At Kyabram Rotary’s Australia Day ceremony, the Kyabram Historical Society was honoured as 2026 Community Group of the Year.
Member Clive Toms said the group members had no idea they were even nominated.
Someone had told him to ensure a few members attended the event, but they never expected to win.
“I think I wrote in my diary, ‘a little bit sus’,” Mr Toms said.
“It’s nice to be recognised — the historical society has been going for a long, long time.”
The society serves as the guardian of the town's rich heritage, with a dedicated team of volunteers working to preserve local history for future generations.
They actively collect, research and document Kyabram's historical narrative.
The group shares its findings through engaging displays in the town hall walkway and maintains Hazelmans Cottage at the Kyabram Fauna Park.
Member Fraser Williams said preserving history was vital work the society was passionate about continuing, but his fellow volunteers were eager to welcome younger members to join their mission.
“History needs to be recognised and raised in front of the young people because time will go on, and they won’t realise what’s happened in the past,” Mr Williams said.
As Kyabram enters its 150th year, the society will be more important than ever, with many projects revolving around history tipped to be part of the year-long celebrations.
Mr Toms said he was glad their work and Kyabram’s history were being recognised.
“It’s a good thing (past members) have come before us and preserved things, and I’m glad we have a historical group that keeps the memories alive,” he said.
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