Mars Snacking has announced the winners of the Mars Snacking Ballarat Community Heroes Awards for 2026.
Supported by The Courier, the awards showcased the resilience of the region and highlighted the wonderful volunteers and community members who help make Ballarat a great place to live. Each of the award winners will receive a $5,000 donation to their nominated charity.
Bec Ware was named the Mars Snacking Community Service Herofor strengthening safety, connection and opportunity for women across Ballarat. Through her roles as the Ballarat Business Women Vice Chair and a Board Member of the Safe Together Network, she demonstrates unwavering commitment to empowering women and building a community where they can thrive.
“Ms Ware has played an instrumental role in establishing the Safe Together Network in Ballarat, which offers discreet, accessible safe spaces where people experiencing family violence can receive immediate assistance, access a private space and connect with specialised support services,” according to Mars Snacking. “These locations provide a critical bridge to safety, particularly when seeking help from home or using a personal device may be unsafe.”
This initiative is reshaping how community safety in Ballarat is delivered and reflects Bec’s deep commitment to protecting and uplifting women.
Neil Para was named the Mars Snacking Emergency Services and Frontline Volunteer Hero for being a dedicated and active member of the Ballarat community with a strong passion for community service.
“Mr Para has been a tireless volunteer and crew leader to the VIC SES Ballarat Unit over the past eight years. He has shown great commitment and dedication to servicing the Ballarat community through calls for assistance, residential and traffic emergencies, and missing persons searches,” said Mars Snacking. “Despite juggling a family, full-time work and other volunteer commitments, Mr Para is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, taking on extra unit responsibilities whenever he can.
“In 2023, Mr Para also completed an incredible 1,000-kilometre walk to Sydney to raise awareness and support for thousands of migrant families living in limbo as they sought permanent residency in Australia.”
Chenay Wilkinson was named the Mars Snacking Community Sporting Hero for demonstrating exceptional dedication, leadership and passion as President of the Sebastopol Football Netball Club.
“Volunteering more than 35 hours each week, Ms Wilkinson plays a pivotal role in ensuring the club thrives both on and off the field while creating meaningful opportunities for people across the Ballarat community,” said Mars Snacking.
“One of Chenay’s most significant achievements has been the growth of female participation in football. Under her leadership, Sebastopol’s junior girls football program now has two junior teams, providing more opportunities for young women to participate in sport, build confidence and develop lifelong connections. She also successfully reintroduced the club’s Auskick program, creating a welcoming pathway for local children to become involved in football.”
Mars Snacking ANZ Corporate Affairs Director Scott Pettet said the winners embodied the generosity, leadership and community spirit the Awards were created to celebrate.
“Bec, Chenay and Neil have each made an extraordinary contribution to Ballarat, whether by creating safer spaces for women, supporting people in times of crisis or helping the next generation feel welcome and included in community sport,” said Mr Pettet.
“Mars has proudly manufactured its iconic chocolate brands in Ballarat for almost 50 years, and we see every day how much this community is strengthened by people who generously give their time, energy and expertise to help others.
“We are delighted to recognise this year’s Mars Snacking Ballarat Community Heroes and provide $15,000 in donations to support local causes. We hope their stories inspire even more people to become involved in their local community.”
The 2026 judging panel consisted of Mars Snacking ANZ General Manager, Michael Ryan, Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, and former AFL player and Ballarat Foundation Board Member, Mitch Brown.
