Matilda Sowter says her nickname is ‘Radio’ because she’s a chatterbox, but now she can put two words in front of that nickname: award-winning.

Matilda, 17, was named Campaspe Shire’s Citizen of the Year for 2026 at council’s Citizen Awards on Thursday, January 22 at Radcliffe’s Echuca.

She is no stranger to the pages of the local paper, making headlines over the years for her remarkable trips retracing Kokoda, and for advocating for regional areas on the state parliament floor.

Over the past year, Matilda has been juggling her schoolwork while taking on multiple roles including being a volunteer at the Kyabram SES, providing support to her school’s Breakfast Club, and being a leader and mentor to her peers.

Matilda’s voice has become a staple of local community events, with her impassioned speeches featuring at Anzac services across the shire.

Despite her evident passion for contributing to the community, Matilda was genuinely shocked when her name was read by council chief executive Pauline Gordon on Thursday night.

“I did not expect to be nominated, and I did not expect to win,” she said.

“I’m just some girl from Ky – I do a lot of stuff, but I don’t think it’s that interesting.”

When accepting her award, she thanked her supporters in the audience including her fellow SES members Bill Murray and Gail Octagon, her partner Huon McIntosh and her mum Belinda Richardson.

Matilda said a lot of what she has achieved she owes it to her mum who was able to support her.

“She sacrificed her dreams to come here and to give me a better life,” Matilda said.

“Ever since we moved (to Kyabram) I’ve just been trying to live up to her name.

“I just want to not just repay her but live the life that she wants me to.”

Matilda undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of herself and she's already got her next move sorted.

She intends to enlist in the navy, wanting to continue her connection to her great-grandfather for whom she trekked Kokoda.

“I’ve got so many opportunities I’m looking forward – it’s going to be exciting.”

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Tuesday, 2nd March 2027

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