Australia Day History of Past Winners & Awards 1998 - 2014
Year
2014
Award
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
Name
FRANK BEZZINA
Blurb
Frank Bezzina is a man with a big heart and huge capacity for giving. In his
persona as Koko the Clown he has been an entertainer, teacher, hero, ‘doctor of
the soul’, inspirational role model and friend to many people. Frank has offered his
services and talent, free of charge, time and time again – purely to bring a smile to
a child’s face. He gives wholeheartedly, asking nothing in return and never
seeking accolades or recompense.
Frank has a unique gift of being able to ‘read’ people and interacts particularly well
with ill or ‘special needs’ children. As his genuine compassion, honesty and caring
heart shine through, youngsters who may be socially isolated or emotionally
vulnerable are able to relax, trusting in Frank’s sincerity and integrity. Frank’s
wonderful ability to be amusing and entertaining while always remaining respectful
makes him an exceptional person.
In addition to his work with children, Frank has performed at numerous aged care
facilities throughout Victoria, using his special brand of cheeky humour to lift the
spirits of, and bring joy to, many elderly folk. Frank Bezzina selflessly dedicates
himself to bringing joy and laughter to people of all ages – especially those who
need it most.
2014
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
BAYLEY
CHARALAMBOUS
Bayley is the 2012/2013 winner for Gippsland of ‘The Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC
Prize’. In April this year Bayley spent his term one school holidays on a study tour
exploring battlefields in Turkey, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Bayle’s entry for the prize was a quite gripping multimedia documentary portraying
the experiences of three local Vietnam veterans. By winning this perspicuous
prize Bayley was ambassador for Gippsland on ten study tour.
Since his return Bayley was asked to be quest speaker on ANZAC Day for the
Boolarra and Yinnar services which touched the hearts of all in attendance. He
has also spoken at various schools about his experiences including St Paul’s
Anglican Grammar which Minister Hugh Delahunty had asked Bayley to join him in
promoting the prize.
Bayley has had for many years an interest in war history and a deep respect for
our veterans so by continuing to promote the prize through events such as these
Bayley hopes to inspire the younger generation of Gippsland to keep the ANZAC
spirit alive. Especially as the ANZAC Centenary is coming up he has taken it as a
personal goal to promote the awareness of such an important anniversary.
2014
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
GIPPSLAND
MOTORCYCLE TOY
RUN
The 2012 Toy Run was the 13th since the event commenced. Its sole purpose is
to support local families in need at Christmas time through the Salvation Army and
St Vincent de Paul. This year (and for the past 3 years) this event has ensured
that no family who sought help from the charities for help missed out on a decent
Christmas. Total proceeds from donations and sponsorships exceeded $55 000
this year.
This event brings three local bike clubs together with Police, Latrobe City, Primary
Schools and many local businesses to work towards a very heart-warming goal. It
also goes a long way improving community awareness of motorcyclists in general
and fosters good relations with Police. Support for this event includes eight
primary schools, many local businesses including all power companies, Rotary,
Lions, RSL clubs, social and sporting Clubs as well as Latrobe City, Victoria Police
and Old Gippstown.
2014
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
MORWELL STATE
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
The Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run is one of the biggest regional events of its
kind in Australia and has an unblemished safety record. It was started by the
following local bike clubs – Eastern Riders Gippsland, Ulysses Gippsland Central
Branch and the Us and Them Tourers.
The Morwell SES unit has been servicing the community of the old Morwell City,
Morwell Shire and Traralgon Shire for more than 35 years before the
amalgamation to the Latrobe City Council.
The Morwell SES unit consists of entirely volunteers ranging from men and women
from 18 -70 years of age. The volunteers work tireless in helping members and
visitors to the Latrobe City in areas of flood, storm and rescues. The Morwell SES
volunteers on numerous Latrobe City Community and Reference Groups.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
John Harris
Last year the Morwell SES responded to over 400 calls for assistance within the
Latrobe City area.
John Harris came to the Latrobe Valley straight from University to teach chemistry
at the Yallourn Technical College Senior School. When the school became
Monash University Churchill, John became Director of Distance Education. During
this time he was a mentor for a great number of students and young adults.
During that time, he was an active member of Apex, serving over 10 years as
secretary president and zone President where his motto was “The hand of
friendship”.
As well as his involvement with Apex, John has also worked for 8 years with the
Yinnar and District Lions Club as treasurer and projects committee member, has
had 6 years involvement as secretary of the Yinnar and District Community
Association, as well as 3 years as a Director and Chairman of the Board with the
Strzelecki Ranges Community Enterprise Ltd Franchise Division of the Mirboo
North Bendigo Community Bank. All these positions have been voluntary.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Judy Lipman
John was also instrumental in coordinating with the Boolarra and Yinnar townships
in developing a local Emergency Action Plan after the 2009 fires. He has also
coordinated the distribution of the plans to all households in these districts.
Judy has been a resident in the Latrobe valley for approximately forty years,
during which she has been a devoted family member and a passionate community
worker, continually active in her association with many organisations, at times in a
face of challenge and personal loss.
Prominent amongst her community contributions has been her support of Yallourn
North organisations, events and activities. She has manage to juggles dates and
efforts to do justice to each worthy cause, at the same time being able to
remember birthdays and give encouragement to individuals operating below par.
In Yallourn North she formed the Spinners and Weavers group, she was a
Lioness, she has been a volunteer and member of the Historical Society &
Museum and a member of YNAG of which she is currently president. She has
coordinated the Australia Day Breakfast for some years, lead YNAG projects
groups, helped to hang art shows, baked hundreds of cakes and made thousands
of sandwiches delivered newsletters, sold daffodils in aid of cancer research, she
judged garden competitions and been a wonderfully cheerful encourager of many.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Bill O’Donnell
Judy Lipman should definitely be considered as Latrobe City Citizen of the Year in
view of past and present caring community contributions.
Bill has undertaken and correlated significant community works over many years
voluntarily, in the orchestration of the redevelopment and improvement of the
Yallourn North Recreation Reserve and Hall Facility in the Town of Yallourn North.
As well as other assistance with Neighbourhood watch and the Yallourn North
Action Group.
Bill has spent much time as Treasurer of the Yallourn North Action Group and is
now looking at orchestrating further community works to the Recreation Reserve
and Hall which will include re-surfacing of Tennis Courts and new floor for the
older section of the Hall. Bill is a retired carpenter, who has resided in the
township of Yallourn North for all of his adult life.
2014
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Jean Tops
Warren Xerri
Jean Tops founded the Gippsland Carers Association in 1997, and has spent
many years selflessly helping people who provide unpaid care for loved ones with
disabilities, mental or chronic illness, or aged frailty. These carers, mostly women,
are among the most disadvantaged members of society and often forego things
others take for granted – like jobs, education, and social activities. Too many
people who find themselves in the position of Carer express feeling alone and
isolated, especially those unable to leave home due to their Caring responsibilities
(these feeling are compounded when living in remote areas). It is also extremely
difficult for those who became Carers suddenly, as in when a child or partner
suffers a serious injury resulting from an accident (such as spinal cord injury, or
brain damage).
Jean saw too many Carers withering under the stress of caring 24/7, and was, and
remains, driven to help reduce the higher-than-normal rates of illness, depression,
and suicide, among carers. Her enthusiasm for “a better deal for Carers” has
inspired others to offer support to make life better for those who give so much to
others, at such a high cost to themselves.
Warren has been an active member of the Yallourn North Action Group (YNAG)
for some time. In the past three years Warren has been the editor of the monthly
YNAG Community Newsletter. This role includes gathering editorial; following up
on copy for the advertising section; taking photographs, preparing the layout of the
newsletter; arranging for it to be printed; and organising residents in the
distribution process.
Warren has been required to be a central contact person for the whole community,
which he manages very well in a calm and understated manner. Sometimes
residents are late with editorial or disagree with the content of the Newsletter,
however Warren continues to remain polite with everyone. He also works hard to
continually improve the Newsletter, which includes actively seeking feedback/new
ideas and opportunities to improve his ‘editorial’ skills.
Warren has grown into this role from being a reluctant volunteer, to someone with
confidence in his ability to manage a key task for the group. And the Community
has a quality local Newspaper.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Olivia Blackwood
Warren’s personal growth, the quality of the newsletter and the marvellous service
he brings to his community through the newsletter are compelling factors in
nominating him as citizen of the year.
Olivia has demonstrated leadership skills and is a role model for the community
and it s members.
Olivia has shown ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of others not just
locally but now internationally through her ongoing sponsorship and volunteering
in Uganda, encouraging children and family to support education.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Coalies Weekend
Olivia volunteers in Uganda and started to put girls through school via foreign
sponsorship.
Coalies weekend has become a very valuable annual event arranged with
excellent attention to organisational detail and hospitality contributed by the
Yallourn North & District Historical Society. It is held at the Old Brown Coal Mine
Museum in Yallourn North.
Its value lies in a number of fields. It enhances social connection by enabling
Yallourn North residents/workers past and present to renew friendships and talk
about the old times and to hear about new developments in Yallourn North and the
surrounding area. Through these discussions history is help alive and up to date.
The event highlight the excellence of the museum’s unique historical collection
through special displays that provide a nostalgic look back into the rich coal
miming heritage of Yallourn North and district.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
GECC 3 Day
Multicultural Festival
The celebration acknowledges the men and women who pioneered the small
township of Yallourn North formerly known as Brown Coal Mine. Coalies
Weekend, with its additional value of continuity over many years, is an event that
for many is the event of the year.
The Gippsland Multicultural Festival is a unique annual festival occurring in
Cultural Diversity Week - within the Harmony month of March.
The 2013 festival began on Friday with the Multicultural Youth Festival: “Bridging
the Multicultural Generation Gap”. This showcased youth talent from across
Gippsland and stimulated students to research our diverse multicultural heritage
and its impact on community, society and education. Through researching their
heritage, school-children may become attracted to learning foreign languages and
other cultures.
On the Saturday, the Long Table Lunch, also part of the Gippsland Food and Wine
Festival, served ethnic cuisine using produce from the region.
On the third day, colourful multicultural performances from diverse cultural groups
occurred in Immigration Park. The crowd enjoyed the diversity of ethnic performers
in their cultural costumes. Ethnic food stalls, provided for a range of culinary
tastes. Displays and cultural activities provided additional interest. The Grand
Parade with flags and banners waving and the unveiling of names on the
Immigration Wall of Recognition were special attractions.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Moe Schools
Superstars 2013
This community celebration of multiculturalism was possible through the work of
the Gippsland Ethnic Communities’ Council (GECC) in partnership and
cooperation with local organisations and schools – all together making the
celebration a great success.
Following on from the success of the 2012 Moe Schools Superstar event, the 2013
event was planned to keep the positive momentum in the town that this event
generates.
he event includes local primary schools, community services and most community
groups. It give children the chance to showcase this wonderful singing talents in a
community friendly environment, provides a place for community groups to hold
displays, and the general public a place to come, relax and enjoy a day of free
entertainment.
The event features students from 8 schools an opportunity to perform in public
with the finalists allowed to sign at the Moe Music Festival held at Old Gippstown.
The event has become an important part of the traders program to invigorate not
only the CBD but also provide the Moe Community a fun free event. The
community groups also have a place to showcase the wonderful things that they
do, in a fun environment.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Strzelecki Showtime
Strzelecki Showtime should be nominated for Community Event of the Year as it
involves a large group of people within Latrobe City.
Writing for the show commences in January and then auditions start in May/June.
Rehearsals commence in July and run for 3 months prior to the six shows in
October. It involves children from the ages of 10 years to adults.
A lot of time and effort goes into the rehearsals which are held on weekends.
There is also a lot of work by the backstage crew who make all the new props and
costume ladies make new costumes every year. It also involves a lot of time from
parents in taking their children to rehearsals which are in Morwell, then Traralgon
for the shows.
Showtime writes all their own songs, all of which the band has to learn. Strzelecki
Showtime haw been running for over 40 years and deserves to be recognised for
all the effort that goes into staging a production every year.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Buddy Bear Swing
Group – Creative
House
The Buddy Bear Sewing Group is an inspiring group of dedicated, committed and
passionate volunteers and clients, who meet regularly to sew, create and package
handmade calico bears, which are then distributed free to community members
who may have suffered a traumatic experience or simply need the support of a
friend.
The ‘Buddy Bears Sewing Group’ creates opportunities for clients involved in
mental health programs to learn new skills, engage in supported activities and
assist their local community through a mentored volunteer role. The group meets
regularly at Latrobe Community Health Service’s Creative House in Traralgon.
Creative House is psychiatric disability rehabilitation day stay program for adults
aged 16-64. Buddy Bear is a very special teddy Bear constructed by LCHS
volunteers and program participants, Buddy Bears have the capacity to offer
comfort and companionship. Bears are made from calico and each bear comes
with a birth certificate and nontoxic markers allowing the bear to be named and
decorated.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Forever Friends
Animal Rescue Latrobe
During 2012/2013 over 400 Bears were created and distributed free thorough a
variety of programs.
Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) Latrobe is a not-for –profit organisation
dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of companion animals. In partnership with
the Latrobe City Pound, Forever Friends Animal Rescue Latrobe has been
responsible for rescuing and rehoming over 630 animals that would have
otherwise been euthanized.
Forever Friends Animal Rescue Latrobe was a finalist in the Latrobe Business
and Tourism Awarder under “Most Popular Community Service Organisation”
category in 2013.
Forever Friends Animal Rescue was initially established by Melanie Palmer in
February 2012.
Since that time the group has grown and now consists of 5 key members and a
further 55 volunteers (including pet foster carers). In September 2013 Forever
Friends Animal Rescue Latrobe separated from its parent organisation and was
officially registered as an independent incorporated organisation.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Mrs Lyn McAlister
Lyn McAlister became Secretary of the Yallourn Gold Club in 2012, happily
volunteering in the position after no nominations were received, and in the process
becoming the club’s first ever female Secretary. Lyn puts an erroneous amount of
work in every week, late into the evening, on weekends, and travels far and wide
for meetings and to represent the Club.
She has represented the Club through some difficult times, un-waving in her
commitment, and the Club’s continues existence is not doubt contributed to her
hard, volunteering work.
On top of her Executive Committee commitments, Lyn also volunteers regularly on
the Sunday Bar Roster, and also volunteers in our kitchen at the Club during big
events and for social golf groups, to ensure the Club can deliver these services to
groups.
2014
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Morwell
Neighbourhood
House Program
Volunteers
Lyn’s even found the time to win the Ladies Club Championships and I’m not sure
how she does it. Lyn has been a Member of the Yallourn golf Club for years, and
on the Executive since 2010.
The Morwell Neighbourhood House’s vision is to be a welcoming place of
community involvement and learning. Achieving excellence in leading our
community towards greater independence and quality of life. This is only achieved
because of the help of a band of dedicated and devoted volunteers, support staff
and tutors that enable these programs to take place.
This group of people include; Vicky Osborn, Janet Swash, Isabel Temple and
Josie Vecchio who are very much responsible for the success of the Morwell
Neighbourhood House and its programs. The house offers a range of classes
including specialized literacy programs and acts more than a meeting place, but
an educational hub for those in the community that need their assistance.
2013
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
ALLAN VICKERY
These special people go above and beyond to make sure that those attending the
Morwell Neighbourhood House feel welcomed and their experience is rewarding.
They are passionate, dedicated and the backbone of the Morwell Neighbourhood
House and well worthy of recognition.
Allan Vickery has worked tirelessly for the community for many years in a wide
variety of ways. In recent years, as a senior member of the Traralgon Lions Club,
Allan has been instrumental in transforming the Victory Park, Newman Park and
Doorty Park precinct from a public space with potential, to a vibrant area with
public facilities admired by all.
Through his lobbying, and in partnership with Latrobe City, the park area now
contains a Sound Shell, Access for All Playground, barbecue facilities and native
shrubs and trees.
When the Farmers’ Market moved to Traralgon, Allan believed the Lions Club
could run the market ensuring all profits were returned to the benefit of the local
community. His enthusiasm and dedication has seen the market double in size,
making it a true regional attraction and City asset.
He has also been the driving force behind one of the City’s main community
events in the annual Carols by Candlelight and has helped it develop into a major
regional event.
2013
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
CRYSTAL BERTOLI
Allan is always on the lookout for ways to help and truly has his local community at
heart.
Crystal is a young Aboriginal woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life
to become a very effective and highly valued member of our College community.
She is a past student of Kurnai College and has gone on to work with the College
in many different capacities and has recently been promoted to the role of Koorie
Engagement Support Officer in Gippsland. Crystal is a wonderful role model for
our Koorie students and also the wider Koorie community.
In her role at the school she has assisted students to become more culturally
aware and has taken on such tasks as driving the Dedlee Kultya Dancers delivery of the living Koorie culture through dance. She has worked effectively in
our school and local community to ‘close the gap’ and provide opportunity for
Koorie students to do their best and find pathways for their future.
Crystal works effectively because she is culturally aware and respectful and has
strong links with the Aboriginal community. She highly values education and
demonstrates this through her keenness to learn and her tertiary studies.
2013
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year (Co-winner)
2012 MOE MUSIC
FESTIVAL
Crystal has consistently presented herself in an extremely professional manner
and always approaches her duties with great diligence and care. She shows real
consideration towards others in all her undertakings. Crystal is a most capable and
courteous person who can be relied upon to apply her considerable initiative
effectively in all situations. She is an integral part of our school community and
deserves to be recognised for her contribution to Aboriginal advancement in our
community.
On the 5 and 6 May 2012 the Moe Music Festival, which has been extended to
two days with an evening event included at the Moe RSL, was held at Old
Gippstown Heritage Park.
It showcased local and visiting brass bands on the Saturday as well as jazz, blues,
folk, acoustic and country music on the Sunday in front of appreciative audiences
at various historical venues throughout the park. The Moe Traders Association
added their support for the Moe Music Festival by holding the Moe Schools Super
Star talent quest final for young primary and secondary students. Four finalists,
two junior and two senior, performed on stage on the Sunday in front of Music
Festival Committee Judges before being awarded their well earned prizes.
A Gala Dance was also held in the Moe RSL on Saturday night in the function
room featuring the Alan Clark Gippsland Swing Combo.
2013
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
LIONS CLUB OF
TRARALGON
On the Saturday a raffle was held and drawn, which had a local photographer’s
framed picture donated by ‘Furniture, Beds and More’ as first prize and two food
hampers, whose contents were sourced entirely from Old Gippstown, as second
and third prizes.
Traralgon Lions Club has been servicing the Traralgon community for 46 years
and is widely respected and recognised within the City and the region. In the last
12 months, the club has organised its annual senior citizen’s Christmas party
entertaining over 200 local seniors. The club also organised Carols by Candlelight
which entertained over 5000 regional visitors and organises and maintains the
monthly Traralgon Farmers’ Market which attracts over 40 stall holders and
hundreds of visitors to the town every month.
Members continue to support those affected by the Black Saturday bushfires, and
contribute strongly towards community projects. Tree planting in Doorty Park,
financial support for palliative care and the Traralgon Special Development School
are some of the more recent activities of the club.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Joan Black
The members and the club are well recognised in the City appearing regularly to
support various charitable causes such as the Latrobe City Eisteddfod, the Big
Red Bus Appeal, Camp Quality and recently purchased a defibrillator for the
Traralgon Golf Club
Joan is a true ‘quiet achiever’ who sees a need and springs into action. She is a
very active member of St Vincent’s Parish and the Catholic Women’s League. But
there are also numerous other projects and annual events that Joan also actively
promotes and fundraises for such as Pink Ribbon Day, assisting the Knights of the
Southern Cross.
Then there are the frequent kindnesses that Joan does, such as cooking meals for
families in need, cleaning the Sacred Heart Church; knitting blankets for the needy
overseas. Joan instigated the school and parishes of Morwell and Churchill to knit
squares to become blankets for the ‘Born to Knit’ program. She was a major
organiser of fundraising to build a school in a village in Nigeria – raising $10,000.
For many years she (along with her friend Pam) made hundreds of gifts for
Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls for the children of St Vincent’s and Lumen Christi
Churchill.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Keith Chenhall
A great organiser with a HUGE heart of gold – one of the most generous people
you would ever meet.
Keith Chenhall is Foundation Member, Past President and Life Member of the
Citizen of the Year
Traralgon Apex Club formed in 1949. He is also Vestry Member of the St James
Anglican Parish for forty plus years and Delegate to the Synod of the Anglican
Church in Gippsland.
As a member of Traralgon Chamber of Commerce he conceived the idea of, and
campaigned tirelessly for, the establishment of the off street car park in Seymour
Street, Traralgon.
Keith has also been a member of the Traralgon Cemetery Trust for thirty years.
He is a past Chairman, and was the prime mover and to have the Gippsland
Crematorium established.
Has provided annual financial assistance to the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, since
its inception and in 2002 he created the Keith Chenhall Charitable Foundation.
Each year the foundation has made disbursements to a variety of community
organisations totalling $196,000 to date.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Garry Hammer
In 2002 he was awarded the Traralgon Rotary Clubs’ Community Service Award
and in 2011 his service to the community was also recognised by the Lions Club of
Traralgon with a Community Service Presentation.
Garry has made an outstanding contribution to his local community by playing
leadership roles at local, regional and state levels. One of Garry’s passions lies in
building inclusive communities where all people are included, welcomed and
valued. Garry has been a tireless advocate in advancing the access and inclusion
of people with a disability through his involvement in community building and
policy development. Having a disability himself, Garry believes that sustainable
social change is bought about by encouraging and supporting other people with a
disability to develop their leadership skills and take up positions on boards and
committees to influence community planning.
Another of Garry’s areas of interest is environmental sustainability. Garry has
spent many years farming in Gippsland and has first hand knowledge and
experience of the importance of protecting our natural assets and resources. A
diploma in Natural Resource management gave Garry a theoretical basis for his
work in environmental sustainability which he has put into practice through his
involvement on various committees and task forces.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Cynthia Rawlings
Garry was a foundation member of the Gippsland Linking Local Action Network
and filled the position of Chairperson for approximately nine years.
Cynthia, every year, helps organise Relay for Life in Latrobe Valley and takes part
herself in walking the laps of the oval.
For Daffodil Day she raised $6000 with her efforts and she organised the Biggest
Morning Tea as well
Cynthia has spent over 19 years serving her community fund raising for Cancer
Council. She is very dedicated to this great cause. She is a true advocate for
Victoria’s Cancer Council.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Greg Samson
She is an ideal role model for those who need inspiration. Because even after two
hip replacements she is still and active member of her community and proud of
what she achieved through her efforts with fighting for cancer.
Greg moved to Traralgon with his family in January 1974 where he joined the 1st
Traralgon Scout Group as a leader in the Scout section. He also joined the
Training team to train new leaders in the Region, and then in 1980 he became
District Commissioner in the Traralgon District. He held this position until the
amalgamation of the Traralgon and Strzelecki Districts in 1995.
With the formation of the new regions Greg joined the Region Staff and is the
Assistant Region Commissioner for Development in Eastern Region and is still
very involved today. In 2011 he received a 50 year service to Scouting award.
He is also very involved in the community and gives many hours of service in the
Traralgon Uniting Church. Greg is and Elder and Church Councillor, has been
secretary and chairperson many times since 1974 and is the secretary of the
Church Council at this time. He is also on lots of other committees that assist the
work of the local and the wider Church.
Greg is a member of the Rotary Club of Latrobe Central and helps where needed
especially with many B.B.Q’s at Bunnings.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Jade Carpenter
He loves living in Latrobe City and is happy to continue volunteering his services
for as long as he is able. Greg is a tireless worker and gives 100 per cent to all
activities he is involved in so is a very worthy recipient of this award.
Jade has a wonderful talent and a beautiful nature and loves to do whatever she
can for her community, wanting nothing in return.
Jade was involved with the Moe Schools Superstar event. Jade has sung at
nursing homes, entertaining the elderly. She has sung the National Anthem at the
Special Olympics for the past three years. She has sung for Christmas in July at
the Ladies Legacy twice. She has also sung at Christmas Carols at many places
and many more things.
Jade has been involved in school musicals and even sung at her teacher’s
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Lauren Hood
wedding. She was in the play ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’
performed by the Latrobe Theatre Company. She has also sung at the Moe
Senior Citizens on several occasions.
Lauren has actively been fundraising for the Tyers CFA Brigade since the 2009
Bush Fires, personally raising over $600. Now 12 years old, Lauren was only 10
years of age when she presented the Tyers Fire Brigade with her first fundraising
cheque.
Her fundraising has consisted of selling eggs, making truffles and tin rattling with
her family and friends.
Lauren is also the vice president of the Traralgon Grey Street Primary School.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Gippsland Antique &
Collectables Fair
Lauren has grown up in Tyers on a rural property. She and her family have been
threatened by the Moondarra, Coopers Creek and the 2009 Bush Fires. The
Tyers Fire Brigade put out a request to Tyers residents for donations to allow us to
buy extra firefighting equipment and Lauren took this request to heart and she has
been fund raising for the past three years.
This event has always been outstanding with greater involvement from sponsors
and the broader community each year. It’s been fantastic to be able to pull
together organisational, business and overwhelming community support to make
this annual event the success it is and each year promises to be bigger and better
than ever.
Our contribution to the community comes in many shapes and forms. It provides
an opportunity for like-minded people of all ages and backgrounds to meet
together over the weekend to discuss and share stories about their collectables
like one big show and tell. It is accessible to all sectors of the community.
It is informative and educational with our experts knowing their own fields well and
we invite historical societies to join with us in this education process of historical
things of significance.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
2012 Gippsland
The popularity of the fair encourages and draws many to travel long distances to
attend, some staying for the whole weekend. All planning and pre-event work is
done on a voluntary basis by the co-coordinator, committee and various club
members to put together a professional event looking to cater to the needs of
everyone in the community and maximise community attendance and involvement.
It also provides the opportunity to pick up that something special people have
been seeking
The Gippsland Multicultural Festival is a unique annual three day festival that
Community Event of the
Year
Multicultural Festival
occurred in March 2012. The Youth Multicultural Festival with the theme of
“Bridging the Multicultural Generation Gap” showcased talent from school children
from across Gippsland as well as enthusiastic students in research and education,
by generating interest in their heritage, foreign languages and contemporary
society. The Long Table Lunch which also formed part of the Gippsland Food and
Wine Festival, served ethnic cuisine using local produce from the region. On the
third day, the Multicultural celebrations occurred in Immigration Park with ethnic
performers, food stalls, displays, activities and a ceremony for unveiling new
names on the wall.
This year, the Minister of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Hon Nicholas
Kotsiras attended the Sunday event in Immigration Park to launch the first regional
Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
2012 Moe Schools
Superstar Event –
Moe Traders
This community celebration of Multiculturalism was possible through the work of
the Gippsland Ethnic Communities’ Council (GECC) in partnership and
cooperation with a number of organisations including the Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development and GippsTAFE. The generous contribution
and support from many local businesses and organisations have made this threeday multicultural celebration a success.
The Moe Traders wanted to invigorate the township of Moe by creating a
showcase event in the town that encompassed the whole community. The Moe
Schools Superstar event was created to be held in the centre of the CBD and
involved nearly every local school, community services and most community
groups.
It was an event that gave children the chance to showcase their wonderful singing
talent, community groups to be on display and involved on the day and the general
public to come, relax and enjoy a day of free entertainment.
The event brought the town together, and gave the opportunity for all the Moe
groups to work together. The event was enjoyed by all ages and attracted a crowd
of between 2500 and 3000 people. It was inspiring to see all the groups working
together with the support and backing from council and local businesses, which
made our dream of an event that would be embraced by the town and put Moe on
the map, come to fruition.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
Jon and Maree Hall
Because of the success of the event, and the support from within the whole Moe
community, preparations are already in place to make this an annual iconic event
for Moe.
Maree Hall (Miller) and Jon Hall have lived in Moe all of their 60 something years
and both are truly passionate Moe people. Over the years both Maree and Jon
the Year
have been heavily involved in community groups and their own voluntary work in
Moe.
Maree’s late father Lenny Miller played for St Kilda Football Club and
subsequently played and coached the Moe Football Club. Following in her father’s
foot steps Maree has been involved in local sport in particular tennis which she
played at the highest regional level. Jon has been involved in many community
groups such as Moe CFA and is a keen gardener who volunteers at the Moe RSL
maintaining the garden beds around the venue.
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Rev Abraham Maluk
For the past 15 years Maree and Jon have carried out their own voluntary work.
Every Sunday morning for at least two hours, Maree and Jon have cleaned up
litter from around Moe Railway Station, Lloyd St down to Gippsland Heritage Park
and along Saviges Rd. Their significant efforts over the years have ensured that
the areas that they attend to are litter free and looking good from week to week
which demonstrates their passion for the town. I am sure their efforts contributed
greatly towards Moe winning the 2007 Tidy Towns Award. Maree and Jon have
never sough recognition or compensation for their thankless efforts which over the
years equates to 2700 combined hours of voluntary community work, which is a
conservative estimate. It is also important to note that they don’t look like stopping
for some time yet.
Abraham Maluk arrived in the Latrobe Valley six years ago after having spent 17
years in a refugee camp at Kakuma, Kenya. It was here he studied theology which
influenced his future. When he arrived in Australia he attended language sessions
to gain a better command of English.
He then completed a degree in Community and Social Welfare and a Masters
degree in International Relations at Monash University.
Abraham is the Priest in Charge for the Anglican Diocese church in Moe for the
Sudanese community. He is held in very high regard by them, always providing
assistance and advice to those who are in real need, especially to those who
cannot understand systems and processes.
Abraham has been employed as a teacher’s aide to the Language School based
at the Liddiard Road Primary School Traralgon; visited schools as part of a
Community Awareness Program which involves telling others of the refugee
experience and difficulties new arrivals face when coming to new country, given
talks to a number of service clubs and is respect by the wider community.
Abraham was recently chosen to be a member of the first Gippsland Regional
Multicultural Advisory Board.
2013
2013
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Janice and Ted
Timmins
Brenda White
He must also be commended for not forgetting his people back in Sudan and
particularly his efforts in setting up the Bor Orphanage & Community Education
Project. He has enlisted many Gippslanders to assist this project.
Janice and Ted Timmins through their annual Art Exhibition Fundraising venture at
the Kath Teychenne Centre in Traralgon, 2011 ‘Parade of Treasures’ and for many
years previously have raised thousands of dollars for the Latrobe Regional
Hospital, Special Care Nursery Thomson Ward.
The funds are raised in memory of Janice and Ted’s son John who died aged 13
of meningitis over 20 years ago. Janice also brings the joy of making art to
hundreds of adults and children of our municipality and further afield in Gippsland
through provision of art classes.
Brenda is a local nurse at Latrobe Regional Hospital who is well known for her
kindness and generosity not only at work, but in her life in general. She is a
mother of two teenagers with a supportive husband, but still has time for others,
willing to help at a ‘drop of a hat’. She is very loyal, caring and loving.
Brenda has a special way of making people feel valued, accepted and loved,
especially when you are at your darkest time.
She is proud of her Canadian heritage, always willing to share this culture, like
cooking Canadian pancakes at her kid’s school. She is equally proud of becoming
an Australian Citizen and her new homeland of seven years.
A Christian, Brenda is a trained volunteer with Access Ministries and enjoys
teaching Christian Religious Education or “RE” to Grades 3 & 4 at Grey Street
Primary School as well as co-ordinating the RE team at Kosiuszko Street Primary
School.
2012
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year (CoWinner)
LORREL SAMSON
OAM
What makes Brenda so special is how generous of nature she is, offering a
supporting role for those in need.
Lorrel is, and has been, a tireless worker for the Traralgon community. As an
active member of the Uniting Church in Traralgon she organises book sales,
catering for weddings and funerals amongst others. She is very conscientious and
is always there to give a welcoming smile to everyone. She generously gives of
her time, looking for nothing in return.
Lorrel is also well known for her passion for the Scouting movement. Alongside
her husband, she has been involved with scouts for over 40 years, encouraging
the young with her work as a Scout Leader for the 1st Traralgon Scouts. If you are
lucky enough to know Lorrel, you will only be full of admiration for her generosity of
spirit and giving nature.
2012
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year (CoWinner)
BARRY
WHITEHEAD
Lorrel encourages her scouts to be active in the community, with their participation
in Australia Day activities, in particular at the civic function; and also other
community events such as Clean Up Australia. She is always there when needed.
Barry Whitehead has lived in Latrobe City for 35 years, and during this time has
firmly established himself in his community. He has, without fail, shown himself to
be a man of great integrity and commitment. He is a committed family man, a
hard-working individual and a generous supporter and provider to the Latrobe City
community through a wide range of activities.
Barry is widely known throughout the region for his participation in the arts
(theatre, radio, dance) sport (football, basketball) and as a local newspaper
columnist; and for his willingness to act as MC or host for many sporting, school
and fundraising events. This is all carried out in addition to his full-time
employment as HR Manager for Apprenticeships Group Australia. Barry is an
excellent ambassador for the region and a great role model.
Some of the events Barry freely give his services as MC include:
 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards (10 years plus)
 Latrobe Regional Hospital Annual Gala Ball (2009-10)
 Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards (since mid 1990’s)
 Latrobe City People’s Choice Awards (2010-11)
 Multicultural Festival at Gippsland Immigration Wall
 Black Saturday 1st Anniversary Memorial Service
 Christmas in Yinnar
 Gippsland Theatre Festival (2006-8)
2012
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
ELLEN MCDONALD
Ellen McDonald, is a 21 year old woman from Moe. Over the last two years Ellen
has made a significant contribution to the young people of the Latrobe Valley
community through her involvement as a volunteer with headspace Central West
Gippsland and the ’HYPE’ FreeZa committee.
Ellen is an intelligent and articulate young woman whose character and maturity
conceal the challenges she has overcome. Exposure to drug use and violence
saw Ellen exit her family home at age 15. Ellen moved into supported
accommodation and later independent housing whilst supporting herself to
continue her education. Ellen currently attends GippsTAFE and is continuing to
pursue her goal of becoming a vet nurse. In addition, Ellen supports her younger
sister who has resided in her care since the age of 17.
Ellen’s early life, her role in raising her sister and her experiences of care provided
by local support services have given her insight into the challenges facing many
young people. Ellen has demonstrated a commitment to repay the support she
has received through her support of Headspace and the local FreeZa committee
‘HYPE’.
2012
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year (Co-winner)
GOOD FRIDAY
COMMUNITY
FAMILY DAY
Ellen has recently accepted the challenge to become one of the pioneer
members of Headspace’s new Youth Action Group. This will further enhance
Ellen’s leadership skills through opportunities in public speaking, youth
development, health promotion and community awareness.
The Good Friday Community Family Fun day attracts local people and travellers
who stop and spend and hour or two enjoying the activities on Good Friday every
year. For the locals it not only provides an activity for the whole family on a day
when there are not many options for things to do or places to go, but is also
provides a great focal point for all the community and helpers to meet, and join in
the community sprit.
It also provides a rest break for those travelling long distances as they pass
through our region on the way to their holiday destination, as well as an
opportunity to stop and take a look at Traralgon and meet members of the
community.
We have many regular visitors who come back year after year especially to
participate in our Good Friday Community Family Day where all money raised is
donated to the Good Friday Appeal, in aid of the Royal Children’s Hospital. The
REG Cork Club has achieved the Premier Fundraiser Award 16 times, and Top
Country (Non-Metro) Fundraiser Award 32 times. These achievements bring
Christine Unsworth (Good Friday Appeal Director) and Emoke Bakacs (Deputy
Director) to our community to present the shields.
2012
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year (Co-winner)
GIPPSLAND
IMMIGRATION
WALL OF
RECOGNITION
MULTICULTURAL
FESTIVAL
Total fundraising this year was $78,012.82, and a total of $1,554,546.61 has been
raised since 1973.
The Gippsland Multicultural Festival 2011 was a unique festival that occurred over
three consecutive days in March 2011. The Youth Multicultural Festival with the
theme of ‘Bridging the Multicultural Generation Gap’ occurred on the first day.
This event showcased talent from school children from across Gippsland as well
as students in research and education, by generating an interest in their heritage,
foreign languages and contemporary society.
The Long Table Lunch which also formed part of the Gippsland Food and Wine
Festival, served ethnic cuisine using local produce from the region.
On the third day, the multicultural celebrations occurred in the Gippsland
Immigration Park with ethnic performers, food stalls, displays, activities and an
unveiling ceremony to reveal new names on the wall. This community celebration
of multiculturalism was possible through the work of the Gippsland Ethnic
Communities’ Council (GECC) in partnership and co-operation with a number of
organisations including the Immigration Park Committee, Department of Education
Early Childhood Development and GippsTAFE.
2012
2012
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
GEOFF BELL
The generous contribution and support from many local businesses and
organisations have made this multicultural celebration a success. This event is
expected to grow and attract more domestic and international tourists to the region
Geoff has been a devoted member of the Morwell Lions Club for over 40 years.
You can always rely on Geoff to work on any project at any time. He is always the
first to put his hand up to help. And he is always there to nurture new members.
His work within the community is legendary and he is well known in Morwell.
Dr Graham Dettrick
He still works two days a week helping deliver medications to elderly citizens in
Morwell who are unable to walk to the local chemist. I would back Geoff to know
more about the streets of Morwell than any man alive. After 40 years of service
there is not much that Geoff has not done for Morwell and the Lions Community.
Dr Graham Dettrick’s contribution to the training of teachers at Monash University
Gippsland Campus began right from his arrival in the Valley in 1974. He was
elected as Chairperson of Maryvale High School Council and the Maryvale High
School Curriculum Committee for ten years before its transition to the now Kurnai
College. Many of his students continue to contribute to the local community.
He was a member of the German Club Executive for many years and was
Secretary before his academic work took him overseas for extended periods.
Although retired, he still contributes to the community as a volunteer in his role as
Chairperson of the Gippsland Ethnic Communities’ Council (GECC), the Board of
Management for Old Gippstown in Moe, the Monash University Human Research
Ethnic Committee in Melbourne, the Latrobe City Business Tourism Association,
Latrobe City Settlement Committee, and the Latrobe City Cultural Diversity
Reference Committee.
His most demanding and significant work since February 2004 has been through
the GECC, the peak organisation for ethnic communities’ advocacy and
multiculturalism in Gippsland. He has developed and supported a number of
initiatives and programs that provide the opportunity for different ethnic groups to
work together, thereby promoting multiculturalism and harmony in the community.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Tim Olorenshaw
During the Black Saturday bushfire, Tim stayed to defend his father’s property,
unfortunately, with no success. Tim was lucky not to lose his own life during that
terrible day. A few weeks after the fires devastated the community Tim managed
to get an apprenticeship with local builder Shayne Cheney so that he could begin
to rebuild local properties that had been devastated by the fires. Since then, Tim
has been involved with the re-building of at least eight homes in Callignee and
Koornalla.
As well as his work as an apprentice and lifeguard at the Latrobe Leisure Centre in
Morwell, Tim has managed to find time to voluntarily help two elderly, healthcompromised neighbours to build the basic dwellings in which they live. He has
also built himself a basic dwelling on his father’s property which he has called
home of the past two years.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Austral-Asia Quest –
Filipino Fiesta
Festival
Tim is a quiet achiever who has diligently gone about the task of re-building homes
whilst personally developing his own set of skills which he will be able to use well
into the future.
The Austral-Asia Quest involves contestants from ethnic backgrounds enhancing
their abilities, talents and learning to win back self-confidence by representing their
own cultural heritage through dancing, signing and arts.
The event, which is sponsored by Latrobe City Council, the Multicultural Affairs
Commission as well as small and large businesses both from Melbourne and the
local area, aims to improve the contestant’s ability to interact socially and to
perform confidently in front of the large audience of around 500-600. The event
promotes multiculturalism, unity and peace.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Jerry Baladjay
Contestants vying for Ms Austral-Asia Quest compose of women who aim to
become an ambassador for their home country. They compete in various
categories such as sports uniform, gown and talent, with the winners of each
category crowned accordingly.
Jerry has been the SPAG (Samahang Pilipino sa Gippsland) chairman for almost
10 years and has actively promoted the rich cultural heritage of the Filipinos. He
has the ability to interact and connect people. He has been instrumental in
promoting tourism to the valley by receiving assistance from the organisers of the
Filipino Fiesta in Melbourne to help with the Filipino Fiesta in Gippsland. He also
instigated the inter-league basketball games competition in Gippsland and bowling
amongst friends of all nations held at the Morwell Tenpins. This group now has 25
members.
He became a dedicated chairman of the Filipino Australian in Gippsland which
continues to grow from strength to strength, with 120 members to date. He
welcomes and helps people of any nationality, especially new migrants. Jerry is
works closely with Centrelink and Workways and has helped small businesses in
the valley by promoting it through the Association. Jerry is always open and has a
helping hand to offer to everybody, no matter their nationality.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Dianne Rayner
Dianne Rayner provides a service to the community in an unassuming manner.
She deserves recognition for her personal time given, her generosity and the
unconditional humility she has towards others. She is always there to support
families who need short term help or a non-judgmental shoulder to cry on. She
only has to hear of a person being admitted to hospital and she is there while
offering accommodation in her own home to the family if needed.
When she lost her nephew she made sure her family was looked after, offering
help to her sister by doing her shopping, cleaning her home and making sure the
extended family were okay.
There are not many who would give their personal time to care and share with
others. She never has a bad word or breaches the confidentiality of those she
helps. Dianne’s service is not direct or measurable to the city but her efforts are
performed in a quiet honest manner which can only be an asset to the community
through personal contribution and effort.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Strzelecki
Stringbusters
For the last seven years the Strzelecki Stringbusters have been giving free family
orientated musical performances to community organisations including:
 Bushfire Recovery – Gippsland Bushfire Concert and more than 12
recovery or remembrance concerts at Callignee, Balook, Koornalla,
Traralgon South, Boolarra, Yinnar and Warragul.
 Yinnar & District Community Association - Christmas in Yinnar, Australia
Day, Great Victorian Bike Ride Yinnar and other community events.
 Churchill & District Lions Club - Camp Quality Fundraisers and other
community events.
 Community music nights - for the past three years the Stringbusters have
organised and provided their services for free on the last Wednesday of the
month at the Yinnar Community Hotel.
 Various Elderly care facilities and hostels – Yallambie Village, Mitchell
House, Hazelwood House, Heritage Manor, St Andrew’s Ages Care,
Yarram Ages Care and Gracevale Lodge.
 Special Needs and Community Support Groups - Traralgon Special
Development School, I Gain special needs groups Morwell, combined
Baringa/Cooinda Hill Christmas functions and more
The Strzelecki Stringbusters have provided exceptional service to Latrobe City by
building strong community spirit in exceptionally difficult times after the bushfires.
Even though some band members suffered losses themselves, the sad times were
made easier by simple music and smiling faces.
2012
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
1ST TRARALGON
SCOUT GROUP
The 1st Traralgon Scout Group, currently at 100 members, has for 80 years
provided service to the young people in the community through its scouting
programs run by volunteers. In turn these youth members returned their
contribution to the community through the valuable life skills and understanding,
learnt through the scouting program.
The group provides scouting to people aged from five to 26, focusing on a wide
variety of training and experiences such as self-reliance and confidence building,
incorporating outdoor activities, skills and initiative development, teamwork, fun
games and leadership development activities.
There are many activities in the program, ranging from attendance at ANZAC Day
activities, acting as flag bearers at Citizenship Ceremonies, taking part in Clean
Up Australia, assisting at Carols by Candlelight, attendance at National and World
Jamborees, participating in exchange programs, youth forums, leader training and
conferences and adventurous activities.
Much of the success of the group depends on the enthusiasm, dedication and
support of volunteer leaders and parent committee involvement. The 1st Traralgon
Scout Group was established in 1924 and has been an active participant in the life
of the community ever since.
2011
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
(Ollie) ULRICH
DOBRATZ
Ollie has worked selflessly and devotedly to preserving local history since arriving
in the Latrobe Valley from Germany. He one of the founding members of the Moe
Folk Museum (Old Gippstown) and is still mentoring young people there in
restoring irreplaceable artefacts. His years of tireless labour have enabled our
historical past to be appreciated by future generations. His modest demure and
lack of desire for acknowledgement hake him an outstanding and remarkable
citizen.
2011
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
OLIVIA
BLACKWOOD
It all started in May 2007, Olivia was 15 years old, she started Interchange. This is
a program developed for children aged between 13 to 17. The children all have a
disability ranging from moderate to mild. Once a month Liv took the children on
organised outing, then every three months they would have an organised
overnight camp. Liv had to complete a certificate of competence to assist with
Interchange. In 2008, at the age of 16, she was asked to assist with T.V. camps.
This camps was also a port of Interchange although this time working with young
adults, 18 to 21 year olds, also with disabilities. These camps were run over Liv’s
school holidays, running from 3 to 4 nights.
In 2009, whilst working part time at Safeway and referring at Traralgon Basketball
Stadium, she manager to pass her Ausland level one course. This was to further
assist with people with disabilities. Olivia attended two diversity camps for children
with disabilities, run by lady Somers Camps.
October this year Liv attended the VSK (Very Special Kids) camp. These camps
are to help families with terminally ill children, some in the grieving process after
loosing a child. She has applied for the next camp held in February 2011.
2011
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
100 YEARS OF
STEAM – MAKE
MOE GLOW
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
2011
Major Award Community Service of
the Year
THE MORWELL
ROTARY CLUB
Bought 250 Melbourne visitors to Moe
Total of 1200 people attended the event
33 community groups participated in the event
gave community groups an opportunity to promote their organisation to
a large audience
ambassadors on the steam train provided information about Moe to the
visitors
Monetary value of the event to the municipalities was around $50,000
The marketing by Steam Rail Victoria to their members and railway
station throughout the metropolitan are provided Moe with a unique
tourism promotion opportunity
The event has shown how orgnisation and business with volunteers
covering the manipulates of Latrobe Council and Baw Baw Shire can
work together in achieving an outcome that benefits the whole region
200 plus local inhabitants travelled to Traralgon by the steam train which
benefited the local economy as well as giving some passengers their
first experience of a steam train
the event was promoted not only locally but throughout Victoria and
interstate
The Morwell Rotary Club is made up of men and women across all professions
and vocations, committed to Rotary’s ethos of ‘Service Above Self’. Rotarians are
active in raising funds and supporting projects involving health, education and the
development of young people in their neighbourhood. Through activities,
responsibilities and opportunity, rotary promotes growth in social skills, public
speaking, leaderships and motivation.
Members of Morwell Rotary Club give freely of their time to help local people in
need, and to raise money for worthwhile projects like Gippsland Rotary Centenary
house, which is an initiative of the Latrobe Group of Rotary Clubs, this facility
houses Gippsland patients and families who are attending the new Gippsland
Cancer Care Centre located at Latrobe Regional Hospital who would normally
need to travel unreasonable distance to be with their loved ones.
The ‘Shine on Awards’ recognise outstanding service to our local and wider
communities, certificates of commendation and award trophies can be for any field
of endeavour. These are just two examples of some of our activities. (more
examples on nomination form)
2011
Latrobe City Award Citizen of the Year
Henry Parniak
Henry has been involved with the Churchill Neighbourhood Centre since 2002
firstly on the committee as Vic President and now Coordinator. Taking up the
coordinator role during a period of flux he steered us to a position where we now
have financial stability, positive growth and a bright future. The pathway hasn’t
always been easy but with Henty’s integrity and focus our position within the
community has been heightened and consolidated. Along with his honest and
commitment we now have a wonderful “home” in the HUB and we have no
reservation about his ability to create within out Centre a welcoming and inclusive
atmosphere that epitomizes what Neighbourhood Centres’ are all about.
His community mindedness is reflective in the development of the “Men’s
Shed’/Community workshop that provides the participants the opportunity for
developing friendships and working relationships in a ‘fun’ atmosphere. Henry
always adopts a positive role and his ability to connect with Centre participants
and the wider community leave us without any hesitation in nominations Henry for
Citizen of the Year.
2011
Latrobe City Award Citizen of the Year
Roger Reis
Roger Ries has, for almost 30 years, served his community as a volunteer
treasurer; and worker. The committee is the management committee under the
Crown Lands (Reserve) Act 1978, responsible for the Recreation Reserve
(comprising Golf Club, Tennis Courts, Skate park, Cricket Club, Playgroup,
Equestrian Centre, Village Green, Federation Grandstand, Bicycle track and
playground. Administration of the tens of thousands of dollars each year and
accountability to the Minister has been Roger’s responsibility. Additionally, Roger
is the key liaison person for which most community consultation occurs that fall
under our management along with the broader community as well.
As a result of the significant work that Roger has committed to over the years,
Toongabbie’s vast recreational area, with improved facilities, is well placed now,
and into the future, to successfully serve the community of Toongabbie in
supporting our affiliated clubs to maintain and attract new members with improved
lifestyle options for full family participation and involvement.
2011
Latrobe City Award Community Event of the
Year
2010 Gumleaf
Quilters Quilt and
Craft Exhibitions
Dear Diary - Today I attended our Churchill Neighbourhood Centres Gumleaf
Quilters and Craft Exhibition. It was advertised through local newspapers, radio
stations, flyers and banners. Local sponsors were sought and enlisted-local
community groups engaged-anyone who paints, stitches, knits or sews were
encouraged to use this forum to display their work.
Entering Monash Unit Auditorium (a venue that you may never have had the
opportunity to visit) a view of wonderful quilts and craft was beautifully displayed. A
throng of visitors from local and outlying areas viewed and conversed about the
venue, the displays, and the whole experience.
The Quilts were well complimented by wooden stands constructed by the ‘Men’s
Shed’, while the stage afforded a perfect setting for decorative art, bears, bags
and embroideries. People lingered at the working displays put on by local
community groups – intricate lace making, stunning china painting, not forgetting
the Embroiders Guild and C.W.A. We watched local artists create felt and
sculptures.
Over Devonshire tea I cast my votes for my favourite items as prizes for each
section had been generously donated by local groups and businesses.
The opportunity afforded local people to display the quality and diversity of their
work along with the number of visitors and the continued support by community
groups and businesses made this an outstanding event and a credit to our
community. I enjoyed the day immensely as did everyone who attended. Thank
you to the Gumleaf Quilters for their brilliance in organising this wonderful event.
Signed - Jackie McLure.
2011
Latrobe City Award Community Service of
the Year
Bocce Committee –
Italian Australian
Sporting and Social
Club of Gippsland
The reason for nomination of the Bocce Committee is for providing a community
service to Latrobe City residents through participation in the Italian Australian
Club’s renowned Bocce Centre. The sport of Bocce is a passive sporting
recreation which provided fitness and health to the entire community.
Organisation and management f the Bocce Centre rests with the Club’s voluntary
Bocce Committee who have worked tirelessly over many years running programs
for a number of user groups. These groups included Club members, both senior
and junior, local service clubs, i.e. Lions, Rotary and Apex groups, both secondary
and primary school groups, intellectually disabled and handicapped groups, elderly
citizen associations, other sports club, i.e. lawn bowls, and corporate hospitality
days for large and small industry groups.
The game of Bocce is considered an alternative sporting recreation to the more
traditional mainstream sports. The club is in gratitude of the Bocce Committee’s
outstanding efforts and achievements over the years in promotion this traditional
game to the entire community of Latrobe City and surrounds as a low cost
alternative to participate in a sporting recreation or endeavour for the physical and
mental health and wellbeing of our community.
2011
Latrobe City Award Community Service of
the Year
Gippsland Ethnic
Communities Council
(GECC)
The Gippsland Ethnic Communities’ Council (GEC) is a non –profit organisation
run entirely by volunteers.
The aims of the organising are to promote harmony and understanding of ethnic
groups; assist ethnic individuals achieve their potential, assist and advice elderly
ethnic persons and advocate for the disadvantaged. Consequently, the
organisation runs the Gippsland Multicultural Festival which won the Australia Day
Award in 2009, organised a Pre-Parliament of World Religions event in Morwell,
International Food Festival at Old Gippstown and support other ethnic festivals
and events in Latrobe City.
Individual members, many who are retired, are sill active participants in the
community and contribute to communities and respond to community
consultations for the betterment of our society.
2010
Major Award -Citizen
of the Year
ZELMA
MILDENHALL
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Zelma Mildenhall has paved the way
for her to receive the 2010 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Zelma Mildenhall has been a passionate community member of the
Jeeralang/Hazelwood district for many years. She had been a guide leader for
over 30 years, local tennis player, and an outstanding community member. She
is one of the main members of the district’s Church and is always on hand when
needed.
Her kind and gentle nature, is shown in the way she works within the community,
and her passion and dedication is evident to anyone who meets her.
Zelma is known for being hard working, never standing still, always on the go, and
many wonder where her energy comes from. If you need help, she is there, no
questions asked.
Zelma’s leadership is renowned, she is a role model for the community and excels
in community service.
2010
Major Award -Young
Citizen of the Year
KEREN PALERMO
Keren Palermo is 19 years old and is an engaging and thoughtful young woman
who has made a significant to the Latrobe Valley community. She has overcome
significant challenges and has resided independently since the age of 16. In
2009 Keren returned to school to complete her VCE, and hopes to pursue
university studies after its completion.
Keren was a founding member of the “Whatever Youth Diversity Project” over 3
years ago. She devotes much time and effort to the development of the group and
its projects. She has been active in promoting “Whatever” and its message of a
safe and inclusive community for all young people through work in schools, public
speaking, social marketing and engaging with young people in the community.
Keren is also the nominated representative of the “Whatever” group and
Secretary of “Out There”, the Rural Youth Council for Sexual Diversity. Keren has
tackled her role in both groups with determination and enthusiasm and has
immersed as a role model for many young people. She is well respected in the
school community by both students and teachers.
2010
Major Award Community Event of
the Year
BOOLARRA FOLK
FESTIVAL
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Civic Award.
The Boolarra Folk Festival has been an outstanding community event for 7 years,
and won the Latrobe City Community Event of the Year in 2007.
Planning was well advanced for the 2009 festival when the Delburn complex fires
devastated the township and surrounds of Boolarra. At a public meeting of 300
people 3 days after the fires, as the community still stumbled in shock, and
congratulated each other on their survival, Ray Stewart announced that the Folk
Festival would definitely go ahead.
2010
Major Award Community Service of
the Year
LATROBE CITY
LIONS CLUBS
 Lions Club of
Churchill and
District
The impact was galvanising. Given the widespread damage caused by the fires,
and the ongoing fire risk still faced by the community, there was a widespread
expectation that the festival would be cancelled for the year. This expectation was
increased because a number of the prime movers in the staging of the festival
had been directly and severely impacted by the fires.
The decision to go ahead with the festival was rightly seen by the community as a
statement that Boolarra would rise above the fires; that they would not be
defeated, that they would move on as a community.
The demonstrated commitment to Community Service displayed by the Lions
Clubs of Latrobe City has paved the way for them to receive the 2010 Australia
Day Community Service of the Year Award.
The Latrobe Valley bushfires in February 2009 was a tragic event, resulting in

