Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (15:04): One of the privileges of this job is celebrating the people who hold our communities together. This year’s Australia Day honours recognised some remarkable locals: Kilmore’s Reg Cleland OAM for a lifetime supporting equestrian sport and generations of riders, and while we are not related, I happily do not correct people when they think we are; Seymour’s Christine Welsh OAM, who has stood on the front line of more emergencies than many of us would wish keeping others safe and, despite not being a hugger, has still managed to give me a few; Avenel’s Vivian Beaumont OAM for his lifelong contribution to agricultural shows; Kelvin View’s Di Mackrell OAM, who seems to have taught half the district and shaped far more lives than she would ever admit; and Nagambie’s Gerry Ryan AO, whose impact on sport, tourism and philanthropy is felt both locally and right across the country. To each of them and their families, thank you. You make regional Victoria what it is.