Community
22 January, 2026
Residents getting to heart of communities will be celebrated at ceremonies
The former Charlton local turned cardiologist and heart failure specialist will bring those values to her home town on Thursday night as the guest speaker at the Buloke Shire Council’s Australian Citizenship Ceremony and Awards Celebration.
IF THERE’S anyone that knows about the heart and soul of a tight-knit town, it’s Monique Watts.
The former Charlton local turned cardiologist and heart failure specialist will bring those values to her home town on Thursday night as the guest speaker at the Buloke Shire Council’s Australian Citizenship Ceremony and Awards Celebration.
After leaving her country roots, Ms Watts has gone on to pave the way in heart health, being the founding clinical lead of Australia’s first multidisciplinary Women’s Heart Clinic.
But she hasn’t forgotten her home as she expanded her cardiology practice by developing East Wimmera Health’s inaugural rural cardiac clinic in Charlton.
The event will be held at Charlton Park tomorrow night from 6pm.
St Arnaud residents will also be celebrated at their event to be held on Monday morning.
From 8am, the morning will begin with a free community breakfast courtesy of the St Arnaud Rotary Club and Lions Club.
The event will get underway from 9am, where a special community address will be delivered by St Arnaud Australia Day Ambassador Karen Douglas.
This will be followed by an Australian Citizenship Ceremony, awards presentation and a traditional flag-raising ceremony.
Residents can then enjoy a Devonshire morning tea at St Arnaud Town Hall, courtesy of Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens.
There are also ceremonies being conducted by community groups in Navarre, Marnoo and Stuart Mill. Find out more about all the ceremonies on council’s website: https://ow.ly/QIa150XVglw
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