Fairley Alumni Recognised in 2026 Community Honours and Awards
- Kimberley Chu
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
27th January 2026
Goulburn Murray — Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) is proud to congratulate several Fairley Leadership Program alumni who were recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours and community awards across the region. These achievements reflect the ongoing impact of Fairley Fellows who continue to lead where they live and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
Sam Atukorala OAM (FF’14 & GMCL Board Member) has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for service to the multicultural community of the Shepparton district. Sam’s leadership spans community development, multicultural engagement, emergency management, youth leadership, sport, and service on advisory committees across government and community organisations. His work continues to strengthen inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds in regional Victoria.
Citizen of the Year – Dookie
Peter Shields (FF’16) was named Citizen of the Year in Dookie in recognition of his longstanding and selfless service to the community.
From his 30 years of dedication to the CFA, earning a National Emergency Medal, to his leadership roles across the Dookie Agricultural Society, Primary School Council and Historical Society, Peter exemplifies what it means to lead where you live. Alongside his professional work and generous sponsorship of local clubs and not-for-profit groups, his commitment to recreation, heritage, and men’s mental health continues to strengthen the fabric of the Dookie community. Reflecting on the recognition, Peter shared:
“This award is more of a recognition of the success of the community groups and organisations that I am involved in, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who work alongside me, as well as the support my family has given me.”
Community Event of the Year – Murray River
The Winter Blues Festival has been named Murray River Council’s Australia Day Community Event of the Year. This much-loved annual event brings people together to celebrate community spirit, connection and cultural vibrancy.
We warmly celebrate the leadership of Laurelin Berick (FF’23), who serves as Festival Chair, and acknowledge the incredible volunteer committee and wider team whose passion and dedication make the festival such a standout highlight on the regional calendar.
Community Organisation of the Year – Moira Shire
Women of the Murray was awarded Moira Shire Council’s Community Organisation of the Year 2026 in recognition of its work empowering women and girls across rural and regional communities. We are proud to acknowledge the involvement of Fairley Fellows in this initiative, including:
Stacey Dick (FF’25) – Founder
Charlene Donovan (FF’23) – Board Member
Vicki Scott (FF’15) – Board Member
Keneisha Lines Howell (FF’25) – Committee Member
Their leadership continues to strengthen regional connection, foster empowerment, and create safe, inclusive spaces for women across the Murray region through events, mentorship, and purpose-led programs.
Congratulations also to Stacey, who was nominated for Citizen of the Year in Numurkah for her exceptional community leadership and service.
Citizen of the Year Nomination – Campaspe Shire
GMCL Board Member Warren Davies was nominated for Citizen of the Year in Campaspe Shire in recognition of his outstanding contribution to rural communities. Known widely as “The Unbreakable Farmer,” Warren has dedicated years to supporting mental health, resilience, and wellbeing across regional Australia. Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, he has become a respected advocate for drought resilience, suicide prevention, and strengthening rural communities. His work continues to inspire individuals, farming families, and leaders to prioritise mental health and look out for one another, particularly during challenging times.
Community Group of the Year Nomination – Campaspe Shire
Loco Shed Echuca Inc. has been nominated for Campaspe Shire Council’s Community Group of the Year 2026. The organisation is leading the restoration of Echuca’s historic 1864 locomotive engine shed, transforming the heritage site into a vibrant, multi-purpose community space for events, arts, and local connection. We acknowledge Callum Phillips (FF’24) for his contribution to this important community initiative, which is preserving history while creating new opportunities for engagement and activation in the region. Reflecting on the nomination, Callum shared,
'The nomination reinforces the importance of the Loco Shed space within the Echuca-Moama community and heritage precinct and the efforts to not only protect it, but make it a viable community-use space. The efforts of our volunteers and supporters continue to give the project momentum, our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you.'
These recognitions highlight the diverse ways Fairley alumni are contributing to community wellbeing, inclusion, culture and leadership across the Goulburn Murray region.
As GMCL steps into its 30th year in 2026, we celebrate more than 745 alumni who continue to create positive impact across local government, community organisations, business, agriculture, health, the arts and beyond.
Congratulations to all alumni and local organisations recognised in the recent community celebrations and awards — your leadership strengthens the social fabric of our region and inspires the next generation of leaders.