Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, is delighted to host the 2024 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards at a ceremony in Ararat on Friday 25 October.
In the morning, Mr Tehan will host the sport awards. The ceremony will celebrate Wannon athletes, coaches and sporting clubs for their outstanding commitment or achievements in sport.
“The Wannon Sport Awards are an important opportunity not only for me, but also for the community, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our sporting community and the contribution sport makes to Wannon.
“More than winning, participating in sport helps to build our communities, boosts confidence, and provides a feeling of belonging and connection,” said Mr Tehan.
Joining Mr Tehan at the sport awards ceremony is guest speaker, Olympian Penny Smith. Ms Smith, who grew up in Camperdown, won a bronze medal in the Women’s Trap event at the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris.
In the afternoon, Mr Tehan will host the volunteer awards.
“Volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational and other worthwhile activities plays a vital role in enabling rural communities to flourish,” said Mr Tehan. “These awards allow me to show my appreciation for the selfless work that individuals and groups have carried out in our community, often behind the scenes.”
Mr Tehan will be joined at the volunteer awards by guest speakers Leila McDougall and Daniel Buckingham.
Mrs McDougall is the Tatyoon farmer, actor, scriptwriter and producer behind the film Just A Farmer which raises awareness of the mental health struggles faced by rural communities. She and her husband also set up Live Rural whose annual fundraiser, Mellow in the Yellow, has donated thousands of dollars to community initiatives.
Mr Buckingham was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Ararat Rural City Council in the 2024 Australia Day awards in recognition of the countless hours he has contributed to numerous organisations including the CFA for whom he has volunteered for 33 years.
There are 29 recipients of the Sport Awards and 47 recipients of the Volunteer Awards.
“I was inspired to read about the individuals and groups whose hard work is having such a positive impact on our communities,” Mr Tehan said. “Their dedication is truly commendable.”