Lions Club of
Moe Lions Club
of Morwell
 Lions Club of
Traralgon
 Lions Club of
Yinnar and
District
 Lions Club of
Wellington
Latrobe
** All individual
Lions clubs
received a Latrobe
City Award
loss of life and widespread destruction of property within the Latrobe City
municipality. Along with many other community groups, Lions Club members
sprang into action to provide emergency relief to those in need.
Lions Club member Barbara Cameron was the Zone 5 emergency coordinator for
Lions District 201V3, and is being acknowledged for her work during this time.
Lions Club members were heavily involved in a wide range of emergency relief
activities such as delivering hay and supplies, collecting wood, assisting in
arranging for the repair of fences and setting up a warehouse in Traralgon for
donated food and distributing them to needs families.
The Lions Clubs were also very busy in the aftermath of the bushfires, catering for
numerous emergency services relief teas, the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund
fundraising concert in Traralgon, which raised over $100,000 and catering for the
300 Army cadets that attended the two-day working bee in the Traralgon South
area.
In addition, vouchers amounting to $160,000 were distributed from the Gippsland
Emergency Relief Fund set up by the Lions District 201V3 to assist people in the
area who had lost their homes. The Australian Lions Foundation supplied these
funds.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Marie Byl
We also acknowledge the work throughout the year by these dedicated Lions
Clubs, in particular the Australia Day breakfasts held earlier today and thank them
for their dedication to the community.
Marie Byl has been a member of Traralgon Girl Guides for over 20 years. Marie,
currently is Leader of the Traralgon Girl Guides, Dolphin Guide Unit for Girl
Guides 14 - 18 years. Her service goes beyond her normal unit leadership duties
and include the roles of District Treasurer , District Badge Bank and District
Representative on the Burnet Park committee for the local Girl Guide Camp at
Glengarry.
In September, Marie was First Aider for pink subcamp at the Girl Guide Victorian
State Camp and staffed at the recent Australian Centenary Event Camp, an
International Event held at Geelong on 3rd - 9th of January . 2500 Guides and
Leaders attended to celebrate Girl Guides Centenary year.
Marie has been an invaluable support to teenage girls within the Girl Guide
movement, in particular helping the girls work toward their ‘Queens Guide Award’.
This takes time, dedication, commitment, patience and passion, which Marie has
demonstrated time and time again. No one can doubt her commitment to the
Guide movement, or the girls under her care.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Margaret Guthrie
She has also been the unpaid carer to two older citizens of the Latrobe
Valley for over five years and a volunteer canteen worker for Lavalla College
for over ten years, despite no longer having children who attend the school.
Margaret Guthrie has for many years served as the President of the Churchill &
District Community Association or CDCA. During her time at the CDCA there has
been considerable change in Churchill, with many new projects completed and
some still in progress. Margaret has shown considerable leadership skills, not
only in chairing meetings of the CDCA, but also in articulating a vision for
Churchill.
Opinions on significant changes in Churchill such as the Churchill District
Community Hub, the Shopping Centre Developments and Planning Schemes
have prompted strong and diverse views. Margaret has steered the CDCA
through these discussions ensuring that all are heard, and that the long term
collective benefit is not overshadowed by sectional interests.
Margaret has always been available to consult with
community members, Councillors and Council officers,
attend planning appeals, and support other individuals
and groups in their projects for Churchill.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Harvey Pynt
Harvey Pynt passed away on 11 January 2010 after a long battle with Cancer.
He is honoured today because of his commitment to his local community.
His interests in the community covered areas such as sport, fundraising for
various groups, and politics, as he was a long time member of the Labour Party.
Harvey served as the Royal Exchange Hotel Cork Club’s representative on the
Traralgon Chamber of Commerce for the past twelve years. He was also on the
committee for most of these twelve years, serving as President or Vice President.
In recognition of his service he was made a life member of the Chamber of
Commerce in early 2009. Harvey was a member of the committee charged with
the responsibility of having the sound shell constructed in Victory Park and was a
member of the successor committee formed after construction was completed.
Harvey was also a member of the Safety Committee consisting of representatives
from the City Council and Victoria Police, whose collective role is to survey the
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
David Roberts
safety issues on Traralgon’s Streets.
David Roberts is a quiet achiever in the Yallourn North community. He has shown
great leadership and guidance qualities, leading by example in the community
groups with which he is, or has been involved with.
The groups he has been with have all provided a focus on the local community
and the long-term benefits for Yallourn North.
His reliable and trustworthy nature makes him an easy person to work with and
his attention to detail especially with the Old Brown Coal Mine Museum has
helped make it an outstanding asset to the township.
David’s community effort, especially with the establishment of a permanent home
for the Historical Society has encouraged people from larger townships to move to
the area. David was also involved in Coalies Week during November, which
enables people to visit the mine and promotes the work of the SEC and the relics
of Yallourn and Brown Coal Mine.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Cadets on the
Mountain (Sgt. Clint
Wilson)
His efforts promoting tourism within Latrobe City and co-ordinating with other
Historical Societies in the Valley have assisted in preserving the Latrobe’s history.
The Gippsland communities of Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee South, and
Koornalla were severely affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires in February
2009, with 13 people losing their lives and many properties damaged or
destroyed.
Several months after the devastating fires, with assistance from many people and
agencies, the community had gone some way in rebuilding, however there was
still a long way still to go, and a request for assistance was given by the Traralgon
South and District Association.
This request was answered by cadets from the Army, Navy & Air force – a new
initiative, orchestrated by Sergeant Clint Wilson and Leading Senior Constable
Peter Olorenshaw.
The Commander of 34 Battalion Army Cadets organised the activity with
approximately 250 Army, Navy & Air force cadets from Eastern Victoria attended
the Traralgon South area on the weekend of 21st to 23rd August to participate in
reconstruction tasks such as gardening, fencing, tree planting, low grade
trenching and digging, rehabilitation of the monument at Koornalla and other low
risk but labour intensive work, working closely with local community members and
land owners.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Cadets on the
Mountain (Leading
Senior Constable of
police Peter
Olorenshaw)
The help given to local residents by the cadets not only assisted in the cleaning
up and rebuilding process but, more importantly it helped to raise the morale
within the community.
The Gippsland communities of Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee South, and
Koornalla were severely affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires in February
2009, with 13 people losing their lives and many properties damaged or
destroyed.
Several months after the devastating fires, with assistance from many people and
agencies, the community had gone some way in rebuilding, however there was
still a long way still to go, and a request for assistance was given by the Traralgon
South and District Association.
This request was answered by cadets from the Army, Navy & Air force – a new
initiative, orchestrated by Sergeant Clint Wilson and Leading Senior Constable
Peter Olorenshaw.
The Commander of 34 Battalion Army Cadets organised the activity with
approximately 250 Army, Navy & Air force cadets from Eastern Victoria attended
the Traralgon South area on the weekend of 21st to 23rd August to participate in
reconstruction tasks such as gardening, fencing, tree planting, low grade
trenching and digging, rehabilitation of the monument at Koornalla and other low
risk but labour intensive work, working closely with local community members and
land owners.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Adolescent Recovery
Action Day
The help given to local residents by the cadets not only assisted in the
cleaning up and rebuilding process but, more importantly it helped to raise
the morale within the community.
Concerns had been expressed by members of local communities shortly after the
Black Saturday bushfires about the well-being of adolescents, aged between 12
and 19 years, in the region. It was identified that there was a ‘gap’ in programs
and services being provided for this group in the community.
A proposal document for the event was developed by the Bushfire Community
Liaison Officer of Relationships Australia of Victoria in July 2009 and widely
circulated to over 100 community organisations, Government departments,
secondary schools and colleges, Latrobe City Council, emergency services
organisations, potential sponsors, members of parliament, individuals and VERA
as part of the consultation process. Local youth were also consulted in the
process.
Over 300 people pre-registered to attend and 200 adolescents attended the
event. A key feature was that over 80 of the adolescents availed themselves of a
“Chill Out Room”, where qualified counsellors were available to talk and mix with
them.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Churchill United
Soccer Club
Community Bushfire
Appeal
The feedback from the adolescents, their parents, case managers and workers
from various agencies who attended the event has been extremely positive, and
many adolescents requested further such events be organised in the future.
After the devastating Boolarra fires, the Churchill United Soccer Club’s volunteers
quickly organised a bushfire appeal - within five days of the event a remarkable
achievement.
They had a monster raffle and auction with goods donated by local businesses. A
local real estate auctioneer conducted events and the club raised in excess of
$21,000 on the night for Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.
The Churchill and District community supported the event in force with 1700
people estimated to be in attendance, local bands played free of charge on the
back of a semi trailer to a family-based crowd.
The next day was Black Saturday and many of the people in attendance had to
fight to defend their homes or were forced to evacuate.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
The event consisted of raffles, auctions, live music, food and drink, and children’s
activities and was an outstand success.
Community Recovery Over 500 bushfire affected residents, staff and volunteers from local organisations,
Comedy Night
agencies and community groups, including local Councils, who were involved in
the emergency, relief and recovery stages of the bushfires in the Latrobe City
region and beyond, enjoyed a ‘free’ night out.
This was an opportunity to relax, have a laugh and unwind with other members of
the community. Relationships Australia worked on the theory that ‘laughter is the
best medicine’ and hoped that the event would be a bit of a ‘circuit breaker’ in the
lives of the people who attended the event. The feedback from the attendees on
the night was very positive.
The Community Comedy Night was organised and totally funded by Relationships
Australia Victoria, following feedback from members of the community that they
could benefit from a ‘free’ social event, and the offer by leading Melbourne
comedian, Nelly Thomas to arrange for several other comedians to perform at a
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Make Moe Mauve
Leukaemia
Foundation
Fundraising Event
Comedy night as their way of supporting the bushfire recovery effort. Seven
comedians performed, and light refreshments were provided for the audience.
The Make Moe Mauve Leukaemia Foundation Fundraising Event is being
recognised because of the way in which it brought together the whole community,
including retail and corporate businesses, community organisations, service clubs,
schools, residential care hostels and most importantly, the citizens of Moe and
Newborough.
Over $9000 was raised by the town, which is to be used for the treatment and
support of patients and their families in Gippsland.
This money was raised through donation tins, mauve ribbons, pins, raffle tickets
and Leukaemia Foundation merchandise in shops, cafes, and the railway station;
and through fundraising initiatives by businesses and individuals throughout the
town.
The project peaked on Make Moe Mauve Day when the whole town went mauve.
Shop windows and premises were decorated with mauve clothing, balloons and
streamers, cafes sold mauve cakes, and many residents wore mauve.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Rhythm, Roses,
Recovery Concert
Make Moe Mauve has demonstrated how the town can pull together, and creates
a feeling of unity.
The Rhythm, Roses, Recovery Concert provided a chance for the community to
come together, relax and socialise in the beautiful Centenary Rose Garden. It was
a free outdoor concert, which included brass bands, orchestras and choirs.
This was a great opportunity for people to listen to a variety of music from
Gippsland bands, choirs, and the Latrobe Valley Orchestra.
All the musicians involved in the concert had been touched by the recent events,
whether by loss of loved ones, lost homes and environments or through their
involvement in fighting the fires and feeling the emotional impact suffered by the
community.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
International
Power/Mitsui 30th
Tyers Art Festival
The concert was a way to relax and enjoy some great entertainment, while
supporting the various groups represented, with all profits going to the Gippsland
Bushfire Relief fund.
The International Power/Mitsui Tyers Art Festival has become one of the major
arts events in Gippsland, allowing local artists to exhibit their work in a high quality
event. In recent years the addition of the Tyers Young Artist Awards and the
Tyers Quilt Exhibition has widened the scope of the Festival. The Tyers Art
Festival also provides an avenue for many local community groups to raise their
profile through displays. Groups involved have included the Tyers CFA, Tyers
Soccer Club, Tyers Kindergarten, Tyers Garden Club, Friends of Tyers and Tyers
Tennis Club.
Over the past three years the International Power/Mitsui Tyers Art Festival has
included exhibitions and displays by the Department of Sustainability and
Environment and the Country Fire Authority in response to the fires that have
effected the district including the; Great Divide Fires, Coopers Creek Fires and
Moondarra Fire.
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
This exhibition allowed many members of impacted communities to express their
feelings and thoughts about the fires in a variety of ways as well as sourcing
information on how to respond to bushfires.
Traralgon Girl Guides Girl Guides International celebrates their Centenary Year in 2010. 2010 has been
declared The Year of the Girl Guide by the Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd. This is
a superb recognition of the contribution that Girl Guides has made to society in
Australia over the past century. The Traralgon Girl Guides began in 1925, and
have given service to the Traralgon and surrounding District for 85 years.
This organisation has volunteered thousands upon thousands of hours
to encourage young women between 5 and 18 years to grow into confident, selfrespecting, responsible community members.
As well as Traralgon Girl Guides attending camps and learning skills, Traralgon
Guides have performed many different community service activities, including:
 Singing Christmas Carols for residents of Aged Care facilities
 Assisting in Clean Up Australia in Traralgon
 Assisting with McHappy Day in Traralgon
 Planting trees on environment days
 Participating in the Anzac Day ceremony
 Gift wrapping to assist the REH Cork Club; Christmas and Mothers Day
Collecting for the Red Cross Calling, Annual Appeal
2010
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Andrea Gordon
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A
significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the
disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the
population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with
the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there
have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist
others in the recovery process.

