MRSG Celebrates Two Community Award Nominations for 2026
Stephen Pepper in his “Bright Spark Mentor”, “uniform”.
The Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) is proud to announce that it has submitted two nominations for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Community Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions to sustainability, health, and community wellbeing across the region.
Both nominations reflect the strength of local volunteer leadership and the powerful impact community-driven initiatives can have across the Macedon Ranges. MRSG extends its best wishes to both nominees as they go forward in the awards process, with winners to be announced during National Volunteer Week in May 2026.
Stephen Pepper on a Zoom call with an electrification client.
Stephen Pepper – Contribution to the Environment
MRSG has nominated long-time volunteer Stephen Pepper for the “Contribution to the Environment” award in recognition of his exceptional and sustained leadership in community electrification and emissions reduction.
Stephen has played a pivotal role in initiatives including Electrify Macedon Ranges, the Renewable Energy Action Group (REAG), and the Go Renewable Energy Group (GREG). Through these programs, he has helped households take practical climate action, including adopting solar, batteries, and heat pumps.
His impact is both measurable and deeply personal. In recent years, Stephen has supported over $1.5 million in installed renewable energy systems and contributed to the successful rollout of a bulk-buy program resulting in 57 new hot water heat pump installations. He has also conducted hands-on “kitchen table consultations” with households across the shire, helping residents understand how to transition away from gas and reduce household emissions.
Beyond the numbers, Stephen is widely recognised for his energy, optimism, and ability to inspire others to take action.
Claire Rowland, in the middle, is the driving force behind The Edgy Veg Awards.
Edgy Veg Awards – Community Event of the Year
MRSG has also nominated its volunteer-led Veg Action group for “Community Event of the Year” for the highly successful Edgy Veg Awards, now in their fifth year.
The Edgy Veg Awards celebrate local hospitality venues that showcase creative, vegetable-rich dishes, encouraging healthier eating while supporting sustainable, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. The initiative responds to regional health data showing that only 13% of residents currently meet recommended vegetable intake.
In 2025 alone, the program generated more than 700 dish ratings, over 2,400 website visits, and 24 media articles, with participation spanning 12 towns and two shires. Importantly, it has also influenced behaviour change, with many participants trying plant-based dishes for the first time.
The Awards not only support local businesses but also strengthen community connections, tourism, and awareness of sustainable food across the region.
Get Involved
These nominations highlight what is possible when volunteers, communities, and local organisations work together to create positive change.
If you feel inspired by the work of either Stephen Pepper or Veg Action, we encourage you to reach out, learn more, or get involved in their initiatives. Community impact grows when ideas are shared and supported.
MRSG congratulates both nominees and wishes them the very best of luck in the 2026 Community Awards.