community
Australia Day
community
Australia Day
Council presents shire-wide Australia Day Awards which focus on individuals and events that have made a significant contribution to the region.

Australia Day Awards 2024

The East Gippsland Australia Day Awards were held at Eagle Point Foreshore Hub on Saturday, January 20. Pictured are nominees of the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year awards.

Approximately 100 people attended this year's East Gippsland Shire Council Australia Day Awards at Eagle Point Foreshore Hub on Saturday 20

The 2024 recipients are:

Citizen of the Year - David Murphy

East Gippsland Citizen of the Year David Murphy is pictured with Deputy Mayor Cr Jane Greacen OAM. David was recognised for his work supporting East Gippsland’s veterans.

Following a distinguished career as a safety officer on Victorian oil and gas rigs, David retired in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he underwent training as an RSL Compensation Advocate.

Since then, David has been dedicatedly serving veterans and their families in East Gippsland.

He provides encouragement and guidance to those navigating bureaucratic complexities, helping individuals who are having trouble working through the system.

In situations where veterans and their families feel isolated, David offers hope and works tirelessly to secure favourable outcomes for them.

Nominees:

  • Angela Dunkley
  • Phil Schneider
  • Cheryl Jakobi
  • Geoff Enever
  • Sue Carroll

Young Citizen of the Year - Jasmine Westaway and Danika Woods (joint winners)

Deputy Mayor Cr Jane Greacen OAM with East Gippsland Young Citizen of the Year joint winners Danika Woods and Jasmine Westaway.

Danika Woods exemplifies true resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite encountering obstacles in her learning environment due to a disability, she emerged as an outstanding role model and achieved the distinction of being the first person in her family to graduate from high school.

Her selflessness and unwavering commitment to serving others were evident in her active participation in "Project Ready” where she not only completed the program the previous year but also dedicated time each week to support disengaged students.

Jasmine Westaway stands out as an ambitious all-rounder and high achiever involved in a diverse range of activities.

In sports and recreation, her dedication to athletics is noteworthy, including tasks such as program assignment, setup assistance, and motivating and supporting young participants through warm-up activities.

Additionally, Jasmine has made significant contributions to both the Orbost Secondary College Senior and Swing Band community from an arts and culture perspective.

Over the past year, performances have been featured in events such as emergency services presentation night, Orbost Show Day, school functions, and band tours.

Nominees:

  • Banjo Jackson
  • Lilly Legget
  • Juliette Heart

Community Event of the Year - Metung Fun Run

Deputy Mayor Cr Jane Greacen OAM congratulates Analee Gale of the Metung Fun Run. The fun run received the East Gippsland Community Event of the Year award.

The Metung Fun Run is a fantastic community event raising funds for Metung Primary School and Metung Lions Club.

The event has been held for over 10 years and continues to grow each year.

The 2023 event had over 355 participants and raised $15,000 from registrations, sponsorships, and merchandise.

The event attracts runners from all over to East Gippsland, brings the local community together and celebrates the natural beauty Metung has to offer.

Supported by so many volunteers and businesses, the Metung Fun Run is a great event that also prompts children and adults to get active.

Nominees:

  • Carols by Candlelight Bairnsdale
  • Lakes Entrance parkrun
  • East Gippsland Winter Festival
  • Orbost Pony Club

Bairnsdale Scout Group and Paynesville Sea Scouts conducted the flag raising ceremony on the Eagle Point foreshore.

East Gippsland Brass added a musical element to the event, playing Australian tunes and performing the national anthem.

Putting on a great barbecue are Paynesville Lions Club members John Waller, John Hopman,Paul Hammond, Mary Hammond and Bill East.

There are currently no plans to display.
Please check back soon.