2010
2010
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
Peter Harrison
Peter Olorenshaw
ELISE LECROC
Andrea Gordon is being recognised for their work as co-chairpersons of the
Community Recovery Committee for Traralgon South.
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A
significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the
disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the
population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with
the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there
have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist
others in the recovery process.
Peter Harrison is being recognised for their work as co-chairpersons of the
Community Recovery Committee for Traralgon South.
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A
significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the
disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the
population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with
the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there
have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist
others in the recovery process.
Peter Olorenshaw is being recognised for his selfless service to the people of
Callignee, Koornalla and Traralgon South.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Elsie Lebroc of Morwell has
paved the way for her to receive the 2009 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Elsie is a founding member of the Morwell East Residents Group, which initiated
the Play Park BBQ along Waterhole Creek, and she is a coordinator of
Waterwatch.
She is the facilitator of the ‘Walking School Bus’ connected to Morwell Park
Primary School, facilitator of the St Vincent’s School Community Kitchen, and the
Morwell Neighbourhood House. Elsie is also a mentor at Berry Street working with
youth, and is the facilitator of the after school program with the Smith Family.
Elsie is currently in her fourth term as Chairperson of the Morwell Neighbourhood
House, attending many meetings, forums and conferences. With all that she is
involved in, she is not averse to cooking BBQs at fundraising sessions,
demonstration and market days.
Elsie’s commitment to the community continues to this day and Latrobe City is
2009
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
BEN HUKE
very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and congratulates her on
receiving this great honor.
Ben Huke is a highly motivated 17 year old student from Morwell and is being
honoured with the Latrobe City 2009 Australia Day ‘Young Citizen of the Year’
Award.
Ben is an active member of the Student Leadership Team at Kurnai College
Precinct Campus.
Ben has won a place at the National Youth Science Forum currently being held in
Canberra. The forum which has been inspiring futures for 26 years brings
together Australia’s brightest young scientific minds for two-weeks of lively
debates on major scientific issues, and interactions with some of the country’s
premier research teams.
Ben was nominated for the forum by the Rotary Club of Morwell and Rotary
District 9820 and he is one of 288 Year 11 Students selected to attend from nearly
2000 applicants.
He is a proactive member of the Morwell Rotary Club. Last term he was primarily
responsible for organising a fund raising event at Kurnai Campus for the fight
against Malaria in developing (poor) countries.
In December Ben won the Long Tang Award for leadership from the Morwell RSL,
and has been asked to give a speech at the Dawn Service this year.
He is an excellent role model for the youth in the Valley, possessing great people
and organisational skills.
Ben was privileged to be invited to the Governor’s Garden Party.
It should be noted that this morning Ben has made a special trip down from the
Science Youth Forum in Canberra to receive this prestigious award and will be
flying back tonight.
2009
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
GIPPSLAND
IMMIGRATION
WALL OF
RECOGNITION
Latrobe City is very pleased to honor this young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Civic Award.
This outstanding event is being recognised as the Latrobe City 2009 Australia Day
Community Event of the Year.
The Gippsland Immigration Wall of Recognition Multicultural is a special and
MULTICULTURAL
FESTIVAL 2008
unique major event that took place in the Immigration Park in Morwell on 9th
March 2008. This event highlighted the unveiling of two new tablets containing
names and details of immigrants to the Gippsland region.
The illustrative bronzes and immigrants engraved names and arrival details,
provides a growing tangible acknowledgment of peoples’ arrival, and the
subsequent contribution to the growth of Australia as a nation, as a permanent
exhibition in Immigration Park Morwell.
The event was well attended by approximately 2,000 people on the day and there
were over 100 people who volunteered and contributed to the success of this
event.
This event promoted a cooperative opportunity for different ethnic communities to
work in harmony for several months before, during and after the event. The event
also included the participation of the Gurnai/Kurnai people who performed the
smoking ceremony of welcome on the day of the event.
2009
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
BERYL MURPHY
Overall, this successful event has promoted harmony in the different ethnic groups
and indigenous community and has contributed to the tourism industry and
economics of the local region.
The demonstrated commitment to Community Service displayed by Mrs Beryl
Murphy of Traralgon has paved the way for her to receive the 2009 Australia Day
Community Service of the Year Award.
Beryl has given an ongoing commitment to her local community for 50 years.
This has included membership of 
school councils, schools mother’s clubs and hospital auxiliary;

