Community
1 February, 2026
RSL rep rewarded for hard work
With his fingers in many pies in the community, he has been recognised for all that effort in the town’s Australia Day ceremony on Monday.
BILL Freeman is a name many in the Charlton community would know well.
With his fingers in many pies in the community, he has been recognised for all that effort in the town’s Australia Day ceremony on Monday.
Mr Freeman’s main contribution would be his work in the role of Secretary/ Treasurer of the Charlton RSL Sub-Branch.
Residents would also know him from his many volunteer roles at the Charlton Club, Table Tennis, Rotary and Charlton Arts.
For the past seven years Bill has been a cornerstone of the Charlton RSL as Treasurer and Secretary .
He spends many hours each month preparing for meetings, handling correspondence, doing media stories, banking, headquarter meetings and much more.
At the Charlton Club Bill jumps in during the year assisting with members draws and the cup sweeps along with other duties as required.
His passion and involvement with table tennis saw him awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Table Tennis Victoria.
Mr Freeman has held many positions in the Charlton Arts Group , including President and Secretary and has been involved with Cafe Culture, Jazz in July, Film Festival and the Art Show.
He has shown that age is no barrier, and continues serving the local community at many levels.
Young Citizen of the Year
CHARLOTTE Stewart has contributed to the Charlton community in many volunteer roles.
She has been hailed as a reliable and valuable member of the Rex Theatre Charlton team in roles including customer service, ushering, assisting in live performances, coffee sessions, and clean up.
Ms Stewart is first to jump and assist when required.
During the 2022 flood event, she played a critical role in evacuating 13 horses from Charlton to her family property at Buckrabanyule, along with filling sandbags supporting council workers around the community.
Joining the Buckrabanyule Fire Brigade in 2021, Ms Stewart has attended numerous callout’s from fires to vehicle extractions, and general on the ground assistance.
During the COVID period, she helped deliver Meals on Wheels to vulnerable people in the community.
Ms Stewart was Junior school captain, member of the Student Leadership Council, and Year 12 sports captain along with contributing to the North Central Youth Advisory Council.
After school she started her agricultural apprenticeship at Longerenong College, where she received the prestigious Apprenticeship Allrounder award.
Her achievements in the equestrian sport are equally remarkable.
She has represented Victoria three times in the Senior Mounted Games and was honoured as the flag bearer in 2025.
She also represented Australia in the Horse of Year Mounted Games in New Zealand (2024) and selected again to compete in Wales in 2025.
Ms Stewart recently also earned the title of Reserve Champion at the Ride to Time Championship at Moonee Valley- a notable achievement given the elite nature of the competition.
Charlotte freely gives her time assisting young community members at the Charlton Pony Club and she is a terrific role model for others around her.
Event of the Year
THE Golf Australia TRIMAX Victorian Sand Greens Championship bought together 129 golfers from across Victoria for this prestigious championship.
Over the course of the weekend participants and spectators enjoyed competitive play, local hospitality and rural character.
It was a vital boost to the local economy along with promoting healthy lifestyle, volunteer engagement, and the value of regional sport. Over 30 volunteers contributed with funds raised being used to maintain the course.
“Congratulations to all of our members and volunteers for all of your hard work and dedication,” the club said.
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