Local Legends Recognised with Citizens of the Year Awards

 

 

Bendigo’s most generous and giving local citizens have been recognised with Citizen of the Year awards on Monday morning.

 

Huntly’s Trevor Strauch has been recognised as Bendigo’s 2023 Citizen of the Year.

 

Strauch is a life member at the Huntly Fire Brigade, a recipient of the National Emergency Award, a 13-year member of the Northern Bendigo Landcare Group, and even carried the 2000 Olympic torch. 

 

Meanwhile, two Young Citizens of the Year received awards this year. 

 

Firstly, 18-year-old proud Torres Strait Islander, Amelia Leach-Unmeopa. 

 

Leach-Unmeopa has advocated for better educational opportunities for Indigenous Australians and last year won Zonta Bendigo’s inaugural Indigenous Women and Girls Achievement Award in recognition of her volunteer work. 

 

Secondly, 21-year-old Mitchell Graham, president of the Empowering Eaglehawk organisation.

 

Graham has also been involved with many sporting organisations, such as the Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Association and the Eaglehawk Athletic Club.

 

In addition, Mr Graham is the Eaglehawk Citizen of the Year winner. 

 

Image: From left: Mitchell Graham, Trevor Strauch and Amelia Leach-Unmeopa, Supplied.