Australia Day community events 2024

Australia Day events, Friday 26 January 2024

Bairnsdale

Event: Free community breakfast at the Bairnsdale Rotunda hosted by Bairsndale Classic Car Club

Time: from 7am

Location: Bairnsdale Rotunda, Main Street Gardens

Nicholson

Free community brunch hosted by the Twin Rivers Lions Club

Time: From 10.30am

Location: Nicholson Primary School

Omeo

Free community breakfast hosted by Omeoshire Lions Club

Time: From 8.30am; flag raising and community awards at 9am

Location: Court House Gardens

Orbost

Free community breakfast with Australia Day award presentations, speeches and games for children. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Orbost.

Time: From 7.30am to 11am

Location: Forest Park

Paynesville

Free community breakfast provided by Paynesville Lions Club. Celebration ceremony and presentation of Australia Day awards. Hosted by Paynesville First Sea Scouts.

Time: From 8am to 10am

Location: Paynesville Esplanade

Award Recipients

East Gippsland Citizen of the Year

2024- David Murphy

2023 - Simon Hof

2022 - Ann and Stan Barker

2021 - Leo op den Brouw

2020 - Blake Hollonds

2019 - June Drake

2018 - Gerry Ciaverella  

2017 - Richard Rijs

2016 - Darryl Crowley

2015 - Alan Stuart

2014 - Ronda Manhire

2013 - Judith Williams and John Armit

2012 - Jeff Wilson

2011 - Kristine Cordery

2010 - Ian Clues

2009 - Anne Cross

2008 - David Lewien

2007 - Dr David Campbell

2006 - Aunty Cath Solomon

2005 - Olive Hartley

2004 - Beth Allen

2003 - Alan 'Doc' Carpenter

East Gippsland Young Citizen of the Year

2024 - Jasmine Westaway and Danika Woods (joint winners)

2023 - Tillyrose Hambling

2022 - Paris Davis

2021 - James Bush

2020 - Annie Rogers

2019 - Torin Troy

2018 - Aislin Jones and Jack Peterson (joint winners)

2017 - Emiliqua (Emi) East

2016 - Carly Fitzgerald

2015 - Jessica Woodward

2014 - Elizabeth Butler

2013 - Jack Wickfeldt

2012 - Chloe Scott

2011 - William Anderson

2010 - Bailey Thomson

2009 - Matt Furphy

2008 - Cassie Richards

2007 - Erika Lind

2006 - Kara Kendell

2005 - Anna Bassett

2004 - Hamish Nelson

2003 - Aimee Burslem

East Gippsland Community Event of the Year

2024 - Metung Fun Run

2023 - Bairnsdale National Tree Day

2022 - East Gippsland Winter Festival

2021 - Paynesville Classic Boat Rally

2020 - Joint winners 100th Orbost Uniting Church Annual Flower Show and Paynesville Music Festival

2019 - Cann River Volunteer Appreciation Day  

2018 - Mallacoota Winter ‘SALTSTICE’ Youth Festival  

2017 - Omeo Golf Club RV Muster

2016 - Cooper's Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball

2015 - Orbost Annual Poker Run

2014 - Mallacoota Kindergarten Fun Run

2013 - Seafarers Multicultural Festival

2012 - Junior and Senior Victorian Surf Lifesaving State Championships

2011 - Convoy for Kids

2010 - Seldom Seen Arts Trail

2009 - 2008 Junior Surf Life Saving Championships

2008 - Mount Nowa Nowa Challenge Run

2007 - Twin Rivers Bream Classic

2006 - Ensay Memorial Car Run

2005 - VAYSAR (Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation) Senior Football and Netball Carnivals

2004 - Bruthen Blues Bash

2003 - Veiling on McKillops Bridge

26ers Club

Were you a Victorian born on 26 January? If so, you’re a 26er!
Join the Australia Day Committee's exclusive 26ers Club. Membership is free and you can join at any time by emailing: austday@dpc.vic.gov.au
Members of Victoria's 26ers Club are sent a birthday card and lapel pin for Australia Day each year.
For more information about the 26ers Club, visit 26ers Club.


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