volunteering with meals on wheels, palliative care, adult day programme
activity centre and the Friendly Visiting programme;

roster coordinator of Margery Cole Hostel Residents Café;

and current membership of the board of management of Yallambee Aged
Care Village.
Beryl has a great sense of social justice and equality, and this prompts her to
respond practically and appropriately where there is a need. Her honesty, loyalty,
kindness and consideration inspires and encourages others to follow and
participate in a voluntary capacity.
Beryl shows by example how to work to achieve the best for her community, and
her dedication to those in need, encourages others to follow.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Colin Brick
Her understanding and support of the aged community is demonstrated with the
establishment of the Traralgon Adult Day Activity Service (now known as a
Planned Activity Group), and her current 13 year service on the Board of
Management at Yallambee Village Aged Care Centre during which extensive
development and improvements in care have been achieved.
Colin Brick has been an outstanding contributor to the Boolarra Community over
many years. He has provided administrative services such as presidency,
secretarial, treasurer and auditor of many community groups over the years,
always willing to fill a vacancy when no other nominations are forthcoming.
However it is his outstanding and ongoing contributions behind the scenes that
justify this nomination.
Colin Brick is a tireless worker, seeking to involve the Community in initiatives that
will benefit Boolarra and the surrounding areas.
Colin was responsible for the establishment of the Boolarra Community
Development Group through a process of encouraging others in the Community to
work toward the formation of the group, and the group has achieved many benefits
of the town as a result. Many Government grants, at Federal, State and local
levels have been achieved through the efforts of these groups.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Ann Lovison
Improvements in the town achieved through Community grants and the
establishment of the Boolarra Folk Festival as one of the regions premier events
are testament to the works initiated by the efforts of Colin Brick.
Ann has made a difference to her local community, and the wider community by
her involvement in a variety of fields. Within Yallourn North her contribution has
been eclectic and with the intention of promoting the town.
Ann is a long time member of the Yallourn North Action Group, and has continued
her involvement with the Community Building Initiative and seven small towns’
project with Latrobe City.
Being the inaugural Editor of the Yallourn North News Letter, Ann sought to
provide the community with information and news, and bring members of the
community together.
As the initial secretary of the Yallourn North Historical Society, her contribution to
local history and the establishment of the Brown Coal Mine Museum, has assisted
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Jeanette Teague
in creating an awareness of the town to the locals and the wider community.
Palliative care in the area has benefited the wider community in Latrobe City and
Ann is well known for her fundraising activities on their behalf.
Jeanette Teague is a driver, a visionary and reformer. For seven years she has
been the backbone of the organisation of the Arts in Moe, through her work as
Treasurer of MOARTZ, Secretary of MOARTZ THEATRE and the Producer of the
last ten Theatre Performances, including a multi-stage production of Dimboola at
six different venues.
Jeanette has been the prime mover in taking MOARTZ back to its grass roots,
developing an Arts Centre in the Moe Heights Area involving the different local
ethnic communities. Her superb organisation of the multicultural opening made
everyone feel that they were part of it.
Her principles of justice and fair play for all through the Arts are shown in her
approaching Moe Life Skills to participate in arts activities with MOARTZ, and this
has continued as she moves on her plans to set up a Community Arts Centre in
Moe.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Jeanette has a singular gift for being able to gather people to work for a
common purpose. She is the team leader par excellence as she shows
personal commitment to community values as shown in the local Arts. She
inspires others to contribute above their own expectations and encourages
them to succeed.
2008 Gemstones,
The Gemstones, Jewellery & Collectables Expo is a popular event and is unique to
Jewellery, Antiques & Australia. Collectors travel from Australia wide to buy and sell their wares at this
Collectables Expo
event.
The Expo featured sales and displays of thousands of different items collected
over many years, as well as the opportunity to see stones being polished and
faceted into jewellery.
The displays included items such as; jewellery, collectables, gemstones, antique
bottles, fossils, old tins, old radios, crystals, glassware, swap cards, coins, stamps,
whisky items, comics, postcards, old toys, just to name a few.
Free antique appraisals were conducted on both days of the Expo and it gave
people the opportunity to find out about the old items they had collected, which
had been sitting in the cupboard or shed for countless years.
Approximately 2000 visitors attend the two day event which is recognised by
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
traders that this is the place to be every year. The expo has been running
successfully for approximately 15 years in Kernot Hall with a direct spend
economic impact of $184,500.
Give a Damm, Give a The ‘Give a Damn, Give a Can, is a food can collection which is organised by the
Can Appeal
Rotary Club of Traralgon Central. Volunteer’s door knocked houses in Traralgon
requesting donations. The cans of food are then distributed by St Vinnies. The
Give a Damn, Give a Can event extremely was successful for the following
reasons.
 6000 cans of food were collected and then distributed to those in need
 the Traralgon Community was made aware of the plight of fellow citizens
and given the opportunity to help others by the donation of cans of food
 students, both Primary and Secondary gained knowledge of society and the
value of helping others
 teachers had the opportunity to teach social values, community welfare and
the need to help those less fortunate
 St Vinnies was better able to carry out their mission to help the needy in the
community
 It was a community effort with many sections of society co-operating in the
Project and the great work of Rotary in the community was promoted.
Sorry Day
We believe the gathering of an estimated 300 people in Morwell, from a variety of
Celebration
cultural backgrounds, to celebrate the inaugural ‘Sorry Day’ on 13 February 2008
was a significant and a ‘once in a lifetime’ event for the participants and wider
community.
The event was organised at relatively short notice by a couple of agencies who
have a record of close involvement with, and responsibility for, providing services
for the Aboriginal community, Latrobe Community Health Services Inc (LCHS) and
Ninde Dana Quaranook Aboriginal Heath Service. Prompt and positive assistance
with the organisation and carrying out of the event from the Latrobe City Council
and other local Indigenous agencies demonstrated just what can be achieved
when agencies and local government work in a sprit of cooperation and common
purpose.

2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
29th Tyers Art
Festival
The event, which comprised a Sorry Day Walk through the streets of
Morwell to the Morwell Town Common for a welcome from the traditional
owners and elders and a community barbeque, received wide local and
national media coverage. We believe the event and the positive publicity it
generated reflected very positively on our municipality and its members.
The 29th Tyers Art Festival, as well as providing a high quality exhibition for
Gippsland Artists to showcase their work encourages young artists participation
through the range of Young Artists Awards commenced in 2007 and extended in
2008. Additionally the inaugural Tyers Quilt Exhibition was held this year to widen
the scope of the festival. The Art Festival hosted the DSW Forest After the Fire….
a celebration of renewal Community Photographic Exhibition. This exhibition was
jointly sponsored by DSE, CFA, parks Victoria and Monash University. This
exhibition allowed the wider community to see how the forests have recovered
since the devastating fires over the past few years.
The exhibition supports local community groups including the Tyers Garden Club
and Tyers CFA who use the opportunity to highlight their work and raise funds.
The Art Festival also provided an opportunity for many local schools choirs and
bands to perform.
The festival is a major community event for the Tyers community and is strongly
supported by the local community. As well as providing a social and economic
boost to Tyers the Art Festival also brings in many visitors and tourists from across
the state and has established a reputation as an outstanding community event.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Ken Peake
(Gippsland Rotary
Centenary House
Inc.)
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc (GRCH) provides safe, supportive and
affordable accommodation to patients and families of the Latrobe Regional
Hospital, and in particular the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.
As a community owned facility, GRCH provides an excellent accommodation
option for those travelling from across the Gippsland region to receive treatment.
It encourages communal living which facilitates the guests sharing experiences
and supporting each other during their stay.
Centenary House is fortunate to be able to be flexible in the charges for
accommodation. This means that guests who would otherwise not be able to
afford commercial accommodation rates for their treatments period are able to
stay at Centenary House.
The lower charges often mean the difference between patients having the full
course of treatment rather than electing to not have the treatments. As
Radiotherapy is often administered over six to eight weeks, the accommodation
costs can be restrictive.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Yvonne Jones
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House is pleased to be able to offer a service that
reduces the stress of these costs and this can only be achieved by the dedicated
work of the Committee of Management.
Yvonne is a tireless campaigner of the Cancer Council. Over many years she has
raised countless thousands of dollars for the Cancer Council, participating in all
aspects of fundraising.
Despite being over retirement age she continues to work as a Midwife at Latrobe
Regional Hospital where she is an inspiration to all her colleagues.
She has taught many young midwives the ropes and has cared for countless
women in the community. She has even reached the stage where she has now
delivered the grandchildren of some of the babies she delivered many years
before.
In what little spare time she has, she devotes many hours to her family. In
particular her granddaughter, whom she provides with respite care on a regular
basis.
2009
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Max Williams
All of these activities she does with relish and obvious enjoyment, and is far from
slowing down and enjoying her twilight years. She is an inspiration to all she
meets.
Max Williams has been involved in fund raising for the Royal Children’s Hospital
Good Friday appeal within the Royal Exchange Hotel’s Cork Club, for the past 16
years.
He tirelessly organises and runs fundraising events throughout the year, raising
thousands of dollars. For example last year the cork club raised $84,000.00,
winning them the Country Pub and Premiere Hotel Awards. Much of the money
raised comes from catering, coin collection and raffles that Max has been the
driving force behind. He is the one who is always there to lend a hand to members
when volunteers are scarce - he recruits family members from near and far to
assist in making the most money possible for the kids.
He is passionate about the cause and willing to pass on his knowledge of
fundraising to anyone who asks, even from other charities. He is humble,
needing no recognition for his effort and keeps himself out of the limelight.
He has been awarded a life membership of the Royal Exchange Cork Club and
Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Children’s Hospital in recognition of his great
contribution.
2008
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
CARMEN COOK
He is a passionate, caring and selfless man, who deserves to be recognised for
devoting his life to such a worthy cause.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Carmen Cook of Morwell has
paved the way for her to receive the Latrobe City Award of the 2008 Australia Day
Citizen of the Year.
Carmen is recognised for her strong sense of community spirit and the vital role
she plays in organising charitable events. She has such a vibrant and caring
personality that is well remembered by all who meet her.
Carmen’s dedication and love of involvement with community work includes
organisations such as Rotary, Centenary House and Neighbourhood Watch.
She spends tireless hours volunteering her time at the Chemotherapy Department
of the Latrobe Regional Hospital; ensuring patients with cancer are made
comfortable during their treatment. This includes giving much needed emotional
support.
Carmen also volunteers for overnight stays to care for people who stay at
Centenary House.
2008
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
JESSICA TUCKER
Carmen is involved in many cancer support groups and programs, such as : The Cancer Council’s ‘Look Good Feel Better’ program
 Encore
 STEPS,
 The ‘Living with Cancer’ course.
 Pink Ribbon Day,
 and Field of Women, just to name a few.
Carmen’s commitment to the community continues to this day and Latrobe City is
very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and congratulates her on
receiving this great honour.
Jessica Tucker is a highly motivated 18 year old student from Tyers and is being
honoured with the Latrobe City 2008 Australia Day ‘Young Citizen of the Year’
Award.
Jessica has been a volunteer within two Council programs over the past two
years. She actively participates on the FReeZA committee and the Youth Council
Program.
FReeZA is a state government funded program that encourages young people to
form a committee and plan/organise and deliver youth appropriate programs and
events for young people aged 12-25.
Jessica has taken on a number of roles within the committee; these include official
photographer, assisted with writing press releases, assisted with sound and
lighting for events, artist liaison, desktop publishing and design and has also been
interviewed by the Victorian and National Tidy Towns Judges for the Regional
Young Leaders Award category. The Committee was successful at the Regional
level and contributed to Moe’s overall win for the national award.
Jessica has also been an active participant in Council’s 2006 and 2007 Youth
Council Program. She was elected to the Junior Mayor position in the 2007
program. Jessica has passionately represented young people’s views and
opinions throughout her term on the Youth Council.
She has strongly advocated for the review of pedestrian safety at a number of
schools in Traralgon; the establishment of an independent student’s scholarship
program and the development of a youth specific small grants program for the
municipality.
Jessica is a keen photographer and hopes to secure a place at RMIT Melbourne in
Photography & Arts in 2008.
She has won awards for her photographs in local art and photography shows;
including the Tyers Art Festival.
Jessica is an active member of the Falcons Women’s soccer team, and has
played representative soccer for Gippsland.
2008
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
BOOLARRA FOLK
FESTIVAL
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Civic Award.
This outstanding event is being recognised as the Latrobe City 2008 Australia Day
Community Event of the Year
The Boolarra Folk Festival is a free Folk Festival held in the small rural township of
Boolarra in March of each year.
This festival, which is now in its sixth year, encapsulates the culturally diverse
history of Latrobe Valley and being a free event, it is totally inclusive.
The Festival aspires to promote local talents and revitalize the community’s
economy through increased visitation and tourism.
The event assists local
businesses to remain financially viable, and provides opportunities for local
community organisations to raise funds.
This year attendance numbers were round 6,000, making the Boolarra Folk
Festival one of the largest community events in Latrobe City and the Gippsland
Region.
Survey results suggest that people came from all parts of Gippsland and Metro
Victoria to attend this festival, and are coming back year after year bringing friends
and family with them.
The Boolarra Folk Festival builds partnerships within this community, between the
various community organisations, between people from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds and various age groups, and between the local business owners and
the community.
2008
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
HELIMED 1
AUXILIARY
The strengthening of community ties is helping to revitalize Boolarra and the
optimistic atmosphere that is present at each Festival, is being replicated through
this community.
For the past 7 – 8 years the Helimed 1 Auxiliary had been discussing with MAS
and the Latrobe Airport Board the need for the Helimed 1 Air Ambulance
Helicopter to move from their current temporary position, which they have been in
for many years, to a purpose built Hanger, including Operations and
Accommodation Facility.
Over the past 4 years the Auxiliary set of to raise funds for this project.
A decommissioned Ambulance was supplied by Rural Ambulance Victoria to allow
the Auxiliary Members to actively promote the Helimed 1 Service. The money
raised for this project was achieved by donations from various groups across
Gippsland, and the Auxiliary collected money in many ways from people from
Wonthaggi to Lakes Entrance.
The Helimed 1 Auxiliary consists of 10 Members from the Latrobe Valley.
Their main objective is to promote the Helicopter by giving talks to various groups,
attending functions across Gippsland, and by selling merchandise like hats, coffee
mugs, fridge magnets, plus a range of giveaway’s of pens, rulers and colouring
books for children and school groups.
Their other object is to raise funds to assist with the purchase of medical
equipment for the Helicopter and items for training purposes.
The contributions received from the community has been absolutely fantastic. The
Helimed 1 Auxiliary have been in a fortunate position over the years to assist in
the purchase of equipment such as heart Monitors, Ventilators, O2 monitors and
Mannequin Dolls for training purposes.
This is a great effort by a small number of people and the Auxiliary should be
extremely proud of their achievements.
The Helimed 1 crew is now accommodated in a new functional complex. In
conjunction with the Latrobe Regional Airport Board, the complex cost $1.2 Million
dollars and was completed and opened in November 2007 by the Minister for
Health Mr. Daniel Andrews MP.
2008
Major Award –
Community Service of
the Year
MAKE MOE GLOW
The Auxiliary raised an additional $205,000 toward the cost of enhancements to
the building. A massive achievement.
The Make Moe Glow committee was formed in November 2005 as a result of a
perceived need to bring Moe back to the clean and tidy town that it once was.
As a part of their stated intention to clean, tidy and beautify Moe and its
surrounding district, an advertisement was placed in shops and civic centres to
attract anybody with an interest in gardening and to help make Moe a more
attractive place.
In helping to achieve this goal, a steady flow of projects was commenced, starting
with encouraging the larger stores in town to keep their surrounds in good order.
With the assistance of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria, they moved on to adapt
their local railway station while still pursuing other tasks and projects around Moe
and the surrounding area.
Make Moe Glow has been an outstanding success story for Moe and will continue
to grow with the support of local business, community groups, residents and
Latrobe City Council.
The culmination of this group’s effort is shown by the six Tidy Towns South-East
Region Awards the Make Moe Glow application won in April this year. They then
took out the ultimate award at the Victorian National Titles in Benalla in October –
with Moe being announced 2007 Sustainable Communities Tidy Town winner for
Victoria.
We would also like to wish them the best in Hobart this coming April, as they
represent Victoria at the announcement of Australia’s Tidy Town.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Shirley Bridges
This group should be congratulated for their efforts, in ‘Making Moe Glow’.
For over 30 years, Shirley has given countless hours to the youth of Latrobe City
Citizen of the Year
as a volunteer leader with Girl Guides. Over that time she has helped thousands
of girls develop into confident, self-respecting and responsible community
members.
Her dedication to enthusing her girls about the wonders of the great outdoors has
lead Shirley to spend many weekends a year taking girls on outdoor activities such
as camping, canoeing and hiking.
More recently Shirley has been involved in Strzelecki Showtime, an annual Guide
and Scout performance, and has been the instigator for increased participation by
local Girl Guides.
In 2006 for her outstanding service to Guiding, Shirley was awarded the Boronia
Award by the Girl Guide Association. In addition to her service to Guiding, Shirley
has volunteered for over 10 years with Lifeline; including more recently assisting
young unemployed persons learn important practical skills to assist them in their
transition to the workforce.
In 2006 Shirley was awarded Lifeline’s ‘Daffodil Award’ for her service to that
organisation.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Bill Mele
Shirley’s passion, dedication and commitment to assisting the youth of Latrobe
City make her a worthy recipient of this award.
Bill Mele is being recognised for this award for giving 65 years of service to the
Jeeralang North and District community.
When the original Jeeralang North Hall and school was burnt down in the
devastating bush fires in 1944, the local community decided to raise money to
rebuild. When the building works began, Bill was Foreman and coordinated the
workers and the Hall was constructed using voluntary labour. School was held in
the Supper Room and Bill was the teacher.
The Jeeralang North Hall Committee was formed in 1952 and Bill was elected
President, and apart from a three year period between 1992 and 1995, Bill has
held that position since.
Bill’s community service extended to the local Progress Association and in 1977
he joined the then Shire of Traralgon, serving three terms as Shire President.
Bill continues to be an interested and hard working member of the Jeeralang North
Hall Committee and has helped keep the Hall viable and an asset to the
community. His friendship, generosity and sincerity have made Bill a valued
member of the community and a role model to many.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Jami Heal
For the past seven years, Jami has been a valued member of Traralgon District
Girl Guides. During that time she has served in several leadership positions, most
notably for the past two years as a Junior Leader with Traralgon Koala Guides. In
this role Jami has helped facilitate the physical, social, practical and personal skills
of many young girls aged between 5 – 7 years. In addition, for the past 4 years
she has been involved in Strzelecki Showtime, the local annual Guide and Scout
performance, winning in 2005 the award for the most enthusiastic and committed
Showtime.
Outside her significant contribution to guiding, Jami is an extremely active member
of the Lavalla Catholic College Community where she is a year 9 student at the St
Paul’s Campus.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
The Ripper Sk8 Park
Krew
Serving as a member of the Student representative council for the past 3 years,
currently as secretary; and is a member of the senior band, intermediate band,
junior chamber ensemble and the junior Coal Valley Male Chorus. This year in
recognition to the college community she was appointed an “Energizer’ a faculty
appointed student leader. Recently Jami has commenced volunteering with
Interchange, assisting young disabled people on camps and activities.
The Ripper Sk8 Park Krew are a group of local, young teens who are
Skateboarders, Scooter Riders and Rollerbladers. They have been working with
others in the community, including the Victoria Police and MP Russell Northe, with
the aim of building a Skatepark in Glengarry.
The Ripper Sk8park Krew identified the lack of recreational facilities for young
people in their town as an issue, then formed a committee, approached and linked
in with existing community groups such as the Glengarry Residents Group,
Glengarry Primary School, and Latrobe City Council, in an endeavour to make
this dream a reality.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
The ‘Churchill and
District News Junior
Fishing Competition’
This project will engage young people who have a stake in and who can make a
positive impact on, the future of the Glengarry community. The Ripper Sk8park
Krew felt a Skatepark would not only cater to the needs of local skating and BMX
riders, but would advantage Glengarry and district in terms of social and economic
benefits. This Skatepark would attract more young people to Glengarry providing
an important social outlet, have an economic flow on to local business and in turn,
be of general benefit to the entire community.
The Churchill & District News Junior Fishing Competition 2007 was outstanding
because it engaged 161 young anglers aged between 4 and 16 in an outdoor
recreational sport in a friendly and extremely well behaved manner. Families and
friends came from across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland to enjoy a relaxed,
affordable day in a superb setting that promoted participation in a healthy outdoor
sport.
It is a unique event, in that it is not one that families bring their children to, but one
that children bring their families to, or Nan or Pop or the next door neighbour!
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
The Gemstones,
Jewellery and
Collectables Expo
The competition was run entirely by volunteers from the Churchill & District News
and funded by generous donations from local organisations. The venue, Lake
Hyland, was showcased at its best, due to the tireless work done by volunteers
from the Mathison Park Committee and Latrobe City Council.
The Gemstones, Jewellery & Collectables Expo is a popular event and is unique to
Australia. Collectors travel from Australia wide to buy and sell their wares at this
event.
The Expo featured sales and displays of thousands of different items collected
over many years, as well as the opportunity to see stones being polished and
faceted into jewellery.
The displays included items such as; jewellery, collectables, gemstones, antique
bottles, fossils, old tins, old radios, crystals, glassware, swap cards, coins, stamps,
whisky items, comics, postcards, old toys, just to name a few.
Free antique appraisals were conducted on both days of the Expo and it gave
people the opportunity to find out about the old items they had collected, which
had been sitting in the cupboard or shed for countless years.
An Economic impact undertaken on this event in 2006 saw a direct economic
impact of nearly $187,000 with an additional indirect spend of around $94,000 to
the Latrobe City Community.
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
The ‘40th Anniversary
Traralgon Marathon’
This year’s Traralgon Marathon Carnival was a historically significant event – the
40th anniversary of the oldest marathon race in Australia.
A national – and international event, it has been conducted every year since 1968,
encouraging physical exercise and fostering inter-town cooperation and
community spirit across Latrobe City.
The marathon carnival was highly successful for the Valley community and for all
participants, volunteers, sponsors and spectators.
The event attracted distinguished visitors and former residents to the Valley, and
2008
Latrobe City Award –
Community Service of
the Year
Gippsland Central
Ulysses Branch
promoted Latrobe City and the region. Numerous articles and interviews in the
local, state-wide and national press, radio and TV, and on the World Wide Web,
enhanced the image of Latrobe City,
Guest of honour on the day was former dual-Olympian Derek Clayton, who was
the world record holder when he won the 1970 Traralgon Marathon.
Gippsland Central Ulysses Branch members have enabled Community Events to
function safely by the provision of their members to perform road closure duties.
Gippsland Central Ulysses applied for a grant to do Road Traffic Management
training in the first instance to ensure that Police and Council obligations were met,
to enable the continuance of the Gippsland Motor Cyclists Toy run. Since the
training members of the branch have supported all community events to which
they have received an invitation.
In addition to the current Road Management, members in the past assisted in the
“Rotary Give a Can, Give a damn“ promotion.
Their members have over 6 years and current, provided the waiters/waitresses for
the Lions Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch., as well as supplying bike displays for
the “ Wings and Wheels” at the Traralgon Aerodrome and the Churchill
Community Fun Day. They have also provided members to assist Gippsland Life
line at the Grand Prix in 2006 where they were the nominated sponsored Charity.
2007
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
ANNA FASCIO
Their members have also given talks to such organisations as Probus, Rotary and
the Lions Clubs within the Latrobe City.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Anna Fascio of Morwell has
paved the way for her to receive the Latrobe City Award of the 2007 Australia Day
Citizen of the Year.
Anna was nominated for her tireless volunteering efforts and her dedicated
involvement and commitment to the Latrobe City Italian community. Her
involvement is both diverse in its range of activities and inspiring in terms of her
supportive contribution to the general wellbeing of the community.
Since her arrival from Italy in 1962, Anna has learned to deal with difficult times.
With a determination to prosper and focused on overcoming the lifestyle and
cultural barriers of isolation that confronts rurally based elderly Italian migrants,
Anna began advocating on behalf of the local Italian community.
Some of Anna’s significant contribution to the community at an organisational level
include:
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


