The Power of the Country competition, presented by Powercor in partnership with Geelong and Essendon Football Clubs, launched in February this year and recently selected its five finalists for 2018.

The competition aims to recognise and reward everyday local heroes in regional Victoria and encouraged members of the community to nominate an individual who connects people, creates positive change and inspires those around them.

Listed below are the five selected finalists, nominated by a family member or friend for the significant and empowering contribution they make to their community. They come from a variety of locations throughout regional Victoria.

These finalists are in the running to win a cash prize of $5,000 plus an additional $5,000 to donate to a cause or charity of their choice.

The winner will be announced at this weekend’s Powercor Country Festival Blockbuster Match at the MCG, with all finalists and their families invited to attend the Chairman’s Function before the game.

To purchase your tickets to the match, click here.

Elly Clark – Carisbrook

Along with her husband Dale, Elly has provided foster care continuously for more than a decade. At nearly 70 years of age, this hasn’t stopped Elly from providing unconditional love and care for countless foster children who they have opened their home up to over the years.

Jack Thompson – Colac area

At just 9 years old, Jack implemented the “Socks n Jocks” drive, collecting 2,632 pairs of socks and jocks for the homeless in the Cardinia area. These socks and jocks would provide support and clean items to home homeless for between 8 – 12 months. In 2018, Jack is bringing the program back and hopes it will be bigger and better than 2017.

Peter Hickey – Colac area

Granted life membership of the Otway district football/netball club in 2017, Peter is an active member in the Colac community promoting junior participation across all sporting codes, ensuring that juniors in the Colac region have access to participate in different codes and provide a sense of community.

Robert King - Warrnambool

A member of the cycling group ‘Warrnambool lattes’ whom raise funds for local not-for-profit groups annually. Robert was integral in choosing this year’s charity - A Big Life – and has campaigned tirelessly, individually raising $18,000 as at 20^th April 2018.

Robyn Davey – Yarra Glen

Robyn provides back to the community in multiple ways volunteering two days a week for 30 years at the Yarra Glen Opportunity Shop, cooks meals for the ‘free meal’ campaign every Sunday and is treasurer of the local church, organising countless events to raise money and promote community spirit.