Community
31 January, 2026
Students shine at Charlton College presentation night
In their address’, School Council president Troy Heenan thanked the community groups and local businesses for their ongoing support for the students and the College programs.
A LARGE crowd attended the 2025 Charlton College Awards Ceremony, held at the Rex Theatre Charlton, celebrating the achievements and contributions of students and staff across the school community.
School captains Fletcher Holmes-Brown and Emmersyn Nelson expertly compered the evening.
In their address’, School Council president Troy Heenan thanked the community groups and local businesses for their ongoing support for the students and the College programs.
This being his final year as a parent, he encouraged the next wave of parents to take their turn on Council. Principal Craig Kelly acknowledged the school’s outstanding performance in NAPLAN and VCE, and also individual excellence with Heidi Start being awarded State Javelin champion and Jye Roberts the Wimmera Heywire award.
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Awards were presented to Ruby Radcliffe and Fletcher Holmes-Brown, recognising their demonstrated leadership, teamwork and service within the school and broader community, and their embodiment of values central to the ADF and Australian society.
The ADF also funded the Future Innovators Award, celebrating excellence in STEM subjects, with Heidi Start and Zali Heenan named recipients.
Students recognised for outstanding all-round achievement were Maisie Judd, Thomas Judd, Stella Nicolson and Emmersyn Nelson.
Sophie Smyth, Henry Lanyon and Brooke Burr were acknowledged for exemplifying the College’s Three R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, each receiving a Parents’ Club SWPBS Award for their respective areas.
Artistic scholarships were awarded to Annie Olive, Georgia Wright, Molly Riley and Eli Cossar in recognition of their creative talents. The Bourke Family award, presented in Oscar’s name, was awarded to Building and Construction student James Fitzpatrick, who also received a Perpetual Trophy.
The North Central LLEN once again sponsored the Vocational Pathways Award, which was presented to Ditch Berg.
The Workplace of the Year Award was awarded to College Canteen Manager Caryn Riley.
Craig Kelly, alongside Charlton Neighbourhood House President Kaylene Cossar, presented Emmersyn Nelson with the 2025 Charlton Dux Scholarship.
In her acceptance speech, Emmersyn spoke of the support she had received throughout her schooling and encouraged younger students to pursue their dreams.
The evening concluded with the College Captains’ report, acknowledging the positive behaviours demonstrated by students, congratulating their peers on their achievements and wishing them success in the future.
They also reflected on the friendships, memories and lifelong bonds formed during their time at Charlton College, and expressed gratitude to the many scholarship donors for their continued support.
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