Citizen of the Year Nominees & Australia Day Ambassador Announced

Published on 20 January 2026

Nominations for the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Citizen of the Year have been announced. The local Australia Day awards recognise community heroes who have made significant contributions to our municipality and are presented as part of the official Australia Day ceremony.

The awards will be presented by Mayor Irene Grant, and Australia Day Ambassador Faryal Khan in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Project or Event of the Year.

Citizen of the Year Nominations

Melissa Nyman, founder of My Oh Meno, has created a vital support network for women navigating menopause, organising weekly meet‑ups, education sessions, and social connection, while collaborating to deliver strength and fitness programs that empower and improve the wellbeing of midlife women.

Denise O’Keefe has devoted over 25 years to the Milawa community through the Milawa Carols by Candlelight, guiding the event from its beginnings at Milawa Primary School to the Milawa Sound Shell, expertly organising performances, mentoring musicians, and strengthening community spirit through her music and tireless leadership.

Phil O’Keefe has served Milawa for over 25 years, co‑leading the Milawa Carols by Candlelight and delighting families as Rudolph the Reindeer. As a 13‑year committee member and long‑time trainer with the Milawa Football Netball Club, he fosters inclusion, wellbeing and enduring community pride.

Brendan Ritchens, Co Founder of The Skill Engineer Ltd and Director of Evero Engineering, has transformed opportunities for young women and disadvantaged youth through initiatives like the Girls of Steel program, creating practical engineering pathways and driving inclusive, community focused skills development across regional Australia.

Bevan Tremellen, President of Wangaratta Woodworkers Inc., has revitalised the group through inclusive initiatives such as the Women’s Program and compassionate projects with Northeast Health Wangaratta. Bevan has led heritage restorations like the Wangaratta Gates project and continues to strengthen community skills, connection and wellbeing through humble service.

Helen Van Riet has enriched Wangaratta through decades of service to organisations and events across music, faith, environmental issues, and social justice. Helen’s quiet leadership, creativity, and generosity have enriched local organisations including the Wangaratta Concert Band, Uniting Church Wangaratta Parish, and Australian Plants Society.

2026 Australia Day Ambassador

Each year, Council selects a community member to serve as ambassador for the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, this year the ambassador is Faryal Nawaz Khan.

Faryal has been recognised for her significant contribution to our community and commitment to helping Wangaratta continue to grow as an inclusive, vibrant and culturally rich regional hub.

Originally from Pakistan, Faryal moved to Australia in 2013 and is the Manager of Community Engagement & Programs at the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA). In this role, Khan supports newly arrived and established migrant communities across North East Victoria, strengthening community connections and championing multicultural inclusion.

2026 Australia Day Ambassador, Faryal Nawaz Khan: “Australia Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. For me, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the diverse stories that make up our nation and to acknowledge both our shared achievements and our ongoing journey toward understanding and inclusion.”

“What I love most about Wangaratta is the genuine support of its people. This community looks after one another in meaningful ways, through local events, volunteer work, cultural celebrations, and simple everyday acts of kindness.”

Key Details

Australia Day Official Proceedings
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, 33-37 Ford St, Wangaratta