Australia Day Awards

Sarah Bauer 

Sarah is a student at Finley High School and her outstanding achievements in 2022 not only reflect what an inspiring person she is to the school community but also to the community at large. 

Twelves months ago Sarah was offered a place in the Curious Minds Program  One of 110 females (secondary students) from across Australia to travel to Sydney to hear talks from prominent women in STEM, engage in hands-on supercharged sessions, undertake investigations, participate in communication workshops, and STEM coaching sessions and, most importantly, grow in confidence and ability in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment.   

The goal of this program is to gain a head-start to further the students’ studies in Science and Maths and forge friendships with like-minded students from around Australia.  Sarah was selected because of her excellent results, commitment to learning and enthusiasm for STEM subjects. 

Sarah was partnered with Katie Scott a cloud architect for Microsoft and was offered a scholarship position in the Quantum Computing Summer Camp. 

Sarah also participated in the SQA Quantum Hackathon, was selected as one of the three flag bearers at the Finley ANZAC March, participated in Sydney for the NSW Public Speaking Competition finals. 

Sarah was awarded the Director of Education Award for innovation and leadership. She is a member of the Finley High School’s Audio Stories team and last school holidays was asked to speak at a Regional Heath Foreum as a Youth Health Ambassador.  Sarah was announce as a state winner in the National History Challenge for 2022, she is active ember of the Finley Netball Club and also a member of the fire cadets. 

MacKenzie O’Dwyer 

MacKenzie is a dedicated netballer, who is a representative in many teams, including school, netball club and representative teams in Victoria.  This comes with some difficulties as many trainings are a long way from home.  At current, MacKenzie is travelling to Shepparton on Tuesday night for competition and then training with the City West Falcons in Altona on Wednesday and Sunday nights, where she is not returning home until around midnight.  She is young netballer trying to fulfil her dreams under difficult circumstances, where she and her family are making huge sacrifices in turning this dream into reality. 

Mackenzie’s achievements in 2022 are: 

Berrigan Men’s Shed 

The Berrigan Men’s Shed began in 2010,and since then membership has grown to 38 financial members who gather two morning each week at the Men’s Shed in Chanter Street Berrigan just to have a chat or to talk over a cup of tea, play a game of billiards or cards, whilst others build garden bed, restore furniture, collect donated items or attend any other jobs that come their way. 

Madison McDiarmid

Madison continuously strives not only to make a difference in her school community but within our local community.

At only 17 years old she has already achieved many personal goals, received a number of awards and has a positive influence on our community members both young and old. Her positive and happy outlook on life is infectious and she brightens the day of the people she interacts with.
Madison's diligence has led to achievements in both academics and sports:

• Elected as School Captain for 2024 at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
• Voted as House Captain in 2023 at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
• Awarded Dux of Year Ten in 2022 at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
• Rotary Club of Cobram Academic Scholarship in 2022. The recipient of this award is a student who uphold the core values of service, diversity, integrity and leadership.
• Completed Certificate III in Sports & Recreation through AFL Sports Ready Program whilst undertaking a traineeship with Skillzone.

Madison also runs the On-Track Program for Under 6 & Under 7 athletes at Barooga Little Athletics Club. Her role at Barooga Little Athletics is both voluntary and focused on developing junior athletes skills and talent, which she thoroughly enjoys.

Casey Chandler

Casey Chandler is an exceptional young person who excels in all sports. At only 14 years old, she is competing at the highest level in golf, AFLW and dance. Her golfing ability, in particular, is second to none, often outclassing and out-driving people more than twice her age.

Casey is an extraordinary role model for young people and her relaxed nature and carefree attitude is a testament to her upbringing and education.

All of Casey's work and sporting achievements are voluntary. As a 14- year-old, she relies heavily on parents to fund her sporting activities and travel expenses. Casey also volunteers to wash golf carts at the Cobram-Barooga Golf Club in her spare time.

Casey also actively encourages other juniors, especially females to participate in golf.

Berrigan Netball Club Under 17’s Team

The dedication and teamwork shown by the Berrigan U17’s Netball team is truly commendable.
Their commitment to both playing and supporting the club reflects the spirit of community and sportsmanship.

With the club looking like not putting forward a U17’s team, girls from the U15’s team stepped up and committed themselves to the season playing against older, more experienced teams. For a group of girls who have been primarily playing together since netsetgo, it was amazing to see them come together and excel every single week.

They worked hard and trained hard to make sure they kept near the top and made their way to the grand final.

The girls not only worked hard playing multiple grades of netball each week but supported their club by helping setup and pack up the courts, volunteering to help in the canteen and offering to umpire, score and timekeep other games.

Small sporting clubs don’t survive long without amazing support and these girls are definitely the future of our club. With Berrigan Netball Club in the hands of these girls, the future is looking bright.