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Her involvement as President of the Italian Senior Citizens from 1986 and she
is a founding member of the International Italian Union Foundation for Women
established in 1995.
Anna is currently the Gippsland representative of the Italian Assistance Agency
in Australia, where she has assisted well over 2000 people in the Latrobe
Valley and Gippsland.
Since 1990 Anna has provided an interpreting service for Law Court situations
and the Department of Social Security, and regularly works with Centre Link
clarifying social security requirements for Italian pensioners.
She was Secretary of the Italian Catholic Federation and a representative for
the Italian community in the Migrant Resource Centre.
Since 1995 Anna has been the Gippsland representative for the Italian
Pensioners Association of Victoria, and for over 12 years she has been a
Community Radio presenter on Gippsland FM.
Anna participated in the Sydney 2000 Torch relay and received an award for
‘Meritorious Service in the Community’ in Multicultural Affairs.
In all her roles, Anna acted with passion, professionalism and dedication in
advancing the interests and wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley community.
2007
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
ROBERT
BRUZZESE
Anna’s commitment to the community continues to this day and Latrobe City is
very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and congratulates her on
receiving this great honour.
Robert Bruzzese is a highly motivated 15 year old student from Traralgon and is
being honoured with the Latrobe City 2007 Australia Day ‘Young Citizen of the
Year’ Award.
Robert was nominated for his contribution to the community as a mentor and
excellent role model, and for his outstanding achievements in the sport of Soccer.
Robert began his involvement with Soccer at the age of 5, and throughout the last
10 years has been an active member as a player with the Traralgon City Soccer
Club.
During the past 2 years, while studying at Lavalla College, Traralgon, Robert has
given up the majority of his spare time to coach 2 junior teams, 3 nights a week.
As the coach of the Under 9 and Under 12 teams he has exhibited excellent
guidance to the children, imparting on them his soccer knowledge, and through
dedication and patience, Robert has seen both his teams reach the finals for the
first time.
Described as a quiet achiever, Robert is an excellent role model and mentor,
providing exemplary leadership skills and an environment where children are
praised and encouraged to achieve their best potential.
Robert is an exceptional athlete, and while also having played Basketball and
Tennis, is an excellent ambassador for the promotion of his chosen sport.
He has demonstrated his ability to perform, through his selection to:






2007
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
TWIN CITY
ARCHERS
GIPPSLAND INC.
59TH NATIONAL
ARCHERY
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Attend the Gippsland Academy of Sport for 2 years,
Represent the Gippsland Soccer League as a member of the Representative
Squad playing Country Championships in Melbourne,
He is a representative for the Lavalla College Soccer Team,
He played for the Fortuna Soccer Club Senior Reserves,
And in 2005 he was selected for the Gippsland Soccer Team to represent
Latrobe City in Japan.
At the end of last year, Robert received a School Award for ‘High Achievers’ in
year 9 at Lavalla College.
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Civic Award.
This outstanding event is being recognised as the Latrobe City 2007 Australia Day
Community Event of the Year.
The event was nominated for the commitment shown by the dedicated members and
volunteers from the Twin City Archers Gippsland, who help to prepare this event in
order to showcase the wonderful talents of the many Archery competitors from
around Australia who competed in this highly successful and outstanding event.
With the assistance from local companies, businesses and Work for the Dole
volunteers, a small facility was transformed into one of the best purpose built
Archery facilities in Australia.
Held at the Twin City Archers Club in Toners Lane Morwell, this National Archery
competition commenced on Monday 24th April 2006, with 206 competitors and ran
for 6 days, giving competitors the opportunity to compete in the different elements of
Archery.
The Tournament attracted many competitors and their families to Latrobe City,
with many spectators coming from across the Latrobe Valley and the wider
Gippsland region. The competitors travelled from all over Australia, and while in
the area, it gave many of them the opportunity to tour and explore, and see what
the Latrobe City region has to offer.
Recognised by the Australian Archery Federation as the ‘best ever’ National
Championships held, and because of the high standard of professionalism of the
Twin City Archers to stage such an major event, Twin City Archers have been
awarded the rights to host the 2008 Nationals in Latrobe City.
The success of this event is evident in the result, and with an estimated economic
impact to Latrobe City of ¾ of a million dollars, we as a community are very
privileged to have such an excellent national wide tournament held in Latrobe City.
A comment in the Visitor’s Book from an Archer who competed for Australia at the
World Championships in Madrid says it all – “It was better than Madrid”.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Arthur Aitken
Arthur Aitken of Yallourn North is being recognised for his active involvement in
community affairs and for his dedication and outstanding commitment and
volunteer involvement in the Wirilda Environment Park.
Other significant contributions Arthur has made to the community include :–
 Being on the Board of Management of the Wirilda Project Association
 Currently a non-operational member of the Tanjil Fire Brigade
 Past Group Leader of the 1st Yallourn North Scout Group
 Zone Leader of the Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch, and
Present of the Yallourn-Tyers Landcare sub-group of the Lake Wellington
Landcare Network.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
John Bryant
John Bryant of Traralgon is being recognised for his dedicated commitment and
many years of volunteer involvement with the Gippsland Car Club for the past 34
years, to Motor Sport in general, and his active involvement in community
organisations.
As a Teacher and Principal, John has worked on many educational boards and
committees. He has been an active member on the School Councils for the
Traralgon Secondary College, Maryvale High School and Kurnai College, and was
a founding member of the Gippsland Education Precinct in Churchill.
At a sporting level, John has been involved with the Traralgon Tennis Club, the
Traralgon Football Club, Traralgon Squash Club and the Traralgon Basketball
Association.

2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
John Guy
In the year 2000 John was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for his service
to Motor Sport, and in 2005 was recognised by the Confederation of Australian
Motor Sport as the Victorian Official of the Year.
John Guy of Morwell is being recognised for his significant contribution to Local
Government and for his dedicated commitment and volunteer involvement in
community service activities across the Latrobe City municipality.
To highlight some of the major areas of his contribution to the community, John
served as a Councillor and Mayor for the former Morwell Shire and Morwell City
Council. He was Chairman of the Latrobe Regional Commission, and Chairman of
Commissioners of the Wellington Shire Council during the amalgamation process of
local governments.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
William (Bill) Lawler
Some of John’s other significant contributions to the community include: His past involvement with Mitchell House,
 Member of Maryvale High School Council,
 His involvement with the Gippsland Leadership Program,
 He is currently involved as a Board Member of the Latrobe Community Health
Service,
 Chairman of Advance Morwell,
And President of the Maryvale Probus Club.
Bill Lawler of Moe South is being recognised for his loyal and dedicated
commitment to supporting people with a disability and for his outstanding
contribution to the community of Latrobe City through professional and private
commitments.
Bill is a person who continually shows incredible generosity, and is always willing
to give of himself both personally and professionally.
For 10 years Bill was the Advocacy Coordinator for the Gippsland Disability
Resource Council and is currently the Rural Access Project Office at Latrobe City
Council.
Some of Bill’s other contributions to the community include : His 12 year involvement with Latrobe Valley Jazz,
 His 14 years association with the Moe Jazz Festival,
 An Independent Third person, on behalf of the office of Public Advocate for
over 10 years,
 And his 30 years association, including active service, with the Moe Fire
Brigade.

2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Peter McShane
Bill is to be commended for his volunteer involvement and congratulated for his
excellent work in the promotion and support of people with a disability.
Peter McShane of Churchill is being recognised as a valued member of the
Churchill community for his outstanding contribution and dedicated volunteer
involvement with community organisations in Latrobe City.
Peter’s involvement with local community organisations include : The Walkley Park Kindergarten Steering Committee
 Churchill Primary School Council president for 9 years
 An active member of the Churchill Apex Club for 28 years
 Churchill Post Primary School Planning Committee
 The Kurnai College School Council
 The Churchill Citizen Association, and the
 Churchill Neighbourhood Watch Committee
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Joan Peachy
In 2006 Peter’s outstanding contribution to the Churchill & District Lions Club was
recognised with him being awarded with the Lions highest International President’s
Award – the ‘International President’s Certificate of Appreciation’.
Joan Peachy of Morwell is being recognised for her outstanding contribution and
volunteer involvement with community organisations within Latrobe City.
Contributions to the community for which Joan was nominated include:-

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
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
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Alison Waite
Her 30 year involvement with the Morwell Basketball Club as Treasurer
and committee member,
A committee member of the Morwell Golf Club,
She is a dedicated committee member of her local church,
A Meals on Wheels volunteer,
Morwell Leisure Centre User Groups committee member,
Her association with the Morwell Swimming Club, and
Her 26 years involvement with the Morwell Netball Club juniors and
seniors.
Joan is described as a wonderful mother and grandmother who is a very caring
and devoted lady. Joan will always go out of her way to assist others in need.
Alison Waite of Traralgon is recognised for her volunteer involvement with
community organisations in Latrobe City.
Alison is a retired Teacher and is also recognised for her contribution to Education,
where she assists children from Prep to Grade six at the Hazelwood North Primary
School, with an individual Literacy and Numeracy program.
In 2002 Alison was awarded a Gippsland Regional Office Community Award for
her contribution to Education.
Some of her other significant contributions include her volunteer involvement with
Scope - dealing in adult Literacy.
Alison is currently a Lifeline Counsellor where she trains and supervises new
volunteers.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Margo Whelan
Alison is described as a very caring lady and a valued and respected member of
the Hazelwood North Primary School community.
Margo Whelan of Traralgon is being recognised for her tireless and dedicated
work in a voluntary capacity in assisting people in need in Latrobe City, without
expecting any gratitude or recognition.
Held in high esteem and described as a most sincere and thoughtful person,
Margo is alert to serving the needs of the disadvantaged in our diverse community
and is committed to helping those in need.
Margo herself is a very busy person, but she still finds the time to –
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Mark Stolk
 Support local churches,
 Donate her cooking to Charitable Cake Stalls,
 Offer support to the Church of England Elderly Day Care Centre,
 Continually support community organisations such as Rotary, and
For over 20 years Margo has been active member and support volunteer for Red
Cross.
Mark Stolk is a 13 year old student from Yinnar. He is recognised for his active
community participation and volunteer association with the Yinnar and District
Community Association.
Mark is known for being one of the most active junior members of the Yinnar
community, and is described as a true leader and excellent role model for his
peers.
Some of Marks significant achievements include his being elected as School
Captain at Yinnar primary School.
Even at a young age Mark is an exceptional athlete. Excelling in many sports
including Judo, Mark has represented his local Judo Club and Victoria, in both
State and National Judo Titles.

2007
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
The 6th Annual
Gippsland
Motorcyclists
Christmas Toy Run
His sporting achievements also include numerous accolades in Tennis,
Football, Basketball and Athletics.
The 6th Annual Gippsland Motorcyclists Christmas Toy Run is being recognised
today and was coordinated by three local Motorcycle Clubs involving the dedication
and commitment of the Gippsland Central Branch of the Ulysses Club, Us and Them
Tourers and Eastern Riders Gippsland.
The first Christmas Toy Run held six years ago involved 75 bikes, and now the event
attracts over 500 motorbikes with more than 700 riders and pillions participating.
The Motorcyclists raised an amount in excess of $42,000 in monies, toys and
goods and presented to the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Society for
distribution to over 1000 needy families, prior to Christmas throughout Latrobe
City.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
27th Annual Tyers Art
The Committee of the Tyers Art Festival are being recognised and congratulated
Community Event of the
Year
Festival
for their dedication and hard work for the staging of the 27th Tyers Art Festival,
which incorporated the Tyers Children’s Art Award, the Official Opening of the
Tyers Beautification Works and the Dedication of the Tyers War Memorial.
The Festival is a high quality event that exhibited over 500 works of Art over the 2
day weekend and is a significant cultural and community event for Tyers and the
wider region of Latrobe City.
The volunteer committee of the Tyers Art Festival worked tirelessly to ensure the
success of the Festival, which delivered a great family event that catered for all
ages.
2007
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Advance Morwell for
the 2006 Valentine’s
Celebration of Roses
The Festival was an excellent example of how the spirit of a community can be lifted
and united together providing an opportunity to showcase a variety of incredible
talents.
Advance Morwell’s staging of the 2006 Valentine’s Celebration of Roses is being
recognised today and the volunteer members of the committee are to be
congratulated for the enormous amount of planning and preparation that was
involved in making the event the success it was.
The purpose of the event which linked Roses and the Centenary Rose Garden
with a Valentine’s theme, involved the participation of 
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2007
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Waterwatch for the
2006 Catch a Carp
Fishing Competition
Mid Valley Shopping Centre through their hosting of a Rose Show;
Cedar Lodge Morwell with an Art & China Painting display
The Stratford on the River Festival Group,
The Gippsland Historical Automobile Club, and the uniting of the Business
people of Morwell with the Festival.
Overall the Celebration of Roses provided an opportunity for the Latrobe City
community and the wider Latrobe Valley region to come together and celebrate
what is a truly a remarkable Centenary Rose Garden created by the community for
the community.
This was the fourth year of the running of the Waterwatch Catch a Carp Fishing
competition held at Lake Narracan in Moe.
This fishing competition aim was to reduce Carp numbers and raise the
awareness of Carp as a major pest, and the environmental problems they
contribute to our waterways.
The event provided general information on fish and fishing and educated people
on how they could prevent the distribution of Carp and also provided an
opportunity for people to taste cooked Carp,
2006
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
MAVIS THOMPSON
The Waterwatch committee members and volunteers are to be congratulated for
the organising and staging of a fun filled day that catered for families and people of
all ages and was attended by many from across the region.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Mavis Thompson of Churchill
has paved the way for her receiving the Latrobe City 2006 Australia Day Citizen of
the Year Award.
Mavis was nominated for her dedicated commitment to numerous community
organisations and her concern and interest within our community through her
tireless volunteering efforts.
From her hometown of Ballarat, Mavis arrived in the Latrobe Valley as a young
married woman soon after the end of WW2, where she and her husband farmed at
Hazelwood North, raising three children.
In 1958 Mavis joined and became an extremely active and dedicated member of
the Australian Red Cross organisation. She was involved in the Hazelwood North
and Morwell Units, and for a number of years was Regional Chairman of the North
Gippsland Region leading her region through a number of significant changes.
Mavis is currently the Chairperson and Secretary of the Morwell and District Red
Cross, involved with the Red Cross Shop in Traralgon and still coordinating Red
Cross Calling.
In recognition of her services to the Australian Red Cross, Mavis received the
Division’s Service Award in 1989 and in 1996 was awarded the Australian
Distinguished Service Award at Government House.
In 1984 Mavis became a volunteer at ‘LISC’ - the Latrobe Information & Support
Centre in Morwell, taking on executive positions on the Committee of Management
over the past 21 years. She is still a dedicated member of the organisation, where
her sense of compassion and understanding for the disadvantaged is greatly
appreciated.
Included in her significant contribution to the community –
 Mavis is also Secretary of the Central Gippsland Branch of the National
Council of Women of Victoria.

She is a member of Probus

A volunteer with Lifeline Gippsland - since 1984, and

Continues to play the piano at her local Uniting Church
Mavis is a person dedicated to the welfare of the citizens of Latrobe City and
merits the public recognition that comes from a civic award.
2006
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
LOUISE
TEYCHENNE
Mavis’ commitment to the community continues to this day and Latrobe City
is very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and congratulates
Mavis on receiving this great honour.
Ms Alison Teychenne, is a 23 year old Music Teacher from Traralgon and is being
honoured with the Latrobe City 2006 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year
Award.
Firstly as a professional Music Teacher and then in a voluntary capacity as
Musical Director of the Francis Orchestra, Alison is nominated for her dedicated
service to the community as a mentor, volunteer and leader, making an enormous
contribution to the musical and cultural life of the Latrobe Valley.
Following her education at Kosciusko Street Primary School and Lavalla College
Traralgon, Alison graduated from the Melbourne University Conservatorium of
Music as a highly skilled Clarinet player, receiving her Degree in Music and then
her Teacher qualifications.
Through her dedicated work as a teacher and mentor, she has given numerous
children and young adults excellent opportunities in music development.
Alison is a very active member of the community and some of her significant
contributions include her being a regular volunteer player for musical productions
by the West Gippsland Theatre Company and the Latrobe Theatre Company. She
has also taken on the role of Assistant Musical Director of the Latrobe City Youth
Band
Alison dedicates herself to encouraging others in the wonderful world of music and
has demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills, evident in her ability to rebuild
the Francis Orchestra, both in the number of players and in their successful
performance levels.
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this amazing young achiever, who is to be
2006
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
5th
ANNUAL
GIPPSLAND
MOTORCYCLIST
CHRISTMAS TOY
RUN 2004
commended on receiving this Civic Award.
This outstanding event is being recognised as the Latrobe City 2006 Australia Day
Community Event of the Year.
The 5th Annual Gippsland Motorcyclists Christmas Toy Run was coordinated by
three local Motorcycle Clubs involving the dedication and commitment of the
Gippsland Central Branch of the Ulysses Club, Us and Them Tourers and Eastern
Riders Gippsland.
The Christmas Toy Run was first held five years ago involving 75 bikes and has
since gone from strength to strength, now attracting 500 motorbikes with more than
700 riders and pillions participating.
Prior to the Toy Run non perishable food was collected from the Primary Schools of
Kosciusko Street Traralgon, Yallourn North and Newborough.
In a joint operation involving the cooperation of the motorcycle fraternity, local
government, police, corporate and small businesses and the general public, the
procession of 500 bikes travelled through the CBD’s of Traralgon, Morwell,
Newborough and Moe, finishing at the Moe Race Course.
An official Handover Ceremony was held for the presentation of toys and goods to
the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. These two organisations
were responsible for the distribution of the goods throughout Latrobe City.
The Motorcyclists raised a gross amount of $42,000 in monies and goods, and the
event was declared the biggest single effort to support needy families in Gippsland.
A total of 1,000 Christmas hampers were distributed to 1,000 families within
Latrobe City by the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The success of this event is evident in the result, and we
as a community are very privileged to have such a
wonderful Latrobe wide celebration, emphasising our
City’s links.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Kathleen Kneebone
She is recognised for her invaluable contribution and dedicated commitment
towards helping disadvantaged citizens in our community.
Running a private practice in Psychology and not withstanding Kathleen’s wide
involvement in community activities, she maintains a kind and generous attitude to
all and is willing to accept any challenge, going out of her way to assist those who
cannot help themself.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Eugen Reichardt
Some of Kathleen’s other significant contributions include her dedicated volunteer
involvement with : Aboriginal groups and individuals
 Disadvantaged adults and children
 Helping at allocated Schools
 Phone Counselling, and
Helping isolated clients.
Eugen is being recognised for his dedicated commitment to helping those in need
in our community over the last 30 years and for his involvement wildlife
conservation.
His ongoing involvement with various organisations such as the Wirilda Project
Association and the Australian Deer Association benefits the responsible
management of wildlife; conservation; recreation and safety education in the use
of firearms.

