Yarrawonga Australia Day Award recipients. From left: Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association representative Nici Freeman, Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism & Business representative Nathan Bibby, Moira Shire Council Chief Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, 2026 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year Amanda Wheaton and in front Junior Citizen of the Year Charlie Whinray.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association’s tireless volunteer Amanda Wheaton has been named the 2026 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, held at Kennedy Park on Monday morning.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Other award recipients included Dimity Connell as Young Citizen of the Year, Charlie Whinray as Junior Citizen of the Year, Yarrawonga Mulwala Business and Tourism for Community Event of the Year for the Powerboat Spectacular, and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association as Community Organisation of the Year.
Guest speakers representing both local secondary colleges from left Lucas Eales and Toni McClounan from Yarrawonga P-12 College with Claudia Cruikshank and Darla Lawless representing Sacred Heart College and Rotary representative Ron Kennett.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Yarrawonga Mulwala on behalf of Moira Shire Council, the event attracted a crowd of more than 200 people, who also heard stirring speeches from student guest speakers representing both local secondary colleges. Claudia Cruikshank and Darla Lawless represented Sacred Heart College, while Toni McClounan and Lucas Eales spoke on behalf of Yarrawonga P–12 College.
Each student spoke about the “incredible value” of the local community, its positive spirit, their own contributions, experiences, and future aspirations.
Long-standing organiser of the awards ceremony, Rotarian Noel Tinney, was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for his 30-year contribution to the event. The ceremony originally began at Hammond Park in the late 1980s before moving to Kennedy Park in the late 1990s.
Mr Tinney said he has proudly seen the breakfast event grow from just 10 attendees to well over 200.
“For me, this is a very special day, and something I have always wanted to keep going,” he said.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said the awards recognise the “local legends” of the community.
Yarrawonga Australia Day Awards Ceremony event organiser Noel Tinney and Moira Shire Council Chief Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM with Noel’s certificate of appreciation for his 30-year contribution.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“They’re the backbone of our towns and districts, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make their communities a better place to live,” Dr Emonson said.
“Community is something we all contribute to, and we are proud of the strong sense of community here in Yarrawonga and the way we embrace the principles of helping and giving to define and strengthen that Aussie spirit.”
The large crowd at Yarrawonga’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Kennedy Park on Monday morning.
Citizen of the Year: Amanda Wheaton
Amanda Wheaton’s unwavering dedication to basketball and her broader community involvement has had a lasting impact on countless individuals, particularly young people and women in sport.
Amanda has served the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association (YMBA) as both President and committee member, providing strong leadership that has helped guide the growth and direction of the sport locally. Her long-standing commitment has been recognised with Life Membership.
Through her work, Amanda has significantly increased overall participation in basketball and has been a driving force behind growing female involvement by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for girls.
She runs both the Aussie Hoops program and the domestic competition, ensuring strong development pathways for players.
In addition, Amanda actively umpires games and mentors younger referees and players.
She has also led the campaign for a new basketball stadium, recognising the need for modern facilities to support increasing demand and secure the future of the sport in the region.
Amanda exemplifies the qualities of a Citizen of the Year through her leadership, service, and strong commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Amanda moved to Yarrawonga 30 years ago with her husband, Ashley, where they established Wheaton Chiropractic. She said she was “very honoured and humbled” to receive the award.
“We fell in love with the town straight away — the lake, the weather, the country lifestyle and the people. There’s no other place like it,” Amanda said.
“We are very lucky to have been able to raise our three children in this town that we call home.”
Amanda said health and sport have always been her passion, and she enjoys being able to provide opportunities for people to play and enjoy basketball.
“This passion has also driven me to advocate for a new multi-sports stadium in our town for more than 10 years,” she said.
“The multi-sports stadium will be a game changer, providing opportunities for children and adults across the shire for many years to come.
“I hope that during this time, my contribution to the town, the basketball association, and the kids I’ve coached, refereed or mentored has, and will continue to, leave our town in a better place.”
Amanda also thanked the many volunteers within the association, as well as her family, for their ongoing support.
“You all support me on a daily basis, and I thank you for that,” she said.
Young Citizen of the Year: Dimity Connell
Dimity Connell recently completed her Year 12 studies at Sacred Heart College, where she served as College Captain and made an outstanding contribution to both the school and wider community.
Dimity delivered a moving address at the school’s ANZAC Day ceremony, and her leadership was further recognised at the inaugural Catholic Education Sandhurst Awards, where she received the Excellence in Student Leadership Award.
She has represented the college at numerous fundraising events, including the Pink Breakfast and Cuppa for Cancer, and has led fundraising initiatives supporting Australian Caritas and the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Dimity has also been actively involved with the Rosemary Cullen Foundation, raising funds for disadvantaged children in Cebu, Philippines.
Her ongoing contributions include participating in the Worldwide Day for Girls and volunteering her time at Yarrawonga Health, demonstrating strong values of service, selflessness and care for others.
Dimity was unable to attend the ceremony due to being away on holidays.
Junior Citizen of the Year: Charlie Whinray
Moira Shire Council Chief Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM with Young Citizen of the Year, Charlie Whinray.
Nine-year-old Charlie Whinray was recognised for his remarkable compassion and generosity. Charlie has raised money for a range of causes, including Moira Foodshare, by selling his own toys to help those less fortunate.
“I have too many toys,” Charlie said, explaining that the money could help homeless people and provide food for those in need. He has also raised funds by selling his drawings to support others.
Charlie is actively involved in local basketball and football, and his caring nature reflects the strong values instilled by his parents.
Community Event of the Year: Powerboat Spectacular
Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism & Business (YMTB) received the Community Event of the Year award for the 2025 Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular.
The organisation demonstrated exceptional leadership by coordinating councils, businesses, sponsors and volunteers to deliver an inclusive and successful event.
The Powerboat Spectacular attracted thousands of visitors, boosted local trade and showcased Yarrawonga Mulwala as a premier regional destination.
YMTB’s commitment to collaboration, sustainability and excellence reflects its mission to grow tourism, support local enterprises and deliver a vibrant year-round calendar of events.
In receiving the award YMTB executive Nathan Bibby said the event was a significant contributor to the town and region.
Mr Bibby said YMTB is looking forward to partnering again with the Victorian Speed Boat club on April 17 this year to deliver another fantastic event with the support of many valued volunteers and Moira Shire Council.
Community Organisation of the Year: Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association
Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association representative Nici Freeman, Moira Shire Council Chief Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson and Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year Amanda Wheaton.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Established in 1987, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association (YMBA) continues to thrive as a vital community organisation dedicated to participation, development and excellence in basketball.
The Association’s Aussie Hoops program engages more than 100 young beginners each year, while its domestic competition supports over 230 junior and 115 senior players.
At the representative level, 130 athletes proudly compete, showcasing the region’s talent.
Beyond playing, the Association supports refereeing and coaching pathways, helping volunteers and young leaders develop valuable skills.
Participation continues to grow each year, reinforcing the association’s role as an inclusive sporting and social hub across the shire.
In receiving the award YMBA representative Nici Freeman praised the association’s volunteers and the endless hours they put in.
“We have grown immensely over the last couple of years. Catering to many different groups including Aussie Hoops, the domestic competition, representative teams, the senior competition and our all-abilities program.
“We love what we do for the community and with the new stadium on the horizon we can guarantee more opportunity for our kids.”
