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Nominations are now open for the 2026 Warrnambool Citizen of the Year Awards.
As well as the Citizen of the Year, other categories include Young Citizen of the Year (aged 16–30), Community Event of the Year and the Local Achiever Award.
2025 Citizen of the Year Nathan McKane knows how powerful that recognition can be.
Nathan was commended for his work in promoting mental health awareness and the R U OK? Day message.
Named an R U OK? Day Ambassador for the second year running, he’s currently in the midst of the Ks for R U OK? Day challenge, where he aims to walk, ride and paddle a combined 250km during October.
You can find out more and support Nathan at https://ksforruok.ruok.org.au.
He said that almost a year on, he was proud of the award and how it had helped to spread important mental health messages.
“There was the honour of winning the award, but also the fact that I was able to put mental health and suicide prevention into the wider community space and hopefully make people feel safe and more comfortable to talk about the emotional side of it,” he said.
“I remember in March I went for a surf with my daughter at Worm Bay, and these two ladies came in from the surf and said ‘we were at the award ceremony. Thank you.’”
“I thought, wow, these people don’t know me but they’ve remembered me from two months prior and what’s happened has resonated with them.
“There were lots of little occurrences like that that still happen to this day.
“If people see you and they want to acknowledge it or take it further and look up R U OK?, that’s fantastic.”
He encouraged everyone to take a moment to think about the people they know who make a difference, and to nominate them for an award.
“If you believe in somebody to the extent that they’ve done something great for the community, just go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
“Within our community we’re all involved in different social circles and community groups, so it can help you expose your peers who have done great things that other people may not know about, and it can go a long way to boosting their confidence and helping them along with the good work they’re doing.”
Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said the awards were the perfect way to recognise the people and events who make Warrnambool a better place to live.
“These awards are a really great way to shine a spotlight on an unsung local hero,” he said.
“Someone who puts others before themselves and quietly helps create the clubs, events or community spaces that we all enjoy.
“These are the people who step up and volunteer, organise, mentor or simply just lend a hand when and where it’s needed in the community.
“If you stop and think, we all know someone like this, and nominating them for an award is a really meaningful way to show your appreciation.”
Cr Blain said the awards presentation would again take place in late January.
“As in recent years, the awards will be presented as part of a special event that also includes a Citizenship Ceremony,” he said.
“This format has been incredibly well attended. By avoiding the long weekend, award recipients and new citizens can be surrounded by a strong contingent of family and friends.
“It’s one of the most uplifting days on the Council calendar, and a fantastic way to start the new year.”
Visit www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au by November 13 to make a nomination.