2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Harvey Pynt
Eugen’s skills as a caterer was often called upon to help raise funds for
community projects and is always ready to ‘put his hand up’ when
assistant has been requested to help charities.
Harvey is nominated for his dedicated contribution and involvement with the Royal
Exchange Hotel Cork Club and for his volunteer commitment towards helping raise
funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
President of the Royal Children’s Hospital Cork Club for the last 15 years, Harvey
has helped to raise over $1 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital, through
various fundraising events.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Elizabeth (Betty)
Foley
Harvey’s contribution to the community is recognised for his active involvement as
President of the Traralgon Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Traralgon
Lions and is on the committee for the soon to be constructed, Soundshell in
Victory Park, Traralgon.
Betty is being recognised for her many years of volunteer and selfless contribution
to the Yallourn North Senior Citizens Club and Yallourn North community
organisations.
Betty’s commitment and dedicated service to the Yallourn North community
includes her involvement with the Bowling Club, Neighbourhood Watch, the
Historical Society, the Uniting Church, the Tennis Club, the Yallourn North
Advisory Group, and the former Yallourn North Badminton Club.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Bianco Pezzutto
Held in high esteem and described as a most efficient, sincere and thoughtful person
Betty is to be commended for her community volunteer work.
Bianca is being recognised for her dedicated service and commitment to community
health and wellbeing for her involvement as a committee member and fundraiser
with The Cancer Council Victoria – Latrobe Valley Relay for Life, and Anglicare
Gippsland.
Through Bianca’s dedicated volunteer work, she was involved with the
organisation of : The Latrobe Valley Relay for Life – raising $46,500 in 2004
 Daffodil Day
 Pink Ribbon Day
 Shave for a Cure
 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Peter Bennett
Bianca’s involvement with Anglicare included the
- ‘Kids Biz’ after school care and holiday program
The Latrobe Valley Rights Centre
A Community Outreach Worker, and
Working with children with special needs.
Peter is being recognised for his dedication and outstanding contribution to the
Twin City Archers Gippsland Club, where he has held the position of President for
the past 12 years, and is Vice President of Archery Victoria.
His leadership, drive and vision have lifted the profile and respect of the Twin City
Archers, evident in the Club obtaining two State Shoots a year and securing the
2006 National Australian Titles.
In addition to a busy family, working and sporting life, Peter still finds time to help
and contribute to the community and is to be commended for his dedicated
volunteer involvement with adults and children with a disability.
Peter’s care and concern shown for those in need, indicates his value as
a citizen of this City.
Norma is being recognised for her volunteer contribution to the Latrobe Valley
community in her dedicated involvement with the Salvation Army.
-
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Norma Thompson
Contributing in many ways to the Salvation Army through her voluntary work,
Norma is involved with hospital visits, fundrasing every Friday night and spends 23 days a week interviewing and ascertaining the needs of clients who require
welfare.
Norma’s community involvement includes the Salvation Army-Morwell Corps, the
Traralgon Corps, the Community Care visitations and the Salvation Army
Women’s Groups.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
David Pitburn
A very caring an devoted lady and being on availability call 24 hours a day, Norma
will always go out of her way to assist others in need.
David is being recognised for his dedicated commitment and volunteer contribution
to the citizens of the Latrobe Valley community through his many years of
involvement with Music Theatre, and for the successful establishment of the Youth
Theatre Company - Class Act Productions.
David worked for many years in Education and has lead many cultural exchange
tours to Japan. He was inspirational in the development of the Latrobe City Youth
Band and was Tour Leader for the band’s tour of Japan and China.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Peta Mullens
David is a person who continually shows incredible generosity, always willing to
give of himself both personally and artistically. He is to be commended for his
volunteer involvement and congratulated for his excellent work in the promotion of
drama and the arts with young people.
Peta is 17 years of age and is nominated for her demonstrated and dedicated
commitment to the sport of Cycling.
She is a member of the Latrobe City Cycling Club and currently attends the
Victorian Institute of Sport in Melbourne.
Even though the sport demands a high level of dedication, and Peta’s aim is to
achieve her personal best, she has still been able to complete her schooling.
Peta is an exceptional athlete and an excellent role model for the promotion of her
chosen sport.
She has demonstrated her leadership skills by representing the
Victorian Institute of Sport through such activities as being a spokesperson visiting
schools at Warragul.
Some of Peta’s significant achievements include numerous Victorian Triathlon
and Australian Track Championships, with Silver and Gold in the Victorian and
National Time Trials.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
James Ibrahim
A high motivated 18 year old student, James is recognised for his excellence in
academic achievements, family dedication and community involvement.
Demonstrating above average academic skills at the young age of 16, and
successfully completing his VCE studies in Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Mathematical Methods and English, James has recently completed his second
year of a five year Batchelor of Medicine and Surgery.
Whilst receiving numerous Awards and Distinctions for academic achievements,
James is involved within the community as a volunteer for groups such as : WILDFIRE – “Working in Leading Development for Indigenous and Rural
Education”. The group supports rural students studying medical, pharmacy,
psychology and nursing.
 Australians for Native Title & Reconciliation Victoria
St. John’s Ambulance.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Josephine Ibrahim
Josie is a 19 year old student highly focused on achieving her potential. She is
also being recognised for her academic excellence and for her service to the local
and wider community of Latrobe.
Josie’s life is saturated with many Awards and Achievements and after completing
her VCE at 16 years of age, she was awarded the Federation Health’s “Bright
Futures Scholarship which has led to her currently studying her Batchelor of
Pharmacy at Monash University Clayton. After embarking on her tertiary studies,
Josie won the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for
excellent study results.
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2006
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
26th Tyers Art
Festival
Josie’s contribution to the community included her taking on Sunday School
teaching at her church. She completed a Volunteer Training Program at the
Emergency Department of the Latrobe Regional Hospital; and through her
current Faculty of Pharmacy at Monash University, she established a Rural
Health Club to increase awareness of, and promote rural and remote health.
The Tyers Art Festival committee are to be congratulated for their dedication and
hard work for the staging of the 26th Tyers Art Festival, which incorporates the
Tyers Children’s Art Award.
It was an event that provided a high quality exhibition for the artists and a
significant cultural and community event for Tyers and the wider region of Latrobe
City.
The Festival was an excellent example of how the spirit of a community can be
lifted and united together providing an opportunity to showcase a variety of
incredible local talent.
2006
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Making Tracks
Exhibition Celebrating 150
years of the Victorian
Railways
The volunteer committee of the Tyers Art Festival worked tirelessly to ensure the
success of the Festival, which ensured a great family event that catered for all
ages.
The Making Tracks Exhibition was a major exhibition of Victoria's railway history
developed by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria that travelled state-wide to
celebrate 150 years since the first line was opened between Melbourne and its
port.
The exhibition consisted of two parts – the official travelling exhibition and the local
Gippsland exhibition held in Traralgon, which included panels of railway history,
with a special panel prepared locally to feature stories, events and pictures from
Gippsland’s remarkable history of railways in the region.
2005
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
VICKI HAMILTON
The Gippsland Historical Societies, The Gippsland Model Engineering Association
and the Latrobe Valley Model Train Association and dedicated volunteer members
of the community are to be congratulated for the enormous amount of planning
and preparation that was involved in making the event the success it was.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Vicki Hamilton of Newborough,
for her active involvement in the fight against Asbestos related diseases, has
paved the way to her receiving the 2005 Australia Day Latrobe City ‘Citizen of the
Year’ Award.
Vicki was nominated for her dedication, contribution and commitment to the
families of Latrobe Valley in her involvement with the fights against Asbestos and
as a member and Secretary of Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support.
Vicki has worked tirelessly to support victims of asbestosis and mesothelioma and
devoted many, many hours meeting with victims and their families in fighting for
their rights.
Vicki’s significant contribution to the community also includes –
 Her current involvement with Newborough Primary School as an Integration
Aide.
 For the past four years she has been involved with Lowanna College as a
School Counsellor and a member of the Lowanna College Student Welfare
Committee.
 Since its inception, Vicki has been on the Board of Management for the
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House.
 She is a Latrobefirst Ambassador
 She was a Unit Helper of the Newborough Guides/Brownies group for six
2005
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
CHRISTOPHER
LARSEN
years and also took on the role as Secretary for a time.
And Vicki is past Secretary of the Wooreen Street Kindergarten in East
Newborough.
Christopher Larsen is a 17 year old student from Traralgon and is being honoured
with the Latrobe City 2005 ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ Award for his dedicated
contribution to the community in his capacity as a volunteer and leader and for his
commitment to the Performing Arts.
Chris has been actively volunteering his time with Latrobe City Youth Services for man
years now, supporting youth programs and activities in the Latrobe City municipality.
Last year he volunteered his time assisting Youth Services staff with the Gippsland
Youth Leadership Program initiating warm up activities for the 38 young participants.
This experience he incorporated into his VCE studies.
He has held a position on the Latrobe City Youth Council for two years and in
2004 he undertook a lead role in coordinating the Youth Council’s activities for
International Youth Day; titled “Youth is an Intergenerational Society”.
Chris has a great sense of humour and his enthusiasm, passion and dedication
combined gives him true leadership qualities and is an excellent role model for
other youth.
2005
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
THE GIPPSLAND
MOTORCYCLISTS
CHRISTMAS TOY
RUN 2003
Chris is a very active member of the community and some of his other significant
contributions and achievements include –
 Being a member of the ICED UP FReeAZ committee, taking on the role of
Master of Ceremonies encouraging youth involvement in the activities at the
underage rage events.
 He is a member of the Latrobe Theatre Company.
 An active member of ‘Class Act Productions’, the Latrobe City Youth Theatre
Company.
 He is a member of the Warragul Theatre Company.
 For the last 13 years Chris has been dancing and performing with the Julie
Ryan Dancers in Traralgon.
 He has performed in principal and minor roles in 13 shows.
 Has participated in 6 Rock Eisteddfod Challenges.
 Chris has just completed his VCE.
The Gippsland Motorcyclists 2003 Christmas Toy Run was coordinated by three
local Motorcycle Clubs involving the dedication and commitment of the Eastern
Riders, Us and Them Tourers and the Gippsland Central Branch of the Ulysses
Club.
The Christmas Toy Run was first held five years ago involving 75 bikes and has
since gone from strength to strength, attracting 428 bikes in 2003 with more than 550
people participating. Many other Bike Clubs have also joined in to lend a helping
hand.
In a joint operation involving the cooperation of the motorcycle fraternity, local
government, police, corporate and small businesses and the general public, the
procession of bikes travelled through the CBD’s of Traralgon, Morwell, Newborough
and Moe finishing at the Moe Race course.
A Handover Ceremony was held for the presentation of goods to the Salvation Army
and St. Vincent de Paul Society. These two organisations were responsible for the
distribution of the goods throughout Latrobe City.
The Motorcyclists raised over $32,000 in monies and goods and the event was
declared the biggest single effort to support needy families in Gippsland in 2003
and helped to provide hampers for more than 750 families at Christmas.

2005
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Susan Scholes
The success of this event is evident in the result, and we as a community are
very privileged to have such a wonderful annual event in Latrobe City.
Susan is being recognised for her dedication and contribution to the community in
the Scouting movement.
For the past 30 years Susan has been heavily involved in Scouts as a Leader of
Cubs, Assistant and Parent’s helper of Joeys & Scouts.
In her busy life routine, Susan can still find time to be a designer and costume
maker of outfits for the participants in the Scouting production of ‘Showtime’,
where her voluntary work and dedication is invaluable.
2005
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Max Sargent
Susan is constantly committed to other community work, such as being involved
as  A Latrobefirst Ambassador
 She sells tickets for Lions Club fund raising
 Does Christmas wrapping for Apex
Susan coordinates activities at the Christmas Carols held the Morwell Community
Playground.
Max is being recognised for his dedicated contribution to Teaching and the
Environment, and his involvement with the Morwell community.
Max is a Sunday School Teacher; and also Primary School Teacher at
Commercial Road Primary School, Morwell where he has been teaching for the
past 32 years.
In addition to his valuable contribution to teaching and a busy family life with his wife
Jill and their four children, Max commits much of his time and energy to the
Gippsland environment where he conducts Sunset Tours of the ‘Wetlands’. His
latest community involvement just recently completed was a Garden Project at the
Commercial Road Primary School.
Max excels in teaching Natural Science to children and in 2003 he won a Science
Travelling Scholarship trip to the U.S.A.

2005
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Commercial Road
Primary School,
Morwell Garden
Project
During his time as a teacher, Max has been nominated for the ‘Science
Teacher of the Year Award’ and twice for the ‘Best Teacher of the Year
Award’.
This project is the culmination of Max Sargent’s dream to bring
his school, the children he teaches and his love for natural
science together in a school and community project involving
the dedicated commitment many parents, businesses and the Hazelwood Rotary
Club.
He is to be congratulated for this initiative of a Garden Project providing
environmental and educational interests for the
students of Commercial Road Primary School and devoting many hours of his time
and energy to the Gippsland environment.
The Garden Project is cleverly constructed with waterways,
ponds, bridge and pergola in the front garden of the Morwell Commercial Road
Primary School.
2005
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
2004 Churchill
Festival
Volunteer members of the community are also to be commended for the enormous
amount of planning and preparation that was involved in making the project the
success it was.
The Churchill and District News’ staging of the 2004 Churchill Festival was unique, as
it was a free Festival of Information, entertainment and refreshments.
The idea was to inform and allow the community attending to do so without any
financial pressure.
The Festival involved the commitment and dedicated support of 32 varied
businesses and organisations, and was held at Glendonald Park, Churchill.
The Festival was organised by the Churchill and District News, a newspaper run
entirely by volunteers. Their philosophy of Solutions, not Problems, was one of
the tenets behind the Festival.
2004
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
They are to be congratulated for their dedication and hard work for the staging of a
community event that provided free enjoyment and participation, and was an
excellent example of how the spirit of a community can be lifted and united
together.
DARELL BENJAMIN The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mr Darell Benjamin of Moe has
paved the way to him receiving the 2004 Australia Day Latrobe City ‘Citizen of the
Year’ Award.
Darell’s contribution to the community is recognised for his 24 years
of active involvement in the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Over that
period he has raised approximately $340,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital. In
that time Darell has virtually played a lone hand as Co-ordinator of the Appeal in Moe,
Newborough, Yallourn North and the surrounding areas, now known officially as Moe
& District of which he has been appointed as District Representative.
In 2003, Darell raised over $47,000 – a magnificent effort for someone who does
most of the fundraising during the year by himself. He does not have a committee
as such to work with, but he co-opts family, friends and the local fire brigades of
Moe, Westbury, Newborough and Trafalgar to help collect on Good Fridays.
Darell spends many tireless hours on Good Fridays looking after the Collectors by
providing them with food and refreshments. This he could not do without the
generous support of many Moe business houses.
Organisations such as the Moe Field and Gun Club, the Yallourn Bowling Club,
Moe Bowling Club, Newborough Old Time Dance Club and the Moe RSL are just
are few Darell has involved in his efforts to help raise funds for the Royal
Children’s Hospital.
Darell’s significant contribution to the community also includes his dedication and
involvement with the  Moe-Latrobe Valley Jazz Club,
 He is Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the Yallourn Bowling Club
Management Committee
 He committed his time as a Group Leader of a special group of intellectual,
physical and mentally handicapped Boy Scouts.
 And is a past Secretary of the Moe Lions Club.
2004
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
ALYSIA HUNTER
Latrobe City is very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and
congratulates Darell on receiving this great honour.
Miss Alysia Hunter is a 17 year old student from Churchill and is being honoured
with the Latrobe City 2004 ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ Award for her dedicated
contribution to the community in her capacity as a volunteer and leader.
She volunteers her time and is heavily involved with the local radio station,
Gippsland FM, Churchill Youth Action Centre and the Gippsland Youth Leadership
Program.
Alysia also represents her peers as a representative on the Latrobe City Youth
Council and was recently selected to represent the young people of the region as
the Youth Ambassador for the LatrobeFirst Campaign.
Alysia has just completed her VCE and has taken up the opportunity to assist
Youth Services in delivering five Freeza events with funding from State
Government.
Alysia is a very active member of the community and some of her other significant
contributions and achievements include being : A member of the Gippsland FM Radio Station “The Driving Force”.
 Involved with the Churchill Tennis Club.
 A Latrobe City Youth Council representative 2003.
 A LatrobeFirst Ambassador, and
 A volunteer with Youth Services.
2004
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
BRENDAN YEATES
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this amazing young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Award and wishes Alysia all the best for her future.
Mr Brendan Yeates is a 16 year old student from Yinnar South and is being
honoured with the Latrobe City 2004 ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ Award for his
dedicated contributions to the community in his capacity as a volunteer and leader
and for his commitment to the Performing Arts.
From a young age of 8, Brendan’s talent has been exhibited through dance and
performance. He has performed in many local competitions and musicals and
recently performed with Channel 9’s Footy Show final. He is very much Latrobe’s
little ‘Billy Elliott’.
Brendan’s recent selection into the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts
Secondary School in Melbourne has reinforced his talent as a dancer. He will
complete his VCE studies at the school, which is affiliated with the University of
Melbourne, combining his academic studies with dance.
Brendan was one of only 86 students accepted world wide to attend the secondary
school, which is a lead in to university studies also at the College of the Arts.
Brendan is a very active member of the community and some of his other
significant contributions and achievements include : Being a Member of the Latrobe City Youth Council
 A Gippsland Youth Leadership Program participant in 2003
 A Member of the Latrobe Valley Theatre Company
 A Student of the Latrobe Valley School of Performing Arts
 A School leader at Kurnai Secondary College, Churchill, and
 A young Entrepreneur of own business named “Insekion”
 involving performances at children’s parties.
2004
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
48th LATROBE
VALLEY
EISTEDDFOD
Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this amazing young achiever, who is to be
commended on receiving this Award and wishes Brendan all the best for his future
and hope that his dreams of ‘Broadway’ become a reality.
The Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod has become an institution in this region which has
been such an important part of our culture for so many years. In its 48 years of
continuous operation, the event has provided the opportunity for thousands of
people to perform in the areas of music, theatrical dance, drama, speech, choral,
bands and instrumental, to name but a few.
The Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod commenced in 1956, and by 1965 there were 1450
items being performed. In a measure of how much the event has grown in that time,
in 2003 over 3,500 solo and group items were performed during the 6 weeks duration
of the Eisteddfod, which was staged in the Latrobe City Performing Arts Centre in
Traralgon.
The success of this event is due to the Eisteddfod Committee.
They are an extremely dedicated and hard working group of people, and the amount
of organisational hours that is required to run an event such as this is certainly no
small challenge.
Along with the Committee, a group of 50 plus volunteers work behind the scenes to
ensure smooth running. These hard working teams of volunteers, along with the
Committee members, are the people who work tirelessly to ensure that this
Eisteddfod is of the highest quality.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Frank Bezzina
We as a community are very privileged to have such a wonderful annual event in
Latrobe City.
Frank is being recognised for his highly commended work in the community for his
charitable contribution to local schools and organisations under the guise of ‘Koko
the Clown’.
Performing as ‘Koko the Clown’ at many functions and events such as the Church
Street Fiesta, Club Astoria Oktoberfest and local schools, Frank gives to the
people of the community, especially the children, a warm hearted character they
respect and admire.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Colin Brick
On numerous occasions, Frank will often takes time out of his busy schedule to
provide charitable performances to the community, including visiting unwell children
in hospitals and in their homes.
Colin is being recognised for his dedication and contribution to the Boolarra
community.
Colin’s drive and vision not only sowed the seeds of the present Development
Group in Boolarra, but sustained it through to fruition. His initial ideas published in
Boolarra Link two years ago were supported by a steering committee which
propagated the successful Boolarra Community Development Group.
In addition to a busy family, working and sporting life; Colin still finds the time to
help and contribute to the community.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Kathleen Carruthers
Colin’s past and present involvement with organisations such as the Boolarra
Development Group Folk Festival, the Boolarra Memorial Park, the Gippsland
Wine & Food Club and sporting bodies involving Tennis and Football, is an
example of his community dedication.
Kathleen is being recognised for her many years of volunteer and selfless
contribution to the Morwell and wider Latrobe City community.
Kathleen’s commitment and dedicated service to the community includes her
involvement in organisations such as Latrobe Valley Palliative Care,
Neighbourhood Watch, the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, Morwell Meals on Wheels,
the Morwell Anti-Cancer Branch, the Salvation Army and Gippsland & Family
Services.
Held in high esteem and described as a most efficient, sincere and thoughtful
person, Kathleen is alert to serving the needs of the disadvantaged and is
committed to helping people in need.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Joy Davis
Joy is being recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Traralgon Croquet
Club where she holds the position of President. Since taking office she has been
involved in every aspect of the Club’s activities. Joy’s leadership of the club has
lifted the profile and respect of the Traralgon Croquet throughout Victoria and in
particular, Gippsland.
Other significant contributions include Joy’s dedicated volunteer involvement with
organisations such as the Traralgon Country Women’s Association, the Cake
Decorators Group, the Patchwork Group and the Red Cross Blood Bank.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Joan Gardner
Notwithstanding Joy’s wide involvement in community activities, she maintains a
kind and generous attitude to all and is willing to accept any challenge. The
personal care and concern shown for those in need indicates her value as a
citizen of this City.
Joan is being recognised for her dedicated service and commitment to the
community in Community Health and Wellbeing.
For the past 33 years Joan has been heavily involved in promoting activities and
conducting exercise classes for people of all ages. She has been conducting
‘Chairobics’ at the Wattle Club Adult Day Centre in Churchill for the past 18 years
after commencing work there as a volunteer in 1985 to take Exercise and Craft
classes.
Joan is a member of the Diversional Therapy Association of Victoria and has
attended numerous conferences and seminars, where she has done guest speaking
on ‘Exercise for the Aged’.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Phillip Higgins
Other significant contributions and achievements Joan has been involved with is
the : Hazelwood House establishment finance committee
 17 years with the Yinnar South Country Fair Committee
 is a member of the Victorian Council of the Aged.
 a member of ‘Leaders in fitness for the Elderly, and
a member of VicFit
Phillip is being recognised for his devotion and dedicated commitment to
educating some of Australia’s most isolated rural children in remote outback
locations, with his ‘Flying Scientist’ program.
Phillip is better known to his pupils as ‘Phiggles The Flying Scientist’.
After teaching science at University for 32 years and retiring as a Senior Lecturer
and Head of Physics, Phillip looked at ways he could give something back to
science and the community. He then worked with the Department of Education to
develop a science program to suit the primary school curriculum.

