Three hard working individuals from across the Murray River Council were recognised for their remarkable contributions to the wider community on January 26.
Billie Logie, 21, walked away with the young citizen of the year award, while Luke Barlow was named sportsperson of the year, and Lou Iannacone accepted the community event of the year award on behalf of the Echuca Moama Bridge Opening Committee.
Young citizen of the year
Billie Logie was was nominated by the Echuca and District Netball Association for her inspirational involvement with their committee.
Wise beyond her years, the young citizen of the year was elected to the Netball Association’s Committee of Management at the age of 17.
She has worked tirelessly throughout COVID-19 to ensure people of all ages get the opportunity to play sport.
Giving an emotional address to the crowd, Ms Logie said it had been a tough few years for the organisation, but gave a shout out to EDNA for being a supportive network.
“This is an experience of a lifetime,” she said.
“It just goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Ms Logie was commended by Cr Chris Bilkey for her “willingness to help further sporting opportunities in the local area.”
“She has demonstrated maturity above her years as a great ambassador for the local community and is a worthy recipient of the young citizen of the year award.”
Sportsperson of the year
Luke Barlow was acknowledged for his tremendous fundraising and event organising efforts during his time as president of the Echuca Moama Triathlon Club.
He has organised countless events such as the annual Boxing Day run, which raises funds for farmers struggling with mental health and he was instrumental in arranging the Morley Auto Group Triathlon and the Big Freeze Motor Neuron Disease event.
In 2021, he took part in the Noosa Ultraman Competition and raised more than $10,000 towards the Dolly’s Dream fundraiser.
Mr Barlow was a Bunnaloo farmer for many years before getting into fitness and realising the potential fitness has for improving mental health.
The crop farmer and health advocate proudly and humbly accepted his award.
“I know a lot of great sports people from this region that have inspired me so I’m a bit taken back actually,” Mr Barlow said.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be nominated, let alone be awarded. I was always picked last for sporting teams, so I’m pretty thankful to have been picked.
“I encourage people to get active because for me fitness is not just about physical health, it’s about mental health and I just want other people to experience that same enjoyment.”
Despite Mr Barlow’s modest attitude, Cr Bilkey said Mr Barlow embodies all of the values of the sportsperson of the year award.
Community event of the year
After 140 years with just a single bridge and more than 60 years of campaigning the Echuca Moama Bridge Opening Committee was pivotal in creating a grand opening event like no other.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, they arranged a fly over, a paddlesteamer to sail under the new bridge and thousands of Australian flags to be put on display.
On behalf of the committee Lou Iannacone accepted the award, saying he was shocked they had even been nominated.
“It was a great achievement and a great reflection on the community,” Mr Iannacone said.
“It’s not every day you get an award like that.
“It really was a team effort. We have an amazing group of volunteers.”
Honourable mentions
Nominated for being exceptional citizens were David Wegner, Lou Iannacone, and Josh Edgar.
Jobe Shanahan was nominated for young sportsperson of the year, while the Moama Football Club and Moama Community Volunteer Sandbagging Group were put up for community group of the year nomination.
Cr Bilkey said each nominee deserved to be acknowledged for their commitment towards bettering the community.
“There are lots of people who have made lasting contributions,” Cr Bilkey said.