Liam McNally
Citizen of the Year is one of the “highest honours” Moorabool council can bestow upon bestow to publicly acknowledge local heroes, whose dedication and contributions may otherwise go unnoticed – for 2024 that accolade has gone to Emma Muir.
Ms Muir has united the community to form the Moorabool & Central Highlands Power Alliance, now known as the Regional Victoria Power Alliance, and is the founding and current chairperson.
For the last 3.5 years she has, through this group, been advocating for the shire and community members, voicing opposition to the high voltage transmission project known as the Western Renewables Link (WRL).
This work has involved organising rallies in Melbourne and Ballarat, holding fundraising and community meetings, and meeting with politicians and council on numerous occasions.
Ms Muir is also the treasurer of the Pentland Hills Landcare group and is a member of the Grow West Implementation Committee. Her past involvements include Little Athletics, Myrniong Primary School, Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club and Ballan Football and Netball Club.
Moorabool mayor Ally Munari congratulated Ms Muir for her service to Moorabool.
“Emma has shown resilience in the face of adversity, considers others needs above her own, advocates for change, has united the community in a common cause, and taken action where others may only think about it,” she said.
Ms Muir said the award is really an acknowledgement of the wonderful community groups that she is lucky enough to have been involved with
“It makes me proud to see them highlighted in our community and I’d like to acknowledge all the people that are involved in these groups as the hard work that they do has contributed to this award…,” she said.
“I come from a volunteering family, I think my first induction or mentorship was my grandmother. She spent her entire time driving to Ballarat to do Red Cross, SES, all sorts of things. So I did understand that was her work, that was what she did, she didn’t work for pay but she worked by volunteering.
“Most importantly I’d like to thank my tireless family and friends who’ve had to suffer countless tree planting days, helping organise helicopters… rescue barbeques, participate in tractor rallies, and even go to protests on the steps of parliament.
“I believe I’m really lucky to live in the Moorabool shire and be a part of such a wonderful community.
“We live in a wonderful part of regional Victoria and I hope that our community groups continue to thrive and that we can all appreciate the work that often goes unnoticed.”