2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Phillip Mayer
Flying to remote areas of Australia, Phillip delivers and shares with the
children, the magic of science in a very special science program.
Phillip is being recognised for his contributions to the community in areas of Youth
and Community Theatre development.
He is to be congratulated for his excellent work in the promotion of drama and the
arts with young people. He has dedicated ten years to teaching, conducting
Drama Workshops and producing over 40 shows in the Latrobe and Gippsland
regions, providing an opportunity for young people to develop their skills.
Phillip is an enthusiastic and dedicated member of his local community, giving his
time to education, junior sporting associations and charity work.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Marie Moulton
He is to be commended for his volunteer involvement and commitment to
organisations such as the Walkley Park Churchill Koala Kinder, the Yinnar &
District Pre School, Yinnar Judo Club, Yinnar Football Club and the Community
Arts Project - Work for the Dole program.
Marie is being recognised for her strong commitment to creating opportunities for
young people to develop an interest in the Performing Arts through the Latrobe
Valley Eisteddfod and previously the Latrobe Orchestra.
Maria has worked tirelessly for the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod as a volunteer for
more than 25 years. She is an honorary Life Member and has held the positions
of President, Vice President and Secretary. She is a tower of strength in the
organisation and her knowledge and experience are invaluable. Marie represents
the Latrobe Valley on the Committee of the Association of Eisteddfod Societies of
Australia.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
THOMPSON, Debra
Thompson
Marie’s love of music and willingness to help in the community to bring culture to as
many people as possible has been her strong motivation.
Debra is being recognised for her contribution to the community in her involvement
with Guides Victoria.
She has been involved with the Guiding Association since the age of 12, and is
now the newly appointed District Leader for Adults in Traralgon.
In a busy life style of self-employment 7 days a week, Debra still managers to
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Deborah Zwierlein
serve her community by dedicating time to the Glengarry Primary School Council
as President, attend weekly and monthly meetings of Guides Victoria, and she has
just been awarded the position of Township Facilitator for Glengarry & District.
Deborah is being recognised for her invaluable contribution to the community for
the development and running of a community based ‘Helping Hand’ program. This
program is based at the Church of the Valley Christian Centre Morwell, and
provides material aid to needy families and children throughout Latrobe City.
Reaching 100-150 families on a fortnightly basis, this program provides food,
clothing, furniture, household goods, school supplies and toys - all at no charge.
Deborah co-ordinates, supplies and raises donations to fund the ‘Helping Hand’
program and leads a team of dedicated volunteer workers.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Scott Dwyer
Deborah puts her caring attitude and talents to work for the benefit of the needy in
the community.
Scott is 17 years of age and is recognised for his family dedication, community
involvement and his commitment to the Moe Fire Brigade.
Since joining the Moe Fire Brigade Scott has demonstrated enormous enthusiasm
and commitment. He has shown the maturity to take criticism and direction and
undertakes studies to improve his abilities and skills. Scott is committed to his
VCE school work, part-time job and other sporting hobbies.
Above all, his high achievement has been to give unconditional time and care to
his father who passed away on 12 October 2003 from Motor Neurone Disease.
2004
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Latrobe City Award –
Daniel Scholes
Boolarra Folk &
Some of Scott’s other significant achievements also include the Lions Club
Citizenship Award and the Moe Fire Brigade R “Toby” Williams Encouragement
Award 2003.
Daniel is 22 years of age and is being recognised for his service to the Scouting
Association as a Leader for a Scout Group from a predominately under privileged
area; and also for his service to the local and wider communities in the area of
teaching and coaching basketball.
Other significant contributions and achievements for Daniel include the organising
and running of an in-school basketball program for the Latrobe City Pacers; he
was a finalist for the 1998 Scout of the Year and was a recipient of the Queen’s
Scout Award in 1998.
Daniel is currently studying to become a Sport and Outdoor Education Teacher at
Monash University.
The organisers of the inaugural 2003 Boolarra Folk & Drum Festival are to be
Community Event of the
Year
Drums Festival 2003
congratulated for their dedication and hard work for the staging of a community
celebration that provided enjoyment and participation for the community of
Boolarra and the wider region of Latrobe City.
The Boolarra Folk & Drum Festival committee and dedicated volunteers worked
tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, which ensured a great family day that
catered for all ages.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Coalies Week
It was an excellent example of how the spirit of a community can be lifted and
united together providing an opportunity to showcase a variety of stalls and the
incredible local talent.
‘Coalies Week’ is a week of reunion for past and present residents of Brown Coal
Mine - which was renamed to Yallourn North in 1947.
The week long event was staged at the Old Brown Coal Mine Museum in Yallourn
North, and incorporated a day for ex-SEC workers, a reunion for the ex residents
of the old township of Morwell bridge, promoted tourism for the region, and as the
event was staged at the Museum, it provided educational interests for school visits
from the local school children.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Great Victorian Bike
Ride (Glengarry Leg
of the Ride)
The Yallourn North Historical Society and volunteer members of the community
are to be congratulated for the enormous amount of planning and preparation that
was involved in making the event the success it was.
The Glengarry Community Association and the Glengarry community are
recognised for their professional organisation and hosting of the Glengarry leg of
the VicRoads Great Victorian Bike Ride held in December 2003.
The township of Glengarry was transformed into a tent city as close to 4,000
cyclists descended upon the town. Glengarry was alive with people – most of
them visitors to the region – the biggest event ever in the town.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Loy Yang Power
International Tennis
Federation Victorian
Junior
Championships
Organisers worked with Bicycle Victoria to showcase the region to the many riders
and visitors, organising packaged tours to Power Works and Walhalla. The
community spirit was extremely high as they all worked together to cater activities
and entertainment for an exceptional large number of people of all ages.
The Traralgon Tennis Association is recognised for its community and volunteer
involvement in the staging of this excellent event for the 10 th consecutive year.
The dedication of the volunteers plays a large role in the successful staging of the
Championships, along with assistance from Apex, Rotary and Lions.
The Championships, which attract over 200 junior competitors including some of
the world’s top junior players, are played at the excellent venue of the Traralgon
Tennis Complex.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
State Indoor Archery
Championships
The success of this community event is a credit to the band of dedicated
volunteers and the Traralgon Tennis Association in conjunction with Tennis
Australia.
Twin City Archers Gippsland are recognised for their excellent work in the staging
of the State Indoor Archery Championships in July 2003.
For the past five years, Twin City Archers Gippsland has run this highly successful
Archery Tournament, increasing attendance numbers from year to year.
The Tournament attracts to Latrobe City many competitors and their family
members. They travel from all over Victoria, and while in the area it gives many of
them the opportunity to tour and explore the wider Latrobe City region.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Traralgon Pro AM
Golf Tournament
The hard work and dedication displayed by the Twin City Archers members to
organise and run an event such as this, is what has made this Tournament what it
is today.
The Traralgon Golf Club is to be congratulated for the professional organisation of
the Traralgon ProAm Golf Tournament. They have been running the Tournament
for 13 years and the event is gaining a higher profile each year it is conducted.
This outstanding event brings 100 professional golfers, plus their support persons
to the area for three days, assisting the local economy.
Recognised as Victoria’s major regional ProAm Tournament, the event gains
significant coverage throughout Victoria via television and newspaper reports, as
well as Australia wide coverage through golf magazines.
2004
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Club Astoria
Oktoberfest 2003
The success of the Tournament is a credit to the members and volunteers of the
Traralgon Golf Club.
This outstanding event is being recognised for its community involvement and the
enjoyment provided and experienced by over 3,500 people who attended on the
day.
The Club Astoria Oktoberfest is an “Australianised” version of a well known
German festivity that is celebrated in many places in many parts of the world.
People are attracted by the variety provided by the Oktoberfest – the craft stalls,
the music, the German food, the German beer and the vast variety of
entertainment provided.
2003
Major Award – Citizen
of the year
LORRAINE
BARTLING
The Club Astoria Members and volunteers are to be congratulated for their
organisation and staging of an event that catered for families and citizens of all
ages.
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Lorraine Bartling of Traralgon,
has paved the way to her receiving the 2003 Australia Day Citizen of the Year
Award. Lorraine is recognised for more than thirty years of devotion to the
improvement of her community including Community Health, Facilities for the
Aged, Local Government and as a volunteer heavily involved in community work
throughout Latrobe City.
Lorraine began working as a Welfare Officer at the City of Traralgon in 1968 until
1984. During this time Lorraine became increasingly aware of the need for a
Village for the Aged and a Nursing Home and so a committee was formed to visit
other Villages for the aged in Victoria. As a result of this land was purchased by
the City Council and the building of units commenced in 1970 and the Village was
to be called Yallambee, which means "to dwell at ease"
In 1999, in honour and appreciation of Lorraine's hard work and guidance, the
Traralgon District Nursing Home, which is connected to Yallambee Village, was
renamed to "Bartling Place".
Lorraine was also instrumental in establishing a local community health service in
Traralgon.
Lorraine served as a Councillor for the former City of Traralgon, which included 2
terms as Mayor, and then again as a Councillor for the new Latrobe Shire serving
as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and then Mayor, until retiring from Council in March
2000.
Some of the other committees, organisations and institutions Lorraine has been
involved with in the Traralgon and the Latrobe communities are : Regional Welfare Officer for Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind.

Three years Rehabilitation Case Manager for Vision Australia
(former Association for the Blind).

Member of Swan House Emergency Children's Home Committee

Member for Hyperactive Children's Family Support Committee

Chairman of Festival Gippsland

Member of Traralgon Community Health Centre Committee

Chairman of the Traralgon Police Consultative Committee

Member of the Latrobe Police Consultative Committee

Chairman of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal in Traralgon

Chairman of Latrobe Community Health Centre Board

Chairman of Yallambee Village for the Aged

Member of the Board for Lifeline
 Chairman of the Sir McFarlane Burnett Centenary Committee
In June 2002, Lorraine was nationally honoured and recognised in the
Queen’s Birthday Awards, by being awarded the 'Order of Australia
Medal'.
2003
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
KATHRYN
BARTELTT
Latrobe City is pleased to acknowledge such a selfless citizen, and congratulates
Lorraine on receiving this great honour.
Miss Kathryn Bartlett of Moe is recognised for her contributions to the community
in her capacity as a volunteer and leader, devoting her time and energy towards
helping others, including people with disabilities. Latrobe City congratulates
Kathryn on her achievements and being awarded the 2003 Australia Day Young
Citizen of the Year Award.
Kathryn is an active member of the Gippsland Vocational Training Unit and
willingly volunteers her time in all their Training Unit activities where she actively
supports her peers in classes and advocates for others.




Kathryn contributes voluntary hours to the community as a member of
Apex, and is an active fundraising supporter of 'Jeans for Genes Day, Apex
and the Leukemia Foundation.
She lobbied Local Government to make roads safer for people with
disabilities and for the community in general.
She is a Leader for the Girls Friendly Society Group
and a Member of the Steering Committee for the Latrobe City Youth
Awards.
Kathryn’s other significant contributions and achievements include being a current
Member of the Gippsland Vocational Training Unit Action Group, a Member of the
Gippsland Vocational Training Unit Advisory Body Group and also a Member of a
group currently setting up a Support Unit for People with Disabilities.
Latrobe City is pleased to honour this amazing young achiever, who is to
be commended on receiving this Award and wishes Kathryn all the best
for her future.
2003
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
MORWELL
CHURCH STREET
FIESTA
This outstanding event is being recognised as the 2003 Community Event of the
Year for its representation of the true multi-cultural society that we have in Latrobe
City today. The Church Street Fiesta gave the community of Latrobe City a great
family night that catered for all ages.
The organisating committee is to be congratulated for their dedication and hard
work, and for staging an event that was provided for the enjoyment and
participation for the community of Latrobe City. The atmosphere that was enjoyed
by approximately 8,000 people is a true indication of how proud one can be to live
in a region that demonstrates the harmony between cultures that makes out
society what it is today.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Darell Benjamin
It was an excellent example of how the multi-cultural communities and service
clubs of Latrobe City can work together, providing an opportunity to showcase the
food from different nationalities and provide entertainment that many people from
all over the world have brought to the Latrobe Valley - their home.
Darell Benjamin is being recognised for his contribution to the community in his
active involvement in the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal for the last
20 years. In that time Darell has virtually played a lone hand as Co-ordinator of
the Appeal in Moe, Newborough, Yallourn North and the surrounding areas, and
over that period has raised approximately $300,000.00 for the Royal Children's
Hospital.
Darell is actively involved with the Yallourn Bowling Club and also a member of the
Moe RSL.
Latrobe City thanks Darell for his continuous community involvement and
congratulated him on his Recognition Award.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Anna Fascio
Anna Fascio is being recognised for her 20 years of volunteer contribution to the
Italian and wider communities and for her role as President of the Italian Elderly
Citizens Club of Morwell.
Anna has been a key leader and support person for many years and has shown
through her actions, that the community she interacts with, is an important part of
her life by providing assistance and clerical support to those who need it.
Anna has strived to give as much as possible to the Italian and wider communities,
and her reward is the satisfaction of knowing that she has made a difference in the
lives of the people she touches.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
William Koppe
Latrobe City is pleased to congratulate Anna for her devotion and commitment,
and on being presented with this Award.
William Koppe is being recognised for his volunteer contribution to the community
in driving vehicles for Latrobe Co-ordinated Community Transport on a full time
basis, Monday to Friday where all clients transported have a disability or are frail
aged.
William is also the current driver for Moe Meals on Wheels deliveries and is the
current driver of the Moe Adult Day Activity Services. For the past 2.1/2 years
William has been part of the ‘We Care’ program visiting the elderly.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Roger Reis
Latrobe City thanks William for his commitment and congratulates him on
receiving this Award.
Roger Reis is being recognised for his longstanding dedication and contribution to
the Toongabbie community. His outstanding work with the Toongabbie Recreation
Reserve, Toongabbie Cricket Club, St.Davids Anglican Church, the restoration of
the Mechanical Institute and other related ventures are a credit to him. Roger is
also being recognised for his contribution to the conservation of Toongabbie's
history and beautification of the town, town planning, Rose Garden, Playground
Development and Wetland Development. He is a local historian currently
completing a book on the Toongabbie town history.
Latrobe City congratulates Roger on his excellent work and is to be commended
on receiving this Recognition Award.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Tony Salvatore
Tony Salvatore is being recognised for his contribution to the community in the
organisation of the Morwell 12th Annual Church Street Fiesta. Tony put his heart
and time into this multi-cultural event for the wider community and left his
profession behind. The success of the Fiesta was due to Tony's hard work and
dedicated commitment to the community to ensure that the wider community
would benefit from this event. Tony is also commended for his involvement in the
organisation of the Mini World Soccer Cup, with all monies raised going to Kiama
Kinder in Traralgon.
Some of Tony's other significant contributions and achievements was his
participation as a Torch Bearer and Ambassador for the AMP Olympic Torch
Relay and his involvement in the ‘Plant a Tree’ day program.
Tony's involvement as coach of the Junior Falcons 2000 and his participation on
the former Main Street Committee of Morwell has held him in high esteem for the
work he has done for the town of Morwell.
Tony's continuous community involvement is commendable and deserves the
recognition and thanks that this Award symbolises.
2003
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Elizabeth Wyatt
Mrs Elizabeth Wyatt, better known as Betty, is being recognised for her
contribution to the community in her leadership and commitment to the elderly and
socially isolated members of the community and the members of the Wattle Club
of Churchill.
Betty is a very special individual who has put her caring attitude and talents to
work for the benefit of the community over many years. Described as a very
caring and warmhearted lady who is very diligent in her work, Betty works
tirelessly for all those in her care at the Wattle Club.
Betty’s work with the Wattle Club also involves both sadness and joy, and it is a
testimony of her commitment to this community that she finds the extra time and
personal energy to give in times of sorrow, showing great strength to both
members and their families.
2002
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
BON & OLLIE
THOMPSON
Latrobe City wishes to acknowledge Betty's outstanding commitment to the Wattle
Club of Churchill, and is to be commended on receiving this Recognition Award.
Ollie and Bon have been involved in the conservation of the natural environment of
Latrobe City and the surrounding region, by, in particular, on-going voluntary work
over at least forty years to record the native flora and fauna, and to advocate its
protection with great effect.
In 1985 the late Jean Galbraith wrote, in reference to Bon and Ollie Thompson:
“It is largely through their work that our club (LVFNC) has a reputation for wellresearched, well balanced submissions which are listened to by the Land
conservation Council” (and, one might add, many other bodies since).
Other significant contributions and achievements:
Bon:
 Contributions to records of the Flora of Victoria through submission of plant
2002
2002
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
ALICE HUGHES
CELEBRATION OF
FEDERATIONS
PARADE
(ADVANCE
MORWELL)
material and sightings to professional botanists at the state herbarium and
the universities.
 Compilation of plant records for the Latrobe region held by DNRE
 LVFNC Conservation Coordinator for approximately thirty years from the
mid 1960’s to the mid 1990’s
Ollie:
 Compilation of photographic records of the flora of this region, many of
which are included in the VIRIDANS database
 Provision of many of the photographs for the notable publication: Galbraith,
Jean, Collins Field Guide to Wildflowers of South-eastern Australia.
 Foundation member of the Committee of Management of Wirilda Park for
many years (and of other similar organizations)
 Member of Central Gippsland Forest Management Area Advisory
Committee for many years
LVFNC members from early 1960’s and life members ( a rarely awarded honour)
since March 1993.
Alice is being nominated due to her significant contributions to the community in a
professional and voluntary capacity. Alice is an administration officer at the
Morwell Aboriginal Co-op. In this role Alice directs the community to service and
provides advice and information as requested.
On a voluntary basis, Alice is actively involved with the Koorie Youth Group,
sporting activities and community functions. Alice was responsible for creating a
Koorie Netball Team and Cricket Team. Alice is also actively involved with groups
attending conferences voicing her concerns for people on issues such as Native
Title, youth, Domestic Violence and the Stolen Generation.
The Federation Parade held on Sunday 1 April 2001. Whilst the group
nominated is Advance Morwell Inc., the credit for the outstanding success of this
event must go to Maria Harkins who developed the concept, wrote the submission
to the Victorian Government. The event was an outstanding success because:

The aim of this celebration was to seize the opportunity the Centenary of
Federation presented to galvanise local organisations, schools, businesses, clubs
and individuals to research their background, and come together to celebrate
more than 100 years of achievement.
 Planning began in April 2000 and concluded with the publication of the video in
November 2001.
The main features of the event were:

The Centenary of Federation Historical Street Parade through the streets of
Morwell on 1 April 2001; over 100 floats within Latrobe and other areas;
attended by a crowd estimated at close to 10,000.

2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Margo Whelan
Federation Play for Schools; A federation play by a local playwright has been
distributed to all schools in the Gippsland area. The aim to provide a basis for
students to study Australia’s history through drama.
 Prominent Placement of a Federation Stone; this has been placed at an
appropriate spot in Tarwin Street, Morwell to commemorate the celebration of
the Centenary of Federation in our area;
 Video of Centenary of Federation Street Parade; A professionally prepared
visual record of the Parade together with accompanying booklet has been
produced and is now on sale to the public. (Has been given to all the schools
in the Latrobe City).
The concept and its presentation was supported by a grant of $25,000 from the
Victorian Government and the event received outstanding support from the
media, Latrobe City, service clubs, industry and individuals. The sense of pride,
community, and general well being generated before, during and after the Parade
has been uplifting with the work of the Celebration continuing on. This was a
Latrobe wide celebration, emphasising our city’s links.
Margo was nominated for this award for her voluntary capacity to help others and
provide friendship to those who are needy. Margo assists all people from our
diverse community who may be ill, elderly and frail, lonely, disabled, grieving,
suffering or traumatised. She offers her kindness and ongoing support and on
many occasions offering people her beautiful cooking. A mother of 6 and a
grandmother of 10, she herself is a very busy person.
Margo involvements include:
 Supporting local churches,
 Donating her cooking to Charitable Cake Stalls,
 Assisting Red Cross,
 Supporting the Church of England and the Elderly Day Care Centre
 Supporting community organisations such as Rotary, and;
Margo has been an active member and support volunteer for Red Cross for over
20 years
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Gwyn Schnabl
Gwyn has been nominated for her contribution to the community in supporting
clients and their families who suffer with Epilepsy. Gwyn is the only worker for the
region and has served the community for 13 years. Gwyn is a very caring person
who is known to spend many personal hours to assist people in need.
Gwyn involvements include:
 Lowanna School Chaplaincy where she encourages the need to look at the
needs of individual students.
 Epilepsy Foundation Victoria,
 Headway Trafalgar,
 Youth Network Inc.,
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Rex Daly
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Beverly McIntosh
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Helen Johnson
 Anglican Church,
 Lowanna Secondary College,
 Early Intervention DHS,
 Many disability organisations and numerous other networks.
Gwyn is a sole worker for a vast rural area who relies heavily on volunteer
assistance and can be commended for her wonderful support and care of her
volunteers.
Rex has been nominated for his contribution in strengthening and developing the
Moe community.
Rex in his capacity as President of the Moe RSL has;
 Raised funds, and rebuilt the RSL Club, and its recently opened new
premises have provided a first class and much needed recreational facility for
the town.
 Mr Daly made, in conjunction with the City Council, had an area of vacant
land close to the centre of town, set aside for the creation of a residential
village for frail and elderly war veterans and Legacy widows, Today the
attractive RSL Village on Anzac Avenue Moe is home to many elderly
citizens.
 Coordinated the Annual Anzac Day Street parade and service, and the
Remembrance Day service which Mr Daly has developed in the centre of the
town. From small beginnings the Anzac Day service has built up, under Mr
Daly's enthusiastic guidance, to an major annual event in Moe,
Mr Daly is a person dedicated to the-welfare of the city of Moe and merits the
public recognition which comes from a civic award.
Mr Daly is unable to make today’s proceedings, Mayor Cr. Brendan Jenkins
accepts this award on his behalf.
Beverly has been nominated for providing an outstanding 34 years of service to
the Library users of the Latrobe Valley, which also includes the mobile library
service. Over the last 20 years, Beverly has established a reputation as an expert
quarter horse breeder and recently established a Charolais Stud. Beverly is a
member of the A.I. Association as well as the Charolais Cattle Association.
Helen has been nominated for her contribution to the community in support and
advocacy to families of children with special needs. Employed at Kiama
Kindergarten Early Intervention Program as the Coordinator Helen also voluntarily
contributes to other services such as;
 Organising respite for families,
 Arranging transport assistance for families and
 Applying for sponsorship and donations.
Helens other involvements and achievements include;
 Organising a donation of a shed for a local family,


