May 30th, 2025Winners are grinners: Macedon Ranges community awards

The winners of the Macedon Ranges Community Awards 2025 have been officially announced, with
inspiring individuals and groups recognised for their contributions to the shire.

Held at the Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday 22 May in National Volunteer Week, the event celebrated
outstanding efforts across eight award categories, as part of a newly consolidated format combining
the former awards in January and Youth Awards in September into one flagship celebration.

Nominees were put forward by the community through a public process earlier this year, then
assessed by a panel and scored according to three weighted criteria relating to impact to the
community, alignment to Council goals and equity of recognition.

Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Dom Bonanno congratulated all the nominees and award recipients, saying the night highlighted the strength and heart of the Macedon Ranges.

“These awards are a testament to the incredible people who passionately and consistently make our
shire a better place. Their stories reflect a community that values compassion, connection, and
contribution,” he said.

“Volunteers are not paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. Congratulations to all the winners in each of the categories, but also more broadly to all the nominees and those who took the time to nominate them.”

The awards acknowledge a wide range of achievements, from grassroots environmental initiatives
and inclusive arts programs to youth leadership and community sport.

The evening also served as a reminder of the essential role of volunteers and changemakers across
the shire – people who continue to lead with generosity, creativity, and care.

The winners and their categories can be found on the Macedon Ranges website.