ROUNDING out a great 2024, Craig Sharam, Elders Bendigo branch manager, received the 'Give It' community action award at the annual One Elders Awards, held in Adelaide on December 11.
The One Elders Awards program celebrates individuals and teams who make significant contributions to the business.
Nominees are selected by the Elders network and their peers for embodying and consistently demonstrating the company’s core values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and customer focus.
Among the stand-alone annual categories, four awards are presented to employees throughout the year as part of the monthly One Elders Awards.
The overall annual winner, chosen from the monthly winners, is announced at the annual awards ceremony.
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These categories include the One Elders Safety Award, Sales Performance Award, Beyond the Call of Duty Award and the 'Give It' Community Action Award.
The One Elders 'Give It' Community Action Award honours an individual who has made a significant impact in their local or Elders community.
This includes, but is not limited to, volunteering, fundraising, supporting natural disaster relief efforts, or providing extraordinary assistance to clients and communities during challenging times.
Craig’s receipt of this award honours his unwavering commitment to serving his community and his outstanding leadership in creating a transformative partnership between his branch and the Boys to the Bush program, supporting troubled youth in the community.
Craig's dedication goes beyond his professional role, as he actively engages with local stakeholders, volunteers, and community members to ensure the program's success. His ability to inspire others and create a sense of ownership has been instrumental in building strong relationships and driving positive change within the community.
Craig was grateful to receive the award and said he was proud to be in a position to support his community and farmers in rural and remote areas.
"Every other applicant was equally deserving, all of them doing amazing work in their communities," he stated.
"I am immensely proud to have the chance to give back to kids in rural areas and address shortages in agricultural employment, by igniting their interest in agriculture through our work with the Boys to the Bush.”
Colin Lane, Elders Victoria/Riverina area manager, expressed his immense pride in Craig’s dedication to supporting his community.
“As a parent, when Craig saw an opportunity to help underprivileged kids through Boys to the Bush, he jumped at it,” he said.
“Craig’s commitment reflects his core values — he’s a caring person who listens and takes action.
"When he sees something that needs addressing, he and the Bendigo branch are always ready to get involved.
"Elders Bendigo is consistently the first to step up to help communities across central Victoria.
“Craig’s mantra is simple: it’s the community and its people who come first.
"Everything else follows.
“It’s also the entire Bendigo team who give their all to supporting the community.
"At Elders, we intentionally recruit individuals who are passionate about making a difference, whether through a sporting club, neighbourhood community houses, or other local initiatives.”
