Geoffrey and Alexandra Kent at Gunbower Estate with Moama Anglican Grammar principal Scott Downward .
Two Murray River residents with a passion for guiding the next generation of community leaders have been honoured as this year’s joint Citizens of the Year.
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Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent have been recognised for their “visionary, generous and deeply meaningful contribution” to the Moama Anglican Grammar community through the G&A Kent Charitable Trust.
The early announcement was made this week, as has become tradition for Murray River Council.
Most notably, the Kents have supported the school in acquiring Gunbower Estate; an 84-acre outdoor learning campus purposefully designed to enrich the educational experience of students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“This remarkable gift is already reshaping the way young people explore, offering authentic, hands-on learning as part of their school experience,” the pair’s citation read.
“Under their vision, Gunbower Estate is now being thoughtfully reimagined as an inclusive, dynamic learning environment that supports academic growth, emotional wellbeing and social development.
“This outdoor campus extends learning beyond traditional classroom walls. It provides immersive experiences that improve connections to nature, local history and Indigenous cultures.
“Students are discovering new strengths, growing in confidence, and developing respect for themselves, each other and their surroundings.
“Alexandra and Geoffrey Kent have shown a remarkable commitment to education, philanthropy and community legacy.
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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“Their gift is not only supporting the school today but building the foundations for the future.”
The Kents received one of six Australia Day Awards to be formally presented at ceremonies across the Murray River Council footprint on Monday, January 26.
Others are as follows:
Arts and Culture Award - Caldwell Hall Management Committee.
Community Event of the Year - Winter Blues Festival Inc.
Community Group of the Year - Goodnight Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee.
Sportsperson of the Year - Kate Downward, Moama.
Young Sportsperson of the Year - Mila Gray, Moulamein.
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie congratulated all award recipients and nominees, recognising their outstanding contribution to the community.
“On behalf of council, I commend every nominee and congratulate this year’s award recipients, who truly exemplify the positive and lasting impact individuals can have within our communities,” he said.
“From dedicated volunteers and community event organisers to sporting achievers and those enriching our arts and culture offerings, this year’s awards highlight the depth and diversity of contributions made across the Murray River Council area.
“These individuals and groups help shape the story of our region and play a vital role in making Murray River Council such a great place to live.”
All Murray River Council Australia Day events will be breakfast ceremonies this year.
Details are as follows:
• Mathoura/Moama - - The Timbercutter at Picnic Point, from 7.30am.
• Barham - Riverside Park, from 8am. Features an address from Australia Day Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM.
• Moulamein - The Triangle, from 8am.
• Wakool - Wakool Hall, from 10am.
• Tooleybuc - Mensforth Park, from 7.30am.
• Koraleigh - Koraleigh Recreation Reserve, from 7.30am.
• More award winner stories are included on page 4 of this edition, while the sports awards recipients will be featured in the Tuesday, January 20 edition.
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