General News
14 July, 2026
Highland awarded for community service
The Maryborough Highland Society and longtime staff member Nick Weaver recently received two awards at Community Clubs Victoria's award night.
The Maryborough Highland Society has added two more trophies to the mantlepiece following the recent Community Clubs Victoria awards night.
The local club was recognised through the Community Collaboration award while sports secretary Nick Weaver was named Club Person of the Year.
The event, held on July 4, recognised the outstanding work of clubs across the state in their communities.
It saw record breaking interest with 120 nominations received across 18 award categories.
The Maryborough Highland Society’s double success recognised their ongoing contributions to the Central Goldfields Shire community.
The Community Collaboration Award recognised the club’s local initiatives including their Community Nights, the Team Rewards Program, Dine and Donate fundraising campaign, and the annual Highland Gathering.
Maryborough Highland Society general manager Malcolm Blandthorn said the Community Nights were a “major pillar” of the club’s work.
These are regular events where local groups get the proceeds of an evening’s raffle and an opportunity to speak about their group’s work.
In 2025, the club hosted 18 local groups who collectively shared in $24,075 in funding.
“These nights strengthen visibility for grassroots organisations and demonstrate the society’s commitment to active participation and support of community groups and activities,” Mr Blandthorn said.
The Team Rewards Program is a collaboration between the society and local sporting organisations.
In 2025, participation grew by 89 percent, with 740 members linking their membership card to their chosen sporting club.
That meant rewards distributed to local clubs increased by 21 percent, totalling $36,600 in cash and vouchers.
“This program strengthens club sustainability [and] encourages community connection,” Mr Blandthorn said.
However, Mr Blandthorn said their most impactful initiative to date was the Dine and Donate program.
In February, the society donated $1 from every main meal sold, raising $10,129, shared between local fire brigades and those impacted by the Harcourt fires.
While Mr Blandthorn said the club’s award was a team effort he highlighted Nick Weaver as a key contributor.
He was recognised as Club Person of the Year for his dedication to the Maryborough Highland Society and wider community.
Mr Weaver’s fundraising journey began after his father, John Weaver, died from pancreatic liver cancer in 2017.
Among his early efforts was partnering with Maryborough and District Health Service to deliver a Wellbeing Expo — raising more than $135,000.
His best known contribution, however, is The Full Monty fundraiser against cancer.
Annually local men and women bare all to raise money for the Maryborough District Health Service oncology unit.
Mr Weaver said the event has raised almost $500,000 in total, with almost $32,600 this year alone.
“The Maryborough community has always been incredibly generous. Whether it’s the Full Monty, the Wellbeing Expo, or any of the fundraising events we’ve run, people have always backed us and that’s what makes our region so special,” he said.
Yet his proudest achievement is one of Maryborough’s longest lasting — the Highland Gathering.
He said it was “pretty special” to be part of the team continuing the event’s over 160 year history.
Mr Blandthorn said, after multiple nominations, Mr Weaver’s award was well-earned recognition.
“Nick’s award is thoroughly deserved and reflects the tremendous impact he has had on countless lives throughout our community,” he said.
While he appreciated the recognition Mr Weaver said it wasn’t about the award.
“I don’t do it for any personal awards or accolades. I’m just wanting to make things better for our community,” he said.
Mr Blandthorn said the Maryborough Highland Society’s recognition belongs to the whole community.
“We are proud to represent Maryborough and the Central Goldfields region and remain committed to making a positive difference for many years to come,” he said.
Mr Blandthorn was also recognised as a finalist for Club Manager of the Year.