General News
27 January, 2026
Horsham celebrates community champions
Residents, volunteers, and community leaders were honoured for their strong commitment to the community at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, held at Horsham Town Hall on Monday, January 26.
The event recognised outstanding contributions and mayor Brian Klowss presented awards for citizen of the year, community event of the year, and young citizen of the year.
While Jo Ellis named Horsham Citizen of the Year, Old Skool Hot Summer Nights Rod Run earned the Community Event of the Year award for its vibrant lineup of activities and community engagement.
The event, held throughout the CBD and riverfront, featured a show-and-shine, cruises, and various activities that drew participants of all ages and abilities over the three days.
Event coordinator Donna McDonald expressed her gratitude for the event’s nomination and was honoured by the award.
“I’d like to thank the Horsham Council for their support in enabling us to do our old school hot summer night road run,” she said.
“We have a fantastic committee - Julie, Gail, Al, Denise, Liz, Troy, and our president, Craig - without you guys, this couldn't have happened.
“I also thank the members of our Old Skool Hot Summer Nights Rod club; we’re all members, or as I like to call them, 49 family members.”
Mrs McDonald noted that the club has operated for over two decades and is now preparing for its third consecutive hot rod run.
“It's a three-day event. There's a lot of work involved … I thank the public for making this event what it is,” she said.
“If you've never been to one, please come down on Saturday, February 21, down the main street, where you will see 150 plus cars, just driving around.
“[At the first event] I had one guy tap me on the shoulder and say, ‘Thank you for doing what you're doing’.
“It is so good to see the kids off their devices and just watching the cars go up and down the main street.”
Adel Meyer was named the HRCC’s Young Citizen of the Year for demonstrating exceptional leadership and community spirit.
She was recognised for her sustained involvement with Horsham West Primary School’s junior school council and her enthusiastic support of school events and community programs.
Following another successful Australia Day awards ceremony, Mayor Brian Klowss commended the community spirit demonstrated by nominees, recipients, and attendees.
“Our community spirit defines who we are, and this year it takes on an even deeper meaning following the bushfires of January 9, fires that tested our resolve and challenged our resilience,” he said.
“Our hearts are with everyone who was affected.
“Australia Day also gives us the opportunity to recognise the values that define us: resilience, mateship, generosity and a strong sense of community.
“These values aren’t words on a page, they’re lived every day in acts of service, kindness and care, often without recognition or expectation of thanks.”
