Ashburton Local Legends is a refreshed community recognition program celebrating the everyday people who go above and beyond to support their town.
Formerly known as the Ashburton All Stars, the program has been reimagined to better reflect what really matters here in Ashburton: strong communities, local pride and the people who quietly make a difference every day – what Local Legends are!
Each month, one Local Legend from each town will be recognised for their outstanding contribution to community life, whether through volunteering, mentoring, organising, supporting or simply showing up when it counts. Each legend will also receive a $50 Shop Ashburton voucher, or a local business voucher depending on the town.
Nominations are open all year round, so if you know someone who deserves to be recognised as a Local Legend, we’d love to hear their story. Any age, any good deed – let’s celebrate the legends among us!
March 2026 Local Legends
Dave Panting | Onslow
Dave is one of our local town maintenance officers with the shire. He is wonderful member of our community and always displays a positive attitude. Always smiling and waving. And his contributions to keeping our town maintained are second to none.
Roma Higginson | Paraburdoo
An invaluable member of the PASC Swim Club this season. She is a passionate swim teacher who generously shares her knowledge and skills with our junior learn‑to‑swim groups and squad swimmers. Roma ensures every child progresses at their own pace while keeping lessons fun, engaging, and enjoyable. Her patience, care, and supportive nature shine through in every session. She has a wonderful way with the kids—helping them feel at ease, building their confidence, and creating an environment where they genuinely love to learn. In addition to her teaching, Roma also serves as a lifeguard and volunteers her own time to support the club and its young swimmers. Her dedication and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for everything she contributes to the Paraburdoo Amateur Swimming Club.
Kylie Kite | Tom Price
Kylie is always going the extra mile as the Manager for Tom Price SES
she goes above and beyond consistently even when she isn't well herself or on holidays, she's still available for SES members to look to for support whether it's general admin or during an event she puts in extra hours to ensure our unit runs smoothly and is compliant with statutory regulations
Donna Nikora | Pannawonica:
Donna consistently provides calm, patient and professional service in what can often be a high-pressure environment. She supports community members with efficiency and respect, handling a constant flow of enquiries and challenges with composure and care. In a remote town where the post office is a vital connection point, Donna’s reliability and positive attitude make a genuine difference every day. She is a valued and deserving Local Legend.
February 2026 Local Legends
Mike Chapman | Onslow
I would like to nominate Mike for his exceptional leadership and tireless commitment to Marine Rescue as Commander. He consistently dedicates countless hours to the role and leads by example, always putting the safety of the crew and community first. His professionalism, calm decision-making, and willingness to step in wherever needed inspire confidence and respect across the unit. Through his dedication, integrity, and selfless service, he embodies the values of Marine Rescue and is truly deserving of this nomination.
Natalie Wilison | Paraburdoo
Nat works at One Tree Paraburdoo Child Care Centre, where she consistently goes above and beyond for the children and families in her care. She is incredibly warm, welcoming and genuine, creating loving, wholesome and engaging activities that help children feel safe, supported and valued every day.
Nat’s care doesn’t stop when her shift ends. She often stays back to speak with parents who may have extra questions or need reassurance, always making time to listen and support families when it matters most. Her kindness and dedication make a real difference to parents and children alike. The children absolutely adore Nat. Her calm, caring nature and positive energy help build confidence, trust and joy within the centre. She quietly strengthens our community by showing up every day with compassion, patience and a genuine love for what she does. Nat truly embodies what a Local Legend is – someone who gives their time freely, looks after others and makes our town a better place simply by being who they are.
Amber Gooding | Pannawonica
Constantly going the extra mile for Pannawonica’s shire. The kids are never bored on any major holidays; she went above and beyond this Christmas and family’s received their own Christmas photos and presents.
Aunty Joyce Drummond | Tom Price
For supporting with transport and attendance across School Holiday programs