Australia Day ceremonies feature Citizen Awards and welcomes new citiz
Published on 26 January 2025
A large crowd gathered at the Botanic Park to celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge nominees and announce this year’s Citizen Award winners and welcome Mansfield Shire’s newest citizens.
The Citizen Awards honour outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.
The 2025 awards were awarded across five categories with a winner in each:
- Ian Mallyon, Citizen of the Year
- Graeme Stoney, Senior Citizen of the Year
- Ella Crathern, Young Citizen of the Year
- Mansfield Hunting and Fishing Expo, Community Event of the Year
- Mansfield and District (MAD) Orchestra, Community Group or Organisation
On behalf of the Shire community, Mayor Cr Steve Rabie congratulated all the winners and nominees.
“We have a wonderful community in Mansfield Shire, with many individuals and groups committed to making a positive impact,” he said.
“These awards are our way of showing gratitude to those people and organisations who make an exceptional contribution, supporting all sorts of activities.
"It’s important that we celebrate their efforts over the past year, and in most cases over many years. They have worked diligently to improve the lives of others and inspire those around them. Without their efforts, our Shire would not be as strong and vibrant as it is,” Cr Rabie said.
“These awards are our way of expressing appreciation and gratitude to those people and organisations who volunteer their time and expertise, driven not by the desire for recognition or glory, but by a genuine commitment to making a difference to our community.” Cr Rabie said.
Award winners were selected by the Australia Day Awards judging panel, comprising Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, Cr James Tehan, Cr Mandy Treasure, 2024 Citizen of the Year Cathy Raeburn,2024 Senior Citizen of the Year Karen Pirie and 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, Amelia Walker.
The Australia Day celebrations were also an opportunity to welcome 5 Mansfield Shire residents as new Australian citizens. Coming from the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Nepal and New Zealand reflecting Mansfield Shire’s increasingly diverse and multicultural community.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie officially welcomed each one at a Citizenship Ceremony, thanking them for their commitment to Australia’s values and way of life.
“Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our nation’s celebrations, with more people becoming citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year. Our newest citizens have joined a special group of Australians who celebrate the anniversary of their citizenship each Australia Day,” said Cr. Rabie.
Visit our Australia Day, Awards and Citizenship page for full details about all our award winners and the nominees.