2026 winners
Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients
Moyne Citizen of the Year – Ian Wallace
The Citizen of the Year Award acknowledges outstanding service and contribution over a number of years given by an individual to their local community.
Ian is a tireless and passionate member of the Panmure community and beyond. For more than four decades, he has dedicated his time, energy, and expertise to making Moyne Shire a stronger, more connected, and caring 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.
From organising meaningful Anzac Day services, including flyovers and international connections, to developing local recreational areas such as the Panmure Freedom Camping site, Big Hole lookout, and netball courts, Ian’s contributions are wide-reaching.
In addition to his incredible community work, Ian has had a 42-year career in education, training apprentices and mechanics at a state, national, and international level, sharing his knowledge across Victoria, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States. His commitment to education and skill development has left a lasting impact on countless students and professionals worldwide.
Ian Wallace embodies 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.
Without people like Ian, our community would not be as rich and vibrant as it is today.
Moyne Young Citizens of the Year – Lachie Payne and Eadie Gleeson
Lachie is a dedicated and inspiring young leader who consistently gives back to the Moyne community.
He volunteers with the Nippers program at the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club, completing his Bronze Medallion, patrolling on weekends, and stepping in as an Age Manager when needed. Lachie brings energy, positivity, and guidance to younger members, serving as a mentor and role model.
In addition, he contributes his voice and ideas as a member of the Moyne Shire Youth Advisory Board, helping shape programs and initiatives for local youth. Lachie’s enthusiasm, commitment, and community spirit make him an exceptional example for others and a deserving recipient of the Young Citizen Award.
Eadie has spent weekends during the summer period volunteering at the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club since she was twelve. She has completed her SRC and Bronze Medallion, often taking time off work to patrol, and has become an Age Manager for the U13s Nippers group.
Each week Eadie interacts with the children, calming their nerves, building their confidence, and helping them discover their own strengths.
Eadie is also a member of the Council’s Youth Advisory Board, where she actively contributes to shaping her community through her passion and advocacy. Her dedication, leadership and genuine care for others make her an outstanding role model who consistently gives back
Moyne Community Event of the Year – Port Fairy Literary Weekend
Led by local Jo Canham, the Port Fairy Literary Weekend is a much-loved, community-driven festival that brings around twenty-five 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 writers and ideas, right here in our own community.
From the beginning, the festival has been shaped by strong local collaboration, working closely with Blarney Books and Art as a major sponsor, local authors, literary groups, readers, and a committed team of volunteers.
Launched as a trial in 2021, the festival quickly proved its value. With strong ticket sales, highly engaged audiences, and enthusiastic feedback, it was a runaway success. Since then, the festival has grown each year, with increasing author participation, rising attendance, and many returning audiences.
The festival aims to inspire new writers, build networks between local and national literary communities, and actively support diverse voices - particularly LGBTIQ+ communities, young people, and regional creatives. Its small-town scale encourages participation, open conversation, and a generous community atmosphere.