The City of Greater Bendigo congratulates two outstanding local leaders on being named the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year for 2026.
Bagshot resident Barry Clay is the Citizen of the Year, in recognition of his strong leadership and contribution to the Bagshot district for several decades.
Axedale resident Phannika Finnerty is the Young Citizen of the Year, acknowledging her ongoing service to Dementia Alliance and establishing and leading the Dementia Buddy Program.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the City was delighted to honour these two worthy community leaders.
“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Barry Clay and Phannika Finnerty on becoming the 2026 Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year respectively. Both of you have made a significant contribution to the Greater Bendigo community in such positive ways,” Cr Prince said.
“Barry is a much-loved pillar of the Bagshot community, serving on the Bagshot Hall Committee for 50 years and counting and dedicating countless hours to ensure the hall thrives as a gathering place for locals and the wider community.
“Phannika is the driving force behind the Dementia Buddy Program, creating a safe, inclusive space where students, especially those with autism and additional needs, can connect meaningfully with people living with dementia.
“Both Barry and Phannika are truly committed to their communities and wonderful examples of volunteers who tirelessly give back.
“These awards recognise their service to others, and the passion, determination and positivity they bring is uplifting and inspiring.”
More information
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.