Echuca’s top citizens awarded

“It came as a bit of a surprise to me when Teresa rang me and said to come down (to the ceremony),” she said.

“For me, this is a team award, not an individual one.

“Without my staff, the vollies (volunteers), the Echuca Neighbourhood House would not be able do anything.”

Originally from Colbinabbin, Ms Peake completed her schooling at Rochester Secondary College and has lived in Echuca for the past 18 years.

She joined ENH in January 2016 and took over as manager in 2020.

“It has been a tough three years, first with COVID and most recently the floods,” she said.

“The floods were another hurdle for the community, but as we saw, the community rallies together at times of crisis and helps each other.

“Helping people is my passion, I do it because I love it.”

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Echuca’s Cameron Barnes completed a rare double.

Mr Barnes, 20, earned the Young Citizen of the Year award not only for Echuca and District, but the entire Campaspe Shire.

In presenting the award, Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said Mr Barnes was a young man who had “dedicated his life to helping others and has a desire to make a difference”.

A member of the shire’s Youth Advisory Group, Mr Barnes said he was humbled to receive the honours.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said.

“I was already going to be here in my role as a member of the Echuca Scouts, so when I heard my name announced, I was a bit shocked, but honoured.

“It is a huge honour.”

Mr Barnes has been a member of the 1st Echuca Scouts since the age of eight and spoke about how the volunteer organisation had shaped him.

“Being a member of the scouts has led to everything, it put me on the path of volunteering and helping the community,” he said.

Mr Barnes paid special tribute to his parents.

“Mum (Helen) and Dad (Sean) have carried me through everything, they’ve been great supporters of mine,” he said.

Mr Barnes is studying a Certificate III and IV in Personal Training under the tutelage of Moama’s Mick Cannon, with the goal to work in the field of disability and rehabilitation.

He enjoys volunteering at the Elders exercise program at Njernda’s Nyini Health and Wellness Centre.

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR

EMFM was a popular winner of the Echuca and District Community Group of the Year award.

The community radio station, which broadcasts on 104.7FM, is popular in Echuca and the surrounding areas.

Spokesperson Dot Hammond said it meant a great deal to the station to receive the award.

“It is an honour,” she said.

“The station is going well, we’re getting bigger and better all the time.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the technical staff who work so hard to ensure we get on the air.

“That hasn’t been that simple of late, especially with these thunderstorms we’ve been getting.

“We wouldn’t be here without their efforts, so thanks to them, and all the presenters who are part of the EMFM team.”