General News
27 January, 2026
Jo Ellis named Horsham Citizen of the Year
Joanne Ellis is Horsham's Citizen of the Year, as announced yesterday at the Australia Day ceremony held at the Town Hall.
In presenting the awards, Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss acknowledged the generosity, passion and service shown by nominees and recipients across a range of community activities.
Acknowledged for her lifelong dedication to the Horsham and wider Wimmera community, Mrs Ellis was nominated for inspiring and supporting musicians, old and young, through her outstanding service to music and contribution to countless commemorative, civic and cultural events over many years.
The announcement of Mrs Ellis being Citizen of the Year was met with applause and loud cheers from the crowd, and in accepting the award, she said it was an honour to be nominated, let alone to win.
"Volunteering for me is a given," Mrs Ellis said.
"It elevates the community mentality and contributes to a sense of belonging, inclusivity and mateship.
"These values have been instilled in me, in my family, who have all been members of the service clubs throughout their lives."
Mrs Ellis explained she is a third-generation musician at the Horsham Rural City Band and a life member since 2022.
"I began my musical journey in primary school when a mentor of mine handed me a tambourine, igniting my passion for all things music," Mrs Ellis said.
"I ventured onto the electric organ, which evolved into a desire for brass banding.
"My first bugle call was headlined by The Mail Times, as 'Ellis cuts teeth on first post'.
"This was the first of many bugle calls for the Horsham RSL during the various commemorative services, a privilege which I enjoy and respect."
Now in her 20th year as a member of the Horsham Rural City band, Mrs Ellis has been a student, mentor, tutor and is currently the acting musical director.
Describing herself as proud to be born and raised in Horsham, Mrs Ellis said she attended 298 (Horsham) Primary School and then St Brigid's, and despite moving away to attend university, her heart remained with Horsham.
"My loyalty to my community outweighed the city life," Mrs Ellis said.
"I work, live, and play in this town.
"I often refer to myself as not just your Average Joe, having fulfilled many roles in the community, from scouting to sports, banding and fundraising, hospitality, and healthcare.
"My motto is: 'All you have to do is ask,' and once I've committed myself to helping others, I strive to the best of my ability to do so."
After thanking a number of groups and individuals who have been an integral part of Mrs Ellis' becoming the musician she is today, the 2026 Horsham Citizen of the Year left the audience with a quote, suitably from American singer-songwriter John Denver.
"Music brings people together," she read, quoting Denver.
"It allows us to experience the same emotions.
"People everywhere, the same in heart and spirit.
"No matter what language we speak, what colour we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith.
"Music proves we are the same."
And in conclusion, Mrs Ellis finished:
"I am, you are, we are, Australian."