General News
29 January, 2026
Health nurse and volunteer honoured
EDENHOPE resident Cath McDonald is West Wimmera Shire’s Australia Day 2026 Citizen of the Year.
The award was presented at the shire’s celebrations on Monday, with other award recipients including Young Citizen of the Year, Lucinda Smith; Community Event of the Year, the Edenhope Motorcycle Club; and Community Group of the Year, the Edenhope Lions Club.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the council again received an exceptional number of high-quality nominations.
“Our communities are filled with people who consistently give their time, energy, and care to support others,” he said.
Cr Meyer said Cath was a deserving recipient of the Citizen of the Year award.
“Cath has made an extraordinary contribution to Edenhope through her professional work and her tireless volunteer efforts,” he said.
“For almost 37 years, she has served as a community health nurse, and well beyond her role, she has worked to identify local needs, secure funding, and deliver programs that strengthen wellbeing and connection.
“As chair of Lifeforce Edenhope, Cath has been the driving force behind initiatives that encourage honest conversations around mental health, grief, and resilience, while bringing people together in safe and supportive spaces.
“Her compassion, leadership, and quiet dedication have had a profound impact on many lives and exemplify the very best of community service.”
Cath has also given decades of service to local sport through the Edenhope Apsley Football Netball Club, where she has played, coached, umpired, and volunteered, while mentoring younger participants.
Her involvement in tennis and parkrun further reflects a lifelong commitment to inclusion, participation, and community spirit.
Young Citizen of the Year: Lucinda Smith
Lucinda has made a significant contribution to Goroke and the surrounding district through leadership, volunteering, and service across agriculture, sport, and education.
She has been involved with the Goroke Agricultural and Pastoral Society for eight years, supporting the pavilion committee and mentoring young people through the VAS Young Judges program.
At Goroke P12 College, Lucinda has demonstrated strong leadership as co-school captain, house captain, and a representative on the school council and student representative council.
Beyond school, she has volunteered her time supporting netball programs and community events.
She has achieved outstanding success in agriculture, competing at the state and national level in sheep judging and breeding her own White Suffolk sheep.
“Lucinda is a role model for young people across the shire,” Cr Meyer said.
Community Event of the Year: Edenhope Motorcycle Club
The Community Event of the Year Award was presented to the Edenhope Motorcycle Club for its outstanding program of motorcycle events delivered across Edenhope and Harrow.
Over the past year, the club has delivered a series of volunteer-led events that have attracted hundreds of participants and generated strong social and economic benefits for local communities.
Highlights included WRMX Round 7 at the Edenhope motocross track, fundraising events supporting Connewirricoo fire recovery, and the continuation of major regional events such as the Harrow Vinduro.
Community Group of the Year: Edenhope Lions Club
The Community Group of the Year Award was presented to the Edenhope Lions Club.
With fewer than 18 members, the club delivers an extraordinary level of support to the Edenhope community, with all funds raised reinvested locally.
The Edenhope Lions Club operates the Opportunity Shop, supports health screening programs, assists individuals and families in need, supports young people, and plays a key role in local events and emergency response.
Cr Meyer congratulated all award recipients and nominees.
“These individuals and groups reflect the values that make West Wimmera such a strong and connected community,” he said.
All recipients received a framed certificate and a lapel pin.
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