As we count down to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, make sure you keep an eye out (and cheer loudly!) for Hotham local Nathan Ephraums. Nathan is part of the Kookaburras, Australia men's national field hockey team, and will be representing Australia at the Olympics in Paris.

Nathan shares his junior and local grassroots experience here.

Hotham local Jim Claven OAM received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2024 Australia Day Honours for his contribution to veteran services and community history – with a focus on the connection between Australia and Greece.

Read Jim’s full interview – including two local stories – here.

I was completely wowed when I got out to see the team and the tech at Optiscan in Mulgrave. They were recently recognised as part of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects Grants Program with a $3 million grant. See their great work here. 

The Toy Library, run by Springvale Service For Children, was recently recognised with a 2023-24 Volunteer Grant. 

Much of what they do is possible because of their volunteers. You can learn more here.

An art show as fantastic, popular and inclusive as Noble Park Art Show can only happen because of the people behind it. I was thrilled to get down to the Noble Park Community Centre (NPCC) and celebrate them all. Learn more about the NPCC and the art show here.

You may have spotted two cute birds on our Hotham Christmas card that was sent to all Hotham households. So, who were these budgies – and who was the artist behind the winning picture? Learn more here.