2002
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Annette O’Dowd
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Clare Crozier
2002
Latrobe City Award –
Kiah Salmon
Assisting with car maintenance and arranging respite evenings.
Helen has also arranged grief workshops and behavior management
workshops on a yearly basis.
 Negotiating with local support service to arrange for children to receive
private therapy. This result has had a significant impact on the progress
and development of many young children.
 Zone Leader for the Neighbourhood House,
 Member of School Council (Traralgon Special Developmental School),
 Vic President School Council (St. Gabriels),
 Fundraising Committee Blundell Hall pre-school,
 Secretary - Advisory Committee Kiama Kindergarten,
 Treasurer Maryvale Firebrigade (8 years) and
 Gippsland Carers Association.
Helen is a mother of two beautiful boys, Jayden is 11 years old and Ben who is 8
was born with a severe and rare disability. Helen has made a firm commitment to
ensure that services to children with special needs are adequate and that the
local community is supportive in the inclusion of these children.
Annette is nominated for contributions to the community in providing and serving
the poor and the disadvantaged in Moe/Newborough and Districts.
Annette’s contributions and involvements include:
 Co-ordination and preparation of food, drink and soup, serving to the
community in the privacy of their own homes (reaching 150-200 people each
week).
 Annette is ready to listen when people need her support. She and her
husband ministered in “Marriage Encounter” – empowerment for married
couples and also ministered to the youth through Antioch. .
 She has supported local school tuckshops & fetes and has supported her
husband and children in the music ministry at St. Mary’s.
 For many years, Annette visited the sick and elderly as a Eucharistic Minister.
 Annette is also a member of the Newborough Netball Club
Annette is also a diabetic dependent on insulin and likes to help others who
suffer. Annette herself has also overcome major cancer.
Claire is being nominated for this award for her tireless effort in representing
many issues on behalf of other young people.
Claire runs the Celebrate Youth Project at Latrobe City Council, and through her
supporting young people through difficult times particularly teenage mothers, she
is able to assist them with issues such as education, parenting and how to cope
with being a mother.
Kiah is being nominated for her contribution to the community in a voluntary
Young Citizen of the
Year
2001
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
capacity. Being only 12 years of age, Kiah is a highly talented Radio Announcer
on the “Koorie Air” radio program, 104.7FM every Wednesday. This radio
program is presented by students at Woolum Bellum KODE School Kurnai College
in Morwell. The program aims to foster change in the community, in which Kiah
plays a keen part. Kiah was also one of the winning co-designers of a fridge
magnet that was distributed amongst the community, and which bears the
message “Brushing Twice A Day Keeps The Plaque Away to Prevent Tooth
Decay”. This was part of a school wide competition sponsored by Latrobe
Community Health.
RAY LINTON
Kiah is a past member of the Woolum Bellum, KODE School, Kurnai College
Federation Dance Group, that represented the local community in the
“Celebration of Federation” parade in Melbourne in May this year, in “The Future”
section. Kiah was also the winner in the “Best Indigenous Programmer” section of
the Gippsland FM Awards for 2001.
Nominated for being the driving force of the establishment of the Elderly Citizens
units at Yinnar and also organising pleasure trips for the elderly.
Recently retired shop owner and assistant Postal Officer his trade being that of
Boilermaker Superintendent.
2001
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
KRISTY
THEISSLING
Ray and his family’s input into the community has been huge.
Kristy is being nominated for her involvement with many community organisations
in music and youth, especially for her involvement in youth activities for the
Latrobe region volunteering her time with the Karma Push Club at least one night
per week.
Organisations include:
 Secretary of the Karma Push Club
 Represented St Michael’s Parish for World Youth Day Involvements 2000-1213
 Volunteered at the Merry Mid-Winter Melodies at Kernot Hall, waiting on tables
for the elderly
 Member of the Latrobe City Youth Council.
 Latrobe Valley Orchestra
 Francis Orchestra
 “Annie” Orchestra
Other
Kristy, has a wonderful understanding of the needs of disabled people within our
community.
When working with the community, Kristy gives 100%, particularly when it involves
people counting on her.
2001
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
MOE COMMUNITY
BONFIRE &
FIREWORKS
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Mary Gilmour
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Maria Roncan
The Bonfire night involved many local groups to participate which included CFA,
Army Reserve, St John’s Ambulance, and the Lions and Apex Clubs. Free
entertainment was provided to the community.
There was approx. 6000 to 7000 people in attendance. The event rallied many
local sponsors, attracted spectators from beyond the region and was achieved
because of only a few members.
Nominated for her work with the Traralgon Agricultural Society. Mary has been a
member since 1956 (44 years); Steward in Children’s Art/Craft since 1975 (25
years); Vice President since 1992 and hostess to judges and stewards since
1995.
Other: Service includes:
 13 years to Cub Scouting
 33 years to Christian Education in Schools
 CWA from 1942 onwards (Branch President 4 times, Group President
1983-85 and Central Vice President 1985-87)
 Uniting Church elder from 1974 onwards
 Latrobe Valley Lifeline Councillor for 19 years
 Associated with Red Cross since 1942
 Advisor to Traralgon Young Farmers for 6 years
Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod for 32 years
Nominated for her dedication, commitment, determination in making life easier for
disabled people and their families, and her many years of service on a variety of
committees relating to people with disabilities.
Other:
 Involvement with various voluntary committees and associations for people
with disabilities in the Latrobe Valley for over 25 years
 In 1976 she presented a paper at a major conference in Canberra that told
of her experiences in helping her son make the most of his capabilities.
 Founding member of the former Moe & District Friends of the Handicapped
People (now Moe Friends of the Disabled, Inc)
 Over the years Maria has worked on 8 different committees, most of them
concurrently and still remains an active member on three.
 Outcomes include:
 A Community Residential Unit in Moe
 Moe Lifeskills Centre
 Moe Playgroup
 Riding for the Disabled
 Encouraging the establishment of Noahs Ark Toy Library
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Citizen of the Year
Kath Tanian
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Leigh Gatt
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Morwell Celebration
of Roses
2001
Latrobe City Award –
Community Event of the
Year
World Championship
Axemen’s Carnival
and much more (see attached)
Nominated for her contribution to the Hazelwood, Churchill and Morwell
communities because of her involvement with the Churchill Guides, a valuable
member of the Anglican Church and the Morwell East Senior Citizens Club.
Details:
 Active member of the Guide Movement for 30 years – holding many
positions in the Hazelwood/Churchill Guide District. Kath helped with a
guide unit when the District was short of leaders and was always willing to
attend unit meetings to assist leaders. Kath has kept the support group
active in spite of many difficulties.
 Church councillor and member of the choir, always willing to lend a hand at
functions, was Anglican Synod for many years and assisted with the local
newsletter “Churchill news”.
 6 years members of the Morwell Senior Citizens Club, member and
conductress of the choir, and was President in 1998 (when there were no
other candidates and the Club would have closed).
 Involved with the Central Gippsland Retired Persons Association.
Leigh is being nominated for this award for his tireless effort in representing many
issues on behalf of other people. Leigh attends Neighbourhood Watch, being
involved in the meetings and offers different solutions on troubling situations. He
was an adamant supporter of “Save the Moe Hospital”. Leigh also took it upon
himself to stop video cameras being installed in the toilets at school because two
girls were going to leave school because the cameras were an invasion of privacy.
Other Significant Contributions and Achievements include:
 School Captain (Lowanna College)
 School Council Representative
 SRC President
Member of various community groups, ie SMHG
The Morwell community supported the event totally, the success of this has
inspired Advance Morwell to plan a week-long celebration in April 2001 and the
start of an new Annual event. The event highlighted Morwell’s major features –
the Morwell Rose Garden and Airlie Bank Gallery. The aims of the Celebration
include:
 promote the features and attractions of the Town of Morwell
 activities should be self-funding and aim at a small surplus, which shall be used
solely for the promotion of future celebrations
 attract tourists into the area from Melbourne and nearby areas
 maximise the involvement of the local community and its organisations
With over 80 axemen competing from USA, NZ and Australia, the Carnival
attracted more than 11,000 people over the 2 days. Over 1,650 people took
advantage of the tours through the APM, wetlands and forest to see how the Mill
2000
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
KEITH BROWNBILL
2000
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
BENJAMIN VAN
POPPEL
and forest operate. The Committee (all volunteers) consisted of workers from the
Mill (8 on Committee) and over 60 helpers. Other community groups involved
were REH Cork Club, St John’s Ambulance and Riding for the Disabled. All
money raised going to these community groups - $8,000 in total.
Nominated for being the original member of Latrobe Valley U3A (1989), Course
Co-ordinator, taught several subjects, wide range of contacts for Course Leaders
and for securing funding.
Other:
 Executive Member, Advance Morwell / StreetLIFE
 4 years on the Church Street Fiesta Organising Committee
 Member of Rotary since 1965, President of 2 Clubs
 Secretary/Treasurer of Australian College of Education, Gippsland Group
(8 Years)_
 Organiser of Annual Len Flak Lecture
 Past President and longest standing member of the Gippsland Community
Road Safety Organisation
Association with many organisations
Benjamin is a student, although blind since birth, has completed the training
program for telephone counselling with Lifeline and now works regular shifts as a
volunteer counsellor. Benjamin has completed VCE, completing his exams in
Braille, and in 1998 won a scholarship for the Society for Australian German
Student Exchange, spending 2 months in Germany as an exchange student.

2000
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
WINGS, WHEELS &
FINE FOODS EXPO
Benjamin intends moving to Melbourne in 2000 to live independently and
study languages.
This by-annual event is organised by the Latrobe Valley Aero Club and Morwell
Rotary Club. It was attended by approximately 9,000 – 9,500 people.
The Latrobe Valley Aero Club attractions include:
 Flying and static displays of aeroplanes (Roulettes, Latrobe Flying
Museum’s mustang & DC3)
 Fire Bombing demonstrations
 Ultra-light aircraft
 Motor Cars
 Motorcycles (parade and static display)
 Go kart race
 Much more
The Morwell Rotary Club attractions include the showcasing of Gippsland
producers of gourmet foods and wines as well as organising the usual snack food
sites, ect. Also there were organised activities for the children.
2000
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Mary Gilmour
2000
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Alexander McGregor
1999
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
JAMES KNOWLES
The event also increased the public awareness of what facilities are at the Airport.
Nominated for her work with the Traralgon Agricultural Society, Traralgon Uniting
Church and the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod.
 Senior VP Traralgon Agricultural Society
 Elder and Church Councillor with the Traralgon Uniting Church – also
choir member, Convenor of “Care & Support Task Group” that supports
the sick, elderly and newcomers to the Church and Convenor of
Connections – Visitation & care of mentally ill people in the community
 Committee Member and past President of the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod
 25 years with the scouting movement in Glengarry
 25 Years providing religious instruction to the parishioners
Widowed 6 months before 5th child was born and continue to manage the farm at
Glengarry.
Nominated for his service to the community of Yallourn North through involvement
with Legacy, Football and Bowling.
 Service in RAFF 1943 – 1946: Served 8 months Australia and 2 years
active service overseas
 Worked with SEC 1955 – 1986: retired from position of Work Co-ordinator
 39 Years service to Legacy Widows and dependants, many times
supporting from his own pocket
 Joined Legacy in 1960 and I s presently the longest serving member of the
Latrobe Valley Group of the Melbourne Legacy – has served as President,
Secretary, Sub-group Leader, 10th consecutive time as Camp Chief (using
his annual leave to do this for 14 day camp for dependants)
 Served with local Fire Brigade
 Member Yallourn North Bowling Club since 1987, holding office for 12
years and is a senior pennant player
 Service Meal on Wheels in Moe for 12 Years
 Great interest in football, both juniors and seniors.
Jim has been involved in the Yinnar South County Fair for over twenty years. In
this time he has been responsible for duties as divers as tallying the event’s
takings, personally constructing picnic tables and chairs for the fair and organising
other equipment to his diligent work ensuring that none of the traditional country
fare was wasted. Jim has always made sure that leftover preserves and other
edible delights were distributed to charity organisations for free. Jim has also
been connecting communities though his loyal services to Yinnar South Citizen’s
Association, taking personal charge of the distribution of their community
newsletter.

Jim is also returned serviceman heavily involved with the RSL and Legacy
1999
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
LYDIA TEYCHENNE
1999
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Keith Brownbill
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Margaret Cahill
1998
INTERNATIONAL
SIX DAY ENDURO
COMMITTEE
Ray Beebe
Organisations through which he continues to serve his country. For longer
than this humble citizen of the year would care to mention, he has been
mailing out over three hundred birthday cards to many widows of war,
ensuring they are not forgotten on their birthdays. Making sure that women
are aware of the services available to them has also been a part of Jim’s
Legatee work, and making the odd trip to Melbourne to get somebody
medical appointment is not out of his way!
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Miss Lynda Teychenne of Boolarra
to the development of many local youth-orientated programs as well as her great
academic and sporting achievements paved the way to her receiving the 1999
Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. Lynda has been at the forefront of
many musical ventures, including the founding of the Mirboo North Secondary
College ‘Jazz Combo’ and has explored work experience with the Victorian
College of the Arts. Lynda’s selfless maturity and presence of mind has helped
her in her role as a Peer Support Leader, and her vision for the future sought
when she participated in regional and state level Youth Constitutional
Conventions.
Lynda’s dedication and leaderships skills have lead many organisations she has
been involved with to success and we congratulate her on her achievements.
No Information recorded
Ray has dedicated himself for the past thirty six years to the Youth Scouting
Movement, a commitment to leadership which has recently lead to him being
presented with the prestigious Silver Emu Award from the Scouting Association of
Australia. He manages to balance his various other involvements giving 120% in
all areas which include Rotary, teaching at Monash University, Working as a
consulting engineer both within Australia and internationally and work with
Strzelecki Showtime.
Keith has been resolutely focussed on improving economic and educational
prospects for all people in and around the La Trobe Shire for some time. A longstanding “quiet achiever” recognised for his leadership skills, Keith is a member of
the Morwell Rotary Club, the Main street & Street Life projects and a former
Principle of Morwell High School whom is most deserving of the honour bestowed
by award.
Margaret was an “inspirational” volunteer for eight years at the Morwell campus of
Kurnai College, bringing her valuable knowledge of art and ceramics to staff and
students alike. Margaret’s wisdom and experiences were often relied upon by
students seeking a mature reflection of life, and generally as she spread goodwill
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Richard Hewat
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Sam Johnston
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Roger Ries
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Citizen of the Year
Doug Timmins
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Adam Dent
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Young Citizen of the
Year
Sarah Lovison
throughout the community. Her contribution especially to the Morwell Art Group is
commendable and the La Trobe Shire is pleased to congratulate Margaret for her
devotion and on being presented this well-deserved award.
Richard was a former Councillor with City of Morwell, is President of the Morwell
Bowling Club and has received Life Membership to many community groups after
years of donating his valuable time. Richard is actively involved in the Gippsland
Swimming Association, Morwell Bowling Club, Morwell Briquetting & Power social
club, Swimming Club among others, and is a noble recipient of this award. The La
Trobe Shire thanks Richard for his long time commitment, and congratulates him
on his most recent achievement.
Sam is a former municipal councillor, a much loved member of the Probus Club of
Traralgon, long standing Apex member and vice president of the RSC Bowls
Club. Sam has been involved in fundraising as well as donations to the Red Cross
and worked as a volunteer community bus driver. His continuous community
involvement since arrival from Ireland forty years ago is commendable, and Sam
well deserves the recognition and thanks this award symbolises.
Roger has a longstanding dedication to the preservation of the history and
community of Toongabbie. Recognised as a “walking history book” Roger holds a
wealth of knowledge about his community. His outstanding work with the
recreation Reserve, Cricket Club, restoration of the Mechanic’s Hall and related
ventures are a credit to him and a bonus for the municipality. Congratulations
Roger on your excellent work and this award.
Doug is a community leader who has been involved with the Glengarry
Community Sport and Recreational Reserve since 1957. He has devoted
countless hours to community ventures ranging from his position as chairman of
selections for Country Week to the twenty one years he spent as either secretary
or president of the Glengarry Cricket Club. Doug has done everything within
power, including help to build a playing oval for the community. It gives me great
thanks to present this award to Doug.
Adam has been an outstanding young figure in Gippsland Community Radio for
some time. His broadcasts from community events such as the Church Street
Fiesta and previous position as studio anchor for the Gippsland Falcons mean
that you have probably already heard hi voice. Adam’s voice has more recently
been responsible for vital communications during times of crises during his
outstanding work as a Cadet and volunteer with St Johns Ambulance. Adam’s
academic and practical skills are a credit to him and the La Trobe Shire is proud
to acknowledge them as well as thank him for his enormous efforts.
Sarah is a student leader at Kurnai College and one of the founding members of
the “24 Flight, Air Training Corps” Pilot Youth Development Program. Her
selection as Gippsland Representative at the 1999 National Youth Forum in
Canberra and fundraising work for palliative care during the ISDE are only some
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Morwell Community
Playground
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Welsh Male Voice
Choir
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Moe Day
1999
Latrobe Shire Award –
Community Event of the
Year
Major Award – Citizen
of the Year
1999 Traralgon
International Tennis
Championships
JEAN TOPS
1998
Major Award – Young
Citizen of the Year
JENNY FARRAR
1998
Major Award –
Community Event of
the Year
MORWELL
CENTENARY ROSE
GARDEN ‘ROSES
IN BLOOM’
1998
of the highlights in her Volunteer dossier which also includes voluntary work with
the Morwell Fire Brigade, umpiring with the youth club football. She is an amazing
young achiever, who is to be commended on receiving this award.
In just 6 days, 2000 volunteers came together to build Morwell’s Community
Playground. The concept of the project was to organise, design and construct a
children’s playground for the Gippsland community. Morwell Community
Playground was truly a community event unmatched in recent memory. There
were many sponsors for this project, and without would not have happened.
The Welsh male Voice Choir enabled the community to see and hear a cultural
event not normally held in rural areas such as Toongabbie. The group brought
visitors to Toongabbie providing tourism opportunities and awareness of our
historical significance for the area.
The Moe development group is recognised for initiating, organising and creating
the Moe Day for 1998. The group is also acknowledged for maintaining faith in the
community of Moe by organising supporting a range of social, businesses and
cultural activities.
No Information recorded
Jean is a carer of some 34 years, is recognised as a lifelong carer and worker
with the Blind and Disabled. With first had knowledge of the problems involved,
Jean worked hard to see the formation of the Gippsland Carers Association, and
was appointed its first President. Twelve carers were appointed, including Jean,
with the Association working with the common goal of “to break the silence on
issues of caring”. Jean has “been there’ for families in need, and has been a
member of the Latrobe Valley Residential Services Association Committee.
Jenny was the recipient of the Rural Women in Leadership Bursary Award – one
of only 30 such state awards presented in Victoria. In her employment as a
Women’s Officer, Student Union, Monash Gippsland, for 1997, she worked to coordinated activities. Elected President of the Student Union for 1998, Jenny
Manages a menswear store and is currently working to complete her degree in
Indonesian and Business at Monash, which she has studied part time.
Is one of the showpieces of Victoria, with over 2000 species of Roses and a
display which is enjoyed by thousands throughout twelve months of the year.
Morwell’s “Roses in Bloom” has been an annual event since the official opening of
the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden in 1992.
The event commences in early May of each year with the Winter Rose – the
Camellias coming into bloom, followed by a display of Spring flowering bulbs
contrasting against a backdrop of skeleton rose bushes. This is followed by a
wonderful display of Wisterias on the Arbour, with the first blooms appearing in
October, leading up to November when the blooms are at their best.
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Richard Gubbins
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Marge Pritchett
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Ken Markham
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Marjorie Brogan
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Rod Lucas
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Anne Lovison
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Linda Hall
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Damiano Tripodi
1998
Latrobe Shire
Stephen Cook
Credit must go to the Friends of the Garden, and those who have worked so hard
to bring the Garden to its Showpiece setting of today.
Richard is recognised for his outstanding contribution as a founding member of
the SCOPE Committee, a member of the TAFE Board of Directors and as
Chairman of the La Trobe Shire Library Community Consultative Forum. He has
worked tirelessly in the area of library service provision, and workers with the
community organisations.
Is recognised for continuous service to the Opportunity Shop in Morwell from work
as a foundation member in 1957 to today, Marge has also worked as a volunteer
with Helping Hand Association, Morwell Auxiliary for 40 years. Marge showed
commitment to the community in past years through her work with Marching Girls
and School Committees, and is honoured today.
Ken is recognised for outstanding community service to the Glengarry area,
particularly in the protection of life and property through the provision of fire
services. Ken Plays an important role in the provision of this valuable service in
the Glengarry area, and is honoured today.
Marjorie is a foundation member and volunteer of the Meals on Wheels Service
and is also recognised today for her work as a member of the Meals on Wheels
Co-ordinating Committee. Her interest in community work has been extensive,
including previous involvement with the Country Women’s Association.
Rod’s recognition of a lifetime of service to the community, involving participation
in the Morwell East Football Club and secretary of the Mid Gippsland Football
League, Rod has given exemplary service to the Morwell Fire Brigade, and today
has the honour of being the only Life Member of the Morwell Brigade. His
leadership was honoured by those who serve under him in 1997, and he is
tireless worker for the Morwell Fire Brigade.
Anne is recognised for her service to the community as editor of the Yallourn
North Community Newsletter, and her work to further the interest of the local
community. Anne is well known for her encouragement to the many organisations
in and around Yallourn North, and is a tireless community worker.
Linda has spent a lifetime in first the Brownies and then Guides, serving for 27
years as a Guide Leader. She has helped to shape young lives and uses her
influence to help others in the community. A quiet worker in the area, her
nomination recognises the work she does for other people.
Is honoured today for his outstanding service to the community thought the
providing of services as an interpreter, assistance to the community and in the
field of educating. Damiano is well respected in the Italian Community, and his
preparedness to help others is recognised by his nomination.
Stephen is complied as a Police Station Youth Officer, and he has shown a keen
Excellence Award
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Jonathon Dyson
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Jim Dear
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Ann Dyer
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Richard Elkington
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Jane Barr
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Vic Health Sun Tour
Committee
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Things About Road
Safety Expo
Committee
interest in using his supervisory and organisation skills in assisting young people
in the area. He has assisted in and attended numerous youth camps and assisted
with supervision at trips to cricket, basketball, indoor skating and hiking. He leads
by example ,, and has shown determination and initiative.
Is recognised for his outstanding level of service through strong community
values, participation in sport and his work for the promotion of engineering as a
career choice for students in secondary schools. He has served on Education
Community Consultative Forum and has shown strong leadership skills.
Jim has shown tremendous drive and determination in the development of the
Morwell Centenary Rose Garden, and his tireless work has resulted in the
development of an unused roadway into a Rose Garden which is gaining
recognition as one of the best displays in the State.
Ann is recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Arts and to education,
particularly through her work with textiles, art and humanities and participating in
the school camp program. A member of the Executive of the Traralgon Arts
Council, a Foundation Member of the Latrobe Regional Arts Board, a member of
the Cultural Advisory Board to the former Latrobe Regional Commission, a current
member of the Victorian Arts Council, Traralgon Branch and a member of the
Executive of the Victorian Arts Council Board, the La Trobe Shire Art and Cultural
Community Consultative Forum, an Exertive Member of the Gippsland Regional
Arts Board and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Latrobe Regional
Gallery.
Richard is a member of many groups through his employment as a Loy Yang
Power’s Manager of Corporate Relations and Environment, Richard finds the time
to be involved in numerous community organisations. He is particularly interested
in furthering the arts, and is a very active community worker.
Jane is recognised for her work and contribution throughout her involvement in
the Residential Intensive Support for Education Program, a long standing member
of a committee working for Cubs and a mother who is willing to make sacrifices
for her children.
A committee which worked hard to establish La Trobe Shire Team in this year’s
Sun Tour, and involves a keen group of enthusiasts who worked to provide the
support to the cyclist – on a voluntary basis, devoting 2 weeks of thir time to act
as support crew. The team won the teams section of this year’s Sun Tour – no
mean feat. The overnight stop, and the tour itself brought promotion of the region
through the International, National, Victorian and Regional press coverage and
the commitment was exemplary.
The expo provided an educational experience for thousands of local school
children to visit the Ridge and then on Sunday 26 October, members of the public
were also provided with an opportunity to enjoy an open day. The message of
road safety was carried through with practical demonstrations, and involvement of
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Strzelecki Showtime
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Volunteers Members
of Police – Jaidyn
Leskie
1998
Latrobe Shire
Recognition Award
Bruce Charles
1998
Latrobe Shire
Excellence Award
Joshua Pearce
the Victorian Police, Police Band, Code 1, the Counted Branch, Solo Motorcycles,
the Booze Bus and Traffic Operations Group, together with local police and other
community groups.
An annual event which grows from strength to strength. This popular production
by local Scouts and Guides of the region in another fine example of the talent
available in our community, with every item performed on stage either written or
re-arranged by the production team. The training and involvement, which is
provided to members of our community, is a valuable resource.
Represented today by Bruce Charles, the endeavours of the many volunteers and
members of the Police and Emergency Services and the community who
demonstrated their compassion and commitment during the long search periods,
under very difficult circumstances. The nomination is in honour of the strength of
support systems and networking which exists in the community and the spirit of
those who rise to the call in the cast of emergencies.
Bruce is recognised for his outstanding contribution as Anglican Minister at
Newborough for the past seven years and as a spokesperson for the Save the
Moe Hospital and Public First Campaign Committees. Bruce is the Chairperson
for the La Trobe Shire Ministers and Churches Community Consultative Forum
and has proven to be a spiritual strength in the local community.
Joshua is congratulated for his outstanding contribution to fundraising events for
the Scouts, and as a recipient of a Queen Scout Award, he has shown leadership
as part of the team of leaders at the first Victorian Cuboree. He works closely with
young people, and has shown determination and initiative.