the Lions Club Hall in Corryong on Australia Day.

Congratulations and a warm welcome to the shire they call home.

Pictured (left): Jo Devlin, Cr Whitehead, Adewale Adebowale, Oliver Del Rosario, Julie Mabasa and Sylvia Montgomery.

Snowy Valleys Council Australia Day Awards announced

Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) has recognised its most inspiring individuals for their exceptional contributions and outstanding service to the region.

The 2025 Snowy Valleys Council Australia Day Award recipients were announced at a special dinner ceremony held on Australia Day eve, with invited nominees joining councillors and dignitaries at the Batlow Literary Institute.

Awards were presented across five categories:

• Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Citizen of the Year – Hannah Speers, Adelong
• Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Young Citizen of the Year – Hannah Rankin, Tumbarumba
• Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Sportsperson of the Year – Dylan Weir, Brungle/Tumut
• Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Environmental Citizen of the Year – Bindi Vanzella, Batlow
• Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Service to the Community – Cara Ironside, Batlow

SVC Mayor, Cr Julia Ham, said recognising and celebrating local heroes was a privilege and she was delighted to honour those who go above and beyond to support and uplift others in the region.

“On behalf of the entire council and our community, I wholeheartedly congrat-ulate all the award recipients,” she said.

“Your hard work and passion are the driving forces behind our collective success.” 

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 30 January 2025.