Kaniva resident recognised for decades of community service

Published on 22 October 2026

Kaniva resident Noel Austin has been recognised in the Premier’s Senior of the Year Awards for his decades of service to regional communities.

Mr Austin received a Highly Commended award in the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year at Parliament House on Tuesday.

West Wimmera Shire Council nominated Mr Austin for the award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the Country Fire Authority and Rural Financial Counselling Victoria-Wimmera South West.

Mayor Tim Meyer attended the ceremony and said Mr Austin’s contribution to the community spanned more than six decades.

“Noel has dedicated much of his life to helping others, whether through his work with the CFA or supporting people experiencing financial hardship,” he said.

“His commitment to sharing his knowledge and helping others succeed has made a lasting difference to communities across western Victoria.”

Mr Austin joined the CFA in 1964 and remains an active volunteer more than 60 years later.

He is known for his calm approach and patience as a mentor, having trained generations of volunteers and helped many develop the confidence to take on leadership roles.

He has also trained around 600 CFA volunteers in heavy vehicle, on-road and off-road driving, and emergency response driving.

He contributes practical expertise to the design of new CFA fire trucks in Victoria.

Beyond his CFA service, Mr Austin has supported a range of community initiatives.

He also supports to road safety programs, helps residents attend appointments and maintains grave sites for families.

Mr Austin was a founding member of Rural Financial Counselling Victoria-Wimmera South West, where he provided financial counselling to families and small businesses experiencing hardship.

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards recognise the contributions of older Victorians to their communities. The awards are presented annually as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.

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