The 2025 Emerald Citizen of the Year Awards were held on Wednesday, 29 October, at the Hills Hub in Emerald, celebrating the remarkable contributions of local individuals and groups who embody the spirit of volunteerism and care.
The event was hosted by the Emerald Village Association (EVA), was filled with speeches, community highlights, and recognition of those who go above and beyond for Emerald.
Among the honourees were Graeme ‘Fergie’ Fergus, named the Emerald Citizen of the Year for his quiet but profound impact on the community, and Eliza Owen, the recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her extraordinary dedication to emergency services and community spirit.
Graeme Fergus, a man whose actions have consistently spoken louder than words, was honoured for his 25 years of volunteer service at the Emerald Cemetery.
His journey began with a simple, yet significant act of care when, after attending a funeral at the cemetery, he noticed a grave overrun with blackberries.
The grave belonged to Nurse Myrtle Ivy Quicke, a pioneer of the Bush Nursing Centre in Cockatoo, and Graeme took it upon himself to restore it to its former dignity, what started as a small act of remembrance grew into a movement.
Graeme, alongside his wife Shireen, founded the Friends and Carers of Emerald Section, a group dedicated to the upkeep and care of the cemetery.
Over the years, Graeme’s commitment expanded beyond this cause, contributing to various local groups and initiatives, from the Rowville Football Club to the Victorian Amateur Boxing League, Neighbourhood Watch, and many more.
His award recognised not just his hands-on work, but the ripple effect his efforts have had in inspiring others to engage in service to the community.
“Today, we don’t just recognise Graeme Fergus. We thank him. We celebrate him. And we remind ourselves that one person, with a heart full of care, can spark a ripple that touches generations,” EVA president Peter Maloney said.
The Young Citizen of the Year, Eliza Owen was recognised for her exceptional service to the Emerald State Emergency Service (SES) and her leadership within the community.
Born into a family with a deep connection to emergency services, her father Ben Owen has served with the Emerald SES for over 21 years, Eliza’s involvement began at an early age.
She contributed to the SES in various capacities, even before officially joining, assisting with vehicle maintenance and facility upkeep at the old SES site.
“Emerald thrives because of its people, our community is held together by individuals like Graeme Fergus and Eliza Owen, whose actions inspire others to get involved and give back,” Peter said.
“Their commitment to service reminds everyone one person can make a difference, and together, communities can accomplish extraordinary things.”
During major emergency events such as the storms of 2021, Eliza demonstrated remarkable commitment, providing support to over a hundred volunteers and assisting in the coordination of rescue and recovery efforts.
In October 2021, despite her own home being destroyed by a fallen tree, Eliza worked tirelessly in the SES Incident Control Room to manage the clean-up across the Dandenong Ranges.
In 2022, Eliza became a signed junior member of the Emerald SES on her 15th birthday, her dedication was immediate, by attending weekly training sessions, participating in storm response, flood assistance, and landslide recovery, and always putting the needs of the community first.
Eliza’s contributions were particularly recognised during the February 2024 storms, when she was called to assist in a high-pressure rescue operation.
Operating as a navigator and radio operator in the rescue vehicle, Eliza worked under extreme conditions with a fellow SES member to extricate a patient and safely hand them over to Ambulance Victoria.
Her professionalism, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure were exemplary, and the event served as a testament to her growth and capability in the emergency services field.
Alongside her work with the SES, Eliza has also made significant contributions to the Emerald Fire Brigade’s Juniors program, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and natural mentorship.
After transitioning to Senior Membership at 16, she continued to guide younger members with confidence and compassion.
“Having been raised in an SES family, Eliza’s unique insight into volunteering and emergency services has seen her become a kind, empathetic, confident young person who is more than willing to give her time and energy for the betterment of her community,” Emerald CFA’s former junior coordinator, Tanya Jogan said.
Eliza’s ability to balance her volunteer commitments with her education, completing her Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) while remaining an active and valued member of the SES, further exemplifies her dedication to both her personal development and her community.
The evening also saw the Lions Emerald and District named the Emerald Group of the Year, in recognition of their 50 years of service to the local community.
From providing emergency support during storm events to supporting schools, local businesses, and community groups, the Lions have been a vital presence in the region.
