Indigo’s outstanding citizens recognised

By Adrienne Hartnett

Jan 31, 2024

Beechworth resident Christine Dormer was named Indigo Shire’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, at last Friday’s Australia Day awards while Chiltern’s Kurt Sorenson Indigo Shire’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year.

Residents of Indigo Shire came together to celebrate Australia Day, honouring outstanding citizens whose contributions have significantly enriched the local community.

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The festivities, spread across various towns within the shire, highlighted the spirit of unity and shared responsibility that defines the region.

Rutherglen’s Julie Simpson (pictured with Herb Ellerbock in 2022) received the Rutherglen and District Certificate of Achievement for her contribution to the Rutherglen community including her work with the Rutherglen Lions Club.

Rutherglen set the stage for a memorable Australia Day breakfast and ceremony, organised by the Rutherglen Rotary Club.

Against the backdrop of a radiant morning, attendees gathered to witness Rutherglen High School Captains, Kayla Horne and Thomas Frazier, deliver poignant speeches at the ceremony about what Australia Day means to them. Their words resonated with the crowd, encapsulating the essence of Australia Day and fostering a sense of community pride.

The remarkable Julie Simpson received the Rutherglen and District Certificate of Achievement for her contribution to the Rutherglen community.

Meanwhile, in Wahgunyah, the Willows played host to a lively Australia Day BBQ, courtesy of the Wahgunyah Progress Association.

Deputy Mayor Bernard Gaffney and Cr Roberta Horne attended the event, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. Locals revelled in a morning filled with cricket, raffles, and delicious food on the banks of the Murray.

Unfortunately, no nominations were received from Wahgunyah.

Wahgunyah’s community BBQ was a hit with locals.

In Beechworth, crowning moment of the awards ceremony was the announcement of local resident Christine Dormer who was named Indigo Shire’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Mayor Sophie Price lauded Ms Dormer for her tireless dedication to the Beechworth and Stanley communities, spanning several decades.

“Christine’s incredible history of community service spans decades and truly makes her a worthy recipient of this award,” Mayor Price said.

“Since the 1980s she has been a stalwart of both the Stanley and Beechworth communities and her selflessness in sharing her time and knowledge for the benefit of her community, as well as future generations, makes this award so well-deserved.”

Ms Dormer has been instrumental in maintaining and preserving the historic building and collection of the Stanley Athenaeum and has spent hundreds of hours applying for grants, assisting with business and disaster preparedness planning, cataloguing the collection, researching and writing books, planning exhibitions and training volunteers.

Wahgunyah’s Emma Eyles and Alan Pleitner pictured at the community bbq at the Willows Recreation Reserve.

She has had numerous roles from committee member to founding member of many groups and organisations across the shire, including the Stanley Cemetery Trust, Beechworth Arts Council, Stanley Hall Committee, Murray Museums Group, Beechworth Senior Citizen’s, BEAT, Green Fingers gardening group and the Mechanics Institute in Melbourne.

In receiving the award, Ms Dormer said she was humbled by the recognition.

“It’s really nice to be recognised but it is important for me to acknowledge that there are a lot of other people that contribute too,” she said.

Ms Dormer was similarly modest as she reflected on her many years of volunteering saying it’s just something she has always done.

“I think it comes from my upbringing, I grew up in a small rural community and it is just what people did,” she said.

“All through my life, I’ve always put my hand up to do things.

“I guess I try to show leadership when engaging people and in encouraging them to get involved, if people are interested in anything from books and reading, photography or history, I always just say come along and give it a go.

“It’s social, it’s a great way to be involved in your community and it’s incredibly rewarding to work together toward common goals.”

Deputy Mayor Bernard Gaffney and Cr Roberta Horne in Wahgunyah.

The title of Young Citizen of the Year was bestowed upon the remarkable 24-year-old Chiltern local, Kurt Sorenson.

Kurt was described as an active and inspiring member of the Chiltern CFA since he joined as a junior member at just 11 years of age. More recently, he’s taken on the role of Training Coordinator and 2nd Lieutenant.

Kurt has led the Chiltern Junior Fire Brigade team for approximately three years and represents the CFA in the community by coaching juniors in running teams, contributing to the Good Friday appeal and other fundraising efforts and also helps with maintenance tasks at the station.

Mayor Price says that Kurt has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to his local community and maturity and leadership beyond his years.

“Kurt’s award today is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his dedication to the CFA and his local community,” she said.

“Kurt is a pivotal member of the Chiltern CFA team both on and off the fireground and he’s a brilliant role model for other young people.”

Mayor Price said the future is bright with young people such as Kurt demonstrating such a dedication to serving their community.

Kurt was humbled by the award, acknowledging that he certainly didn’t expect it.

“I volunteer with the CFA because it’s a really great group of people to be around and its very rewarding to see people come through and become qualified firefighters,” he said.

“All the hard work we put in makes our brigade run really well and means that we’re qualified to handle what’s thrown at us when there’s a fire. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

The Community Organisation of the Year award went to the Kergunyah Country Women’s Association (CWA). Made up of a small and dedicated group of women, the Kergunyah CWA works tirelessly to empower, encourage, and support local women and children.

Mayor Price said this group of committed volunteers is the backbone of the Kergunyah and Kiewa communities, supporting the Kiewa primary school with monthly awards, the Kiewa River Gazette, the Kergunyah Community Hall, the SES and local elderly people, and the group can always be relied upon in times of need.