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Mike Toone has been named the 2025 Local Achiever as part of the Warrnambool Citizen of the Year Awards.
After retiring to Warrnambool a decade ago, Mike wasted no time in getting involved in his new community, joining the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East and Standing Tall.
“I’ve been a member of Rotary East for 10 years,” he said.
“That was the best thing I did and I met 40 people straight away.”
Despite only playing golf about once a year, the hole-in-one competition run by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East struck a chord with Mike.
What started as a fundraiser 20 years ago has grown into one of Warrnambool’s most popular summer activities, with entrants competing between Boxing Day and Australia Day to win a car.
The event won the 2015 Warrnambool Community Event of the Year.
“I joined the hole-in-one committee straight away, so I’ve been involved in the committee of about 10 of us for the last 10 years, and I ran it as the chairman or team leader for the past two years,” he said.
“It’s our main money spinner for the year, and everything we make goes back into local charities.
“We make $70,000 to $80,000 a year, so it’s nice when people need some money. At the Pomonal fires, we were able to just go and give $10,000 to that so that’s one of the real drivers behind it.”
Mike also became involved with Standing Tall shortly after arriving in Warrnambool.
Inspired by Father Chris Ryan, who worked with youth in Sydney, Mike jumped at the opportunity to work with young people in his new hometown.
“I joined Standing Tall about nine years ago. I was on the committee of management for about six years,” he said.
“Over that period of time I’ve mentored six different boys and watched them go on to different phases in their lives.”
He’s also a regular visitor to the Merri River School each December where he dresses up as Santa, and as a self-described “football tragic” Mike also works with young footballers with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Reflecting on his award, Mike expressed his deep appreciation for Warrnambool.
“I just think that Warrnambool is such a wonderful community,” he said.
“Straight away I saw that Warrnambool was a very giving community.
“Warrnambool has been great to us. It’s a beautiful place, so why not do what you can?”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain thanked Mike for his contributions to Warrnambool.
“It’s pretty common for people to retire and get involved in golf. But with Mike, he’s taken a slightly different route, and one that has helped raised thousands of dollars for local causes,” he said.
“The hole-in-one competition is a fixture on Warrnambool’s summer calendar, but it’s only made possible by passionate and selfless volunteers like Mike Toone.
“Mike’s can-do attitude and kind heart have made a big impression on Warrnambool, especially with the city’s young people, helping to foster a stronger and more supportive community.”
Mike will be officially presented with his award at a ceremony on Thursday January 23 at 6pm.
The event will be held at The STAGE, Emmanuel College, Ardlie St, with all welcome to attend.
Other award winners include Citizen of the Year Nathan McKane, Young Citizen of the Year Sharna Rogers and the Warrnambool Community Garden’s Open Day which is the Community Event of the Year.
The event will also include an Australian Citizenship ceremony, with 49 people to take the Pledge and officially become Australian Citizens.