Geoffrey and Alexandra Kent (front, fourth and fifth from left) with Moama Anglican Grammar students, staff and stakeholders at the Gunbower Estate opening in 2024.
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Moama’s own Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent have been named joint Citizens of the Year in this year’s Murray River Council Australia Day awards.
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The pair were awarded for their generous contributions towards Moama Anglican Grammar School through the G&A Kent Charitable Trust, which they founded.
“We are very honoured, and we accept the award with great pride. It is an absolute surprise, and we’re thrilled to bits,” Alexandra said.
Murray River Council Citizens of the Year Geoffrey and Alexandra Kent.
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“The trust focuses on philanthropic organisations, and it makes significant donations supporting education and health services, particularly in regional areas.”
Notably, a major donation by the trust made it possible for MAGS to purchase Gunbower Estate; an outdoor learning campus used by the whole school over the past two years.
Honouring the estate’s rich history, the Kents have enacted their vision of seeing it used to support academic growth, emotional wellbeing and social development.
“We've had several trips out there enjoying it with the students themselves,” Alexandra said.
“It's absolutely wonderful to see the children enjoying it out there and learning.
“It’s progressing in all sorts of directions, and it’s going to be a terrific benefit to the school as a whole.”
The G&A Trust was also integral in helping Echuca Regional Health secure enough funding to establish its Cancer and Wellness Centre, benefiting the entire Echuca-Moama community.
Outside of local initiatives, the couple has supported Guide Dogs Victoria by supplying a puppy training centre, and recently gave towards the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s wellbeing place in Broken Hill.
Moama Anglican Grammar School principal Scott Downward with Geoffrey and Alexandra Kent at Gunbower Estate.
The council said given the couple’s foresight, generosity and belief in the potential of young people, it was fitting to name the Kents as Citizens of the Year.
“Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent have shown a remarkable commitment to education, philanthropy and community legacy,” it said.
“Their gift is not only supporting the school today but building the foundations for the future.”