2026 Moyne Community Award champions
Published on 27 January 2026
A community volunteer, two young volunteers and youth advocates, and a community-driven literary festival have been named as the winners of the annual Moyne Community Awards.
Panmure’s Ian Wallace has been named Citizen of the Year, Lachie Payne and Eadie Gleeson are the Young Citizens of The Year and the Port Fairy Literary Weekend is the Community Event of the Year.
Mayor, Cr Jordan Lockett said each recipient has made significant contributions to their communities and were deserving winners.
“Ian Wallace is all about dedication, leadership, and generosity. His long-standing, voluntary, and far-reaching contributions make him an outstanding role model and a truly deserving recipient of the Moyne Citizen of the Year Award,” said Cr Lockett.
“As a tireless and passionate member of the Panmure community Ian has played a pivotal role in the Panmure Action Group and the Panmure Cemetery Trust, leading projects that preserve history, honour our veterans, and enhance community spaces,” he said.
“Both Lachie and Eadie are volunteers for the Nippers program at the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club,” he said.
“They are also both members of the Moyne Shire Youth Advisory Board, helping shape programs and initiatives for local youth. Lachie brings enthusiasm, commitment, and community spirit, and Eadie is noted for her dedication, leadership and genuine care for others. They are equally deserving recipients of a Young Citizen Award.”
“Led by local Jo Canham, the Port Fairy Literary Weekend brings authors to Port Fairy each year for a weekend of lively discussion, storytelling, and connection. Designed especially for regional audiences, it offers rare opportunities to engage directly with authors and ideas, right here in our own community, and to build networks and engagement between writers and readers.”
Cr Lockett said he was stoked to acknowledge the individuals and events that have a positive impact on the community.
“These awards are a great way to highlight the amazing efforts people make every day to help our communities thrive,” he said.
“It’s really important that we recognise these contributions, so people understand that their work matters and is valued.”
“Massive thanks all of our recipients for their dedication to making Moyne Shire an even better place to live.”
The Moyne Community Awards are to be presented on Monday 26 January 2026 at the Panmure Community Hall from 10.30am following a citizenship ceremony to welcome 16 new citizens. The event will include a free sausage sizzle from 10am.