Do you know someone who shines?
Each year, the City of Greater Bendigo celebrates two residents as Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
We’re looking for people who make our community a better place, whether that be in sport, arts and culture, education, business or community service.
Nominating someone is easy, just tell us what your nominee does for the community.
Eligibility:
- Your nominee must be an Australian Citizen living in Greater Bendigo
- A Young Citizen of the Year nominee must be under 25 years of age on January 26
- Sorry, you can't nominate yourself or immediate family!
Nominations are open year-round, closing annually on December 1. The Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year are announced each January, in the lead up to Australia Day.
Note: Winners of the City’s annual Youth Awards will automatically progress to the shortlist for Young Citizen of the Year. All other Youth Award nominees who indicated they wish to be considered in the Young Citizen of the Year category will be forwarded for assessment.
Celebrating our 2026 Citizen and Young Citizen
Barry has been a central contributor to the Bagshot community for more than 50 years, including documenting the district’s history through two books and playing a key role in maintaining Bagshot Hall, the community’s main gathering place.
As secretary of the Bagshot Hall Committee since 1975, he has overseen its upkeep, improvements and day‑to‑day operations, including bookings, financial management, grant applications and maintenance of the hall and surrounding grounds.
Barry has also served on the Bagshot Recreation Committee since 1973, including 36 years as secretary, supporting the ongoing care and use of the recreation reserve. His involvement has extended to organising fundraising events and ensuring both facilities remain well‑managed and accessible to the local and Greater Bendigo communities.
Beyond Bagshot, Barry has contributed to a wide range of community organisations. He was a founding treasurer and member of the Huntly Epsom Lions Club, treasurer of the Goornong Neighbourhood Watch for 19 years, and a member of the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society for 15 years.
He has also volunteered with the St John of God Hospital consumer advisory group, Bendigo Prostate Support Group, Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise and the Huntly Fire Brigade.
As a volunteer with Dementia Alliance, Phannika has played a key role in establishing and leading the Dementia Buddy Program, an intergenerational initiative that connects students, particularly those with autism and additional needs, with people living with dementia and their carers.
Through her involvement, the ongoing program has created a safe, inclusive environment where young people can build confidence, develop empathy and contribute meaningfully to their community. Her work has helped reduce stigma and strengthen understanding between younger and older community members.
Alongside her volunteer work, Phannika is a young carer for her three younger siblings, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. To date, she has contributed more than 600 hours to the Dementia Alliance’s Reflections at Eppalock project, assisting with a wide range of tasks, from planting and watering more than 1,500 plants, to painting, baking for carers’ lunches and supporting weekend and holiday activities.
Phannika’s involvement with community organisations such as Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary, Inner Wheel and the Country Education Partnership further reflect her commitment to community participation.
Phannika is 15 years old and is completing her secondary education.