General News
25 January, 2025
Morrow attributes success to family support
Horsham Rural City Council’s Citizen of the Year, Gavin Morrow, has credited his family and close friends for their unwavering support in helping him achieve this prestigious honour.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mr Morrow said he was initially surprised and overwhelmed to learn he had been nominated.
"I was a bit surprised and shocked at the start because I didn’t know someone had nominated me," he said.
"But once I let it sink in, I feel honoured to receive the award."
Mr Morrow’s dedication to the community spans decades, but he insists his accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the people closest to him.
"My wife, my family, my mother, brothers, sister, and some good close friends have been great supporters too," he said.
"Rob Walter is important, and my close friends Colin and Louise Kemp. They keep me grounded and support what we do."
Mr Morrow’s contributions to the community are extensive, from co-founding the Healthy Minds Group in 2009 to raising over $100,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, where he serves as a board member and fundraising committee chair.
He is also a foster carer alongside his wife, Jodie, and a staunch advocate for mental health awareness through initiatives like the Wimmera Football League’s CheckMate Round.
Yet, for Morrow, these achievements are deeply intertwined with his family’s involvement.
"The foster care work—my wife is a big part of that," he said.
"And the fundraising for Fiona Elsey is very much a family effort, involving my mum, brothers, sisters, and children."
Mr Morrow’s connection to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute is particularly personal.
"It’s close to my heart because my father died of cancer," he said.
"Seeing the research they’re doing gives us hope that it will help a lot of people in the future."
Beyond his charitable work, Mr Morrow is also the dealer principal of Morrow Motor Group, a business recognised in 2023 as Victoria’s best large regional automotive business.
The company has sponsored numerous local sports clubs, schools, and community events—a reflection of Morrow’s commitment to giving back.
Looking ahead, Morrow is optimistic about making an even greater impact. One of his latest initiatives is a partnership with Monash University to provide free online mindfulness courses to the community.
As a proud member of both the Horsham and Warracknabeal communities, Morrow cherishes the connections and opportunities these areas have offered.
"I love the people, the lakes, and the community spirit here in Horsham and Warracknabeal," he said.
"I love that about the Wimmera—that we’ve got a great choice of local lakes like Green Lake, Taylors Lake, Rocklands and Toolondo.
"I also visit a lot of pubs and restaurants in Horsham."
Mr Morrow’s message to the community is simple yet profound:
"If everyone does one act of kindness or volunteers for something, then we’ll have a better place.
"And I think we’re pretty good at doing that already."
Mr Morrow emphasised that he stands with many other people who do great work in the community.