On the recent Australia Day Honours list, long-time Dimboola resident Jan Ballard was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.

This recognition comes from many years of service to the Dimboola community through various groups such as the Town Committee, Tidy Towns, and Uniting Church.

To further acknowledge her devotion to the Dimboola community, a sculpture was unveiled on Australia Day on the corner of Lloyd and Lochiel streets, highlighting her countless hours of work maintaining community gardens around the town.
Some of Jan’s contributions to the community that made up her nomination for this recognition -
  • Dimboola Town Committee
    • Committee Member, 20 years.
    • Former Secretary.
    • Former Treasurer.
  • Organist, Dimboola Uniting Church, 40 years.
  • Former Coordinator, Dimboola Tidy Towns.
  • Landscape Gardener, various locations, Community of Dimboola.
  • Awards and Recognition include:
    • Dame Phyllis Frost Award, Keep Australia Beautiful (2006).
    • Vocational Excellence Award, Dimboola Rotary Club (1994)