Celebrating Moira’s star achievers

Published on 24 April 2026

Moira’s newest shining stars have been revealed at a major community celebration.

The winners of the 2026 Moira Achiever Awards are:

• Star Achiever of the Year: Dianne Sampson, Tungamah.

• Young Star Achiever of the Year (up to 16 years of age): Abbie Milne, Cobram

• Shining Star Achiever of the Year (16-24 years of age): Emma Corrin, Cobram

• Community Star Achiever of the Year (event or organisation): Cobram SES Unit

• ACE Star Achiever of the Year (arts/culture/environment project): Limelight Touring Co., Yarrawonga

Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM praised the award nominees and winners.

“We are delighted to celebrate excellence in Moira Shire and to highlight the individuals and groups who go above and beyond for our community,” Dr Emonson said.

“These awards recognise the often unsung heroes of our community – the tireless workers who make Moira a better place to live.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated and passionate volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills and energy for the benefit of others.

“We sincerely thank them and applaud them for their outstanding efforts.”

Dr Emonson, fellow Administrator Susan Benedyka and Moira CEO Matthew Morgan attended the event on Thursday 23 April, with Moira Shire Youth Council members Bailey Webster and Madison McDiarmid assisting the Administrators with the award presentations.

The ceremony also included guest speaker Cedric Pang, who received the 2025 Young Star Achiever Award, Yorta Yorta representative Nicky James, and a musical performance by Matilda Altoft.

Guests included Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.

INFORMATION ABOUT AWARD WINNERS

Star Achiever of the Year: Dianne Sampson, Tungamah

Dianne has been a serving member of the Tungamah Cemetery Trust for more than 25 years, which has included several terms as secretary – a position she holds today.

Dianne provides care and advice to bereaved families, and liaises with undertakers, stone masons and grave diggers. She also coordinates cemetery trust meetings, and ensures the correct documentation is submitted to the Crematorium and Cemeteries Victoria. She was instrumental in obtaining grants for the cemetery, including a new toilet block and rotunda, and she is currently working on applying for a grant to improve the safety of the cemetery.

Dianne is also a long-term member of the Tungamah Hall Committee, an outstanding member of the Tungamah Bowling Club and has worked tirelessly over many years for the Tungamah Football and Netball Club.

Young Star Achiever of the Year: Abbie Milne, Cobram

Abbie Milne is a Year 9 student at Cobram Secondary College.

She was selected from more than 500 applicants nationwide as one of only 25 students in the prestigious CSIRO Young Future Shapers program, highlighting her academic promise, leadership in STEM, and work ethic.

Abbie is an active member of the CSC senior concert band, where she plays the clarinet and mentors younger members.

She is a member of the Cobram Barooga Paddling Club, winning three medals at her first Victorian School Paddling competition, and also volunteers in the community. Abbie was awarded the Junior Citizen of the Year award at the Cobram Australia Day event.

Shining Star Achiever of the Year: Emma Corrin, Cobram

Emma is a Cobram Secondary College student who is known for her kindness, work ethic and passion for learning. She often advocates for her peers by asking questions on their behalf, demonstrating empathy and leadership.

Emma is also a dedicated canoeist with Cobram-Barooga Canoe Club, holding multiple state and national titles. Valued for her patience and support of newcomers, Emma has earned the Raj Award and John Lidstone Award. She has built strong connections with Australian Olympic paddlers and aspires to follow their path. This year she's hoping to make world titles in Argentina.

Beyond canoeing, Emma volunteers as a kickboxing coach.

Community Star Achiever of the Year: Cobram SES Unit

The Cobram SES Unit demonstrates outstanding dedication to community safety through road crash rescue, flood and storm response, emergency prevention and public education. These efforts protect lives, property and essential infrastructure.

Volunteers provide rapid and reliable support when the community needs it most, working seamlessly with CFA, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

They also help with prevention and preparedness. Through structured training, public safety activities and practical community education, the unit helps residents understand risks and take action before emergencies occur.

ACE Star Achiever of the Year: Limelight Touring Co., Yarrawonga

Limelight Touring Co. was developed by Brenda Spilva, and the group has contributed in many ways to Moria Shire.

This includes representing Moira on a national stage at events such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival, providing drama classes for the Shire’s youth, and showcasing the region’s towns – both big and small – as venues for Limelight’s performances.

Limelight helps build community connections, creates a sense of belonging, and brings people together to experience events that might otherwise never be available to them.