Stan Henwood Award
Key points
- This award is presented each year to a person who has made a positive, long-term contribution to the Cardinia Shire community.
- It honours the late Stan Henwood’s lifetime contribution to the township of Tynong, and to the wider community. You can learn more about Stan Henwood here.
- Nominees are invited to the annual Mayor's volunteer reception dinner in May, where the award winner is announced.
- Nominations closed on 29 March 2026
2026 Stan Henwood Award winner
WINNER – Noelene Blair
Noelene Blair has been an active leader in the Hills and wider Cardinia Shire community for more than 30 years, making sustained contributions through a range of local organisations. Her involvement includes 15 years coordinating the Woorilla Writers Group, 20 years with the Emerald Community House, 15 years with GEMCO, 15 years managing the Emerald Market, 3 years leading the Arts Alliance, 32 years coordinating PAVE/Winterfest, and 2 years supporting Eastern Health.
Noelene has played a central role in the development of the Woorilla International Poetry Prize, now in its 15th year, which provides opportunities for both emerging and established poets from across Australia and overseas. Her 20 years of service to Emerald Community House, including preparing submissions and mentoring people in everyday life skills, has provided great support to many local residents.
She is recognised for her inclusive approach, integrity and clear communication, and is known for listening carefully, building trust and responding with empathy.
Noelene’s long-term commitment to community life reflects the values of the Stan Henwood Award.
Congratulations Noelene!
Previous award winners
- 2025 - Geoff Young
- 2024 – Dot Griffin
- 2023 – Jeffrey Latter
- 2022 – Tim Ahern
- 2021 – Helen Smith
- 2020 – Ken Rook
- 2019 – Wendy Andrews
- 2018 – Eric Bumpstead
- 2017 – Ray Coombs
- 2016 – Ron and Beryl Banbury
- 2015 – Graham Simpson
- 2014 – Colin ‘Col’ Leeson
- 2013 – Norma Jackson
- 2012 – Ron Topp
- 2011 – John Cascone
- 2010 – Bill and Robyn Kuys
- 2009 – Sue Beattie
- 2008 – William (Bob) Robert Farr
- 2007 – Tom Van Den Dungen
- 2006 – Bernie Berne
- 2005 – Robert Porter
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Stan Henwood award, nominees must:
- have made a significant contribution to community services in Cardinia Shire,
- have not held a position as a Cardinia Shire Councillor in the last 4 years, and,
- have not previously received the award.
Make a nomination
Nominations are now open. To nominate, please click here
What to include
Nominations should explain the person’s achievement, background and reasons for the nomination and include any supporting documentation. Include at least one other referee to support the nomination.
How nominations are assessed
Nominations are presented to our councillors and a representative from the Henwood family, who select a winner based on a majority vote.
About Stan Henwood
Stan was heavily involved with the Tynong Hall Committee, Tynong Recreation Reserve Committee and the Make A Wish Foundation. He was also a life member of the Tynong Tennis Club, the West Gippsland Tennis Association, Tynong Fire Brigade and Tynong Progress Association.
In 1981 and 1990 he was recognised as the Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving a Citation for all Community Achievements.
Beyond Cardinia Shire’s borders, he received a Medal from the Prime Minister for service to sport and an Order of Australia for Service to the Community.
It is this commitment to volunteering across a diverse range of organisations and indeed during most of his life that made Stan a standout member of our community.
Enquiries
Contact the Connected Communities Team on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au