Awards
SUE MARSTAELLER OAM
EDUCATION INFLUENCER AWARD
Eligibility: Open to individuals working within the educational sector in the specified shires.
Nominations CLOSED
CHRISTINE COX
TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Eligibility: Open to individuals, partnerships or groups making a significant impact on young people in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires.
Nominations CLOSED
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS (VEA)
Eligibility: Open to students in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires, nominated by their schools for excellence in vocational education and training pathways.
Nominations will open Term 3 2026
Sue Marstaeller OAM Education Influencer Award
Recognising exceptional educators in our community
The Sue Marstaeller OAM Education Influencer Award acknowledges individuals in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires, who have made a significant impact on young people's education. This award celebrates those working diligently behind the scenes to achieve successful outcomes for students.
Established in memory of Sue Marstaeller OAM, this award honours her decade-long commitment to the Central Ranges LLEN Board. Serving in various executive roles, including Chair from May 2022 to May 2024 and Deputy Chair until her passing in late 2024, Sue was a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. Her dedication to numerous organisations and her positive influence on those around her exemplify her legacy as a true community leader.
Sue Marstaeller OAM
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Recipients receive a $750 monetary award to support professional development or future initiatives.
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Open to individuals working within the educational sector in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, and Murrindindi shires.
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2026 — Nick Maxwell
2025 — Jana Ash -
Nominations for the 2026 Sue Marstaeller OAM Education Influencer Award are now closed. Nominations for the 2027 award will open early next year.
Christine Cox Trailblazer Award
Recognising outstanding contributions to young people in our community
Christine Cox
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Recipients receive a $750 monetary award to support professional development or future initiatives.
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Open to individuals, partnerships or groups who have:
Shown outstanding leadership
Demonstrated excellence in their role
Made a noteworthy contribution to their community
Formed a significant partnership with Central Ranges LLEN
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Christine Cox Trailblazer Award
2026 — Rachel Vickery
2025 — Eadaion Wright
2024 — Maddison Whiteman & Kyneton Community House / Social Foundry
2023 — Youth Live4Life
2022 — Jayden Sheridan – Gnarly Neighbours & Claire Moore – Sweet Justice Honey
2020–2021 — Carolyn Burton
2019 — Leading Senior Constable Jason Azzopardi & Rotary Woodend
2018 — Healthcare Under the Rainbow Project
2017 — Geraldine O'Brien, Paul Kooperman & Lower Hume VET Cluster Group
2016 — Charlotte Bissett & Murrindindi Youth Partnership
2015 — Buffy Leadbeater
2014 — Pauline Neil
2013 — Rowena Naufal & John ThomasTrailblazer Award
(renamed Christine Cox Trailblazer Award in 2013)2012 — Jim Alsop, Lia Comodo & Brad Quilliam
2011 — Heather Byrne & Joanna Stubbings
2010 — Carol Fisher & John Horley
2009 — Mark Denton
2008 — Kilmore & District Hospital, Bridgit Joengbloed & Broadford Secondary College -
Nominations for the 2026 Christine Cox Trailblazer Award are now closed. Nominations for the 2027 award will open early next year.
The Christine Cox Trailblazer Award honours individuals or organisations making a significant impact on the lives of young people across the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, and Murrindindi shires. Originally established by the Central Ranges LLEN Board to recognise local 'trailblazers,' the award was renamed in 2012 to commemorate Christine Cox, a founding member of Central Ranges LLEN and a passionate advocate for young people in our communities.
“Christine Cox made a lasting impact on young people in the Central Ranges LLEN area. Her dedication to expanding vocational education and career pathways continues to inspire, and she is fondly remembered by all who knew her”
Vocational Education Awards (VEA)
Celebrating excellence in Vocational Education
Some of the recipients with our CEO, Nicky Leitch
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Recipients will receive recognition for their achievements, with selected winners awarded a monetary prize to support further education or career development.
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Open to students in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires, nominated by their schools for excellence in vocational education and training pathways.
Schools will be invited to nominate up to four students, with one Achievement Award available in each of the following categories:
VET in Schools (Vocational Education and Training)
VCE Vocational Major
Victorian Pathways Certificate
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
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Nominations for the 2026 Vocational Education Awards will open Term 3 2026. Schools in the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires will be invited to submit nominations at that time.
The Vocational Education Awards (VEA) recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET) across the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires. These awards highlight the dedication, skills and success of students undertaking VET studies, as well as the educators and industry partners supporting them.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Schools will be invited to nominate up to four students for these prestigious awards, with one Achievement Award available in each of the following categories:
VET in Schools (Vocational Education and Training)
VCE Vocational Major
Victorian Pathways Certificate
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)