The district’s brightest stars were recognised for their contributions to the community when the Rotary Club of Cobram held its annual changeover at the Cobram Bowling Club last week.

Rotarian Neil Kerr presented the club awards to those who have excelled in their field and helped forge a more resilient community.

At age 20, Jake Taylor is the 2025 RJ Cornish Memorial Apprentice of the Year.

Mr Taylor is in the third year of his baking apprenticeship at Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery, where he has worked since June 2022.

Next month, he will represent Victoria in the upcoming Excellence in Baking competition, held in Sydney, in the bread category.

The prestigious apprenticeship award aims to encourage young people to continue developing their talent through learning and taking pride in their workmanship.

Mr Taylor said it was a good surprise to receive the recognition.

“I was home on Sunday, about 11, I was outside. I came inside, had about three missed calls, and I thought, ‘who’s this?’. I rang them back, and it was Neil [Kerr, Rotary Club of Cobram], and he said, ‘You’ve won Apprentice of the Year for the Rotary Club’. I thought, ‘well, I didn’t expect that,’” Mr Taylor said.

Meanwhile, Grace Fazzolari received the Customer Service Award.

Employed at Ritchies IGA for two years, Ms Fazzolari is well-regarded for her ability to make each shopping experience enjoyable, approaching her work with good humour and friendly professionalism.

The Trevor Noonan Citizen of Distinction award went to Renee Lincoln of Ambience Bakery Cafe for her commitment to helping those doing it tough.

In December 2023 and 2024, Mrs Lincoln made sure that everyone had a merry Christmas, delivering free lunch or dinner to the homes of about 120 families in need.

Daily, she also continues to donate a portion of food that would otherwise go to waste to Moira FoodShare.

Meanwhile, Karen Brown was named Rotarian of the Year for her unwavering dedication to the cause of Rotary.

Ms Brown is a regular attendee at dinner and board meetings, as well as at the district conference in Albury.

She is the editor of the monthly bulletin, and regularly represents Rotary at community events such as Australia Day, Anzac Day and community barbecues.

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Thursday, 18th December 2025

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