Montrose Township Group has been recognised in the Yarra Ranges Council’s Australia Day Civic Awards for our work supporting and connecting our local community. We were awarded the Community Group award, presented by Councillor Len Cox OAM at a ceremony on Monday 26 January.
Group member, Chelsey Cooper told Callum Ludwig from Star Mail the award was a “delightful surprise.” “The last couple of years have been quite big for our community and the Township Group played an important role in keeping the community informed and connected, inviting many different opportunities for locals to contribute and get involved,” she said.
As a group, we have coordinated events including sustainable workshops, historical talks, clean up days, picnic-in-the-park concerts with a community expo, flower festivals and the People’s Garden community working bees. We were also delighted to work alongside local community member, Max Lamb, who led and coordinated the production and unveiling of the Edith Yeaman Memorial Bust. Our support of this special community memorial was provided through grant writing, financial auspice, historical research and event assistance. Our seasonal newsletters, The Montrose Pulse, continue to highlight local clubs, events, and history.
Looking ahead, Montrose Township Group plans to host more events, maintain working bees, and develop a five-year community plan to guide future projects.
From Chelsey again, as told to Callum Ludwig: “For Montrose, our focus is strengthening what already exists in our community… Getting involved, even in a small way, benefits both the community and the individuals who participate,” Ms Cooper said, as quoted to Callum Ludwig. “It’s about making friends, having interesting conversations, and feeling proud of the part you play in improving our town.”
We were also honoured to stand with other award recipients who included:
- Citizen of the Year: Emma Sullivan
- Mayor’s Lifetime Achiever: Gordon Buller
- Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership: Heath Pawley
- Environmental Achiever of the Year: Patrick Natoli
- Young Environmental Achiever of the Year: Coen Pearson
And a special shout-out to Pat, who accepted an award with us AND for Environmental Achiever of the Year with Montrose Community Cupboard. Now that’s a local legend, if I ever saw one!
by Madeleine Coyle 28/01/2026
