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Council's shire-wide Australia Day Awards focus on individuals and events that have made a significant contribution to our region. Council also provides Australia Day event funding.
Australia Day Awards 2025
Over 150 residents gathered in Orbost on Saturday 18 January to honour some of the region’s most dedicated volunteers and community events at the 2025 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
The East Gippsland Shire Council-run event acknowledged the outstanding achievements of local volunteers, with 23 nominations across three award categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
The event was a vibrant showcase of community spirit, featuring a flag unfurling by the Orbost Girl Guides, live music by Marlo band The Remedies and an Orbost Lions Club barbecue.
Australia Day Ambassador, Sailors Grave Brewing’s Chris Moore provided a thoughtful keynote address about the strengths of East Gippsland’s communities.
Chris and wife Gab, through their craft beer business, are regional storytellers who showcase the region.
“One of the great strengths of our region is how much we embrace living with people who have different opinions and backgrounds,” he said.
“East Gippsland is extremely diverse. Whether it’s First Nations people, people of multi-generational backgrounds, people who have moved here to start anew life, or sea and tree changers, we’re held together by common bonds. Here, we embrace people with different backgrounds, and we live together really well.”
Mayor Cr John White noted the impressive quality of this year's award nominees.
“The dedication and passion displayed by our shire’s many volunteers truly stood out. It’s an honour to recognise the incredible individuals and events that make East Gippsland such a special place,” John said.
“We value being able to honour the quiet heroes among us — those who volunteer, care for others, and give their time and energy without seeking reward or recognition. These are the everyday heroes who make a real difference, and we’re grateful for their dedication,” John said.
2025 award recipients
Citizen of the Year – Bill Newcomen
Metung’s Bill Newcomen has served the community in multiple roles, from school council committees, to training and mentoring new CFA members, and junior sailors at the Metung Yacht Club.
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Bill’s dedication and commitment to the local community has been demonstrated through his many years of serving in multiple roles, and his willingness to put his hand up and help.
Bill ran the junior sailing program for 25 years at the Metung Yacht Club teaching more than 600 local children how to sail - including several current international level sailors. Although getting close to 80 now, Bill still assists when asked. You'll regularly catch him out on one of the rescue boats during a training session or regatta. Bill has been involved in running the Metung Yacht Club for as long as anyone can remember (including two stints as commodore and several as vice commodore).
During the day, as asocial worker with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Omeo Hospital and other services, Bill has been on the frontline assisting families going through difficult times navigating the emotions of life changing events.
Always with the kindest and most gentle approach, Bill is a constant point of contact for emergency service personnel across the shire, as a trusted confidant to unload the burdens of their job. He regularly checks in on paramedics throughout the Tambo Valley.
Young Citizen of the Year – Tanner McMillan and Alfie Simpson
Tanner and Alfie, both from Bairnsdale, were both recognised as Young Citizen of the Year for their outstanding contributions to local initiatives and positive influence on their peers.
Tanner is a role model to the thousands living with Lyme disease – raising funds and awareness and advocating for change.
Following a tick bite as a child, Tanner became seriously ill, eventually being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Despite this challenge, Tanner pushed through and now uses his experience to raise awareness and help others. He appeared on The Project on Channel 10 to tell his story and has been part of numerous YouTube videos and media articles, to help bring change for others.
During December Tanner walked the 90 Mile Beach to raise more awareness and research funds for the Lyme Disease Association of Australia. He even managed to have his walk mentioned by the lead singer of Coldplay in front of 50,000 people during their recent Melbourne concert.
So far, Tanner has raised over $100,000 to help others with Lyme disease.
Tanner’s determination, courage, and willingness to share his story - despite it being a tough one, along with his drive to bring change for patients like himself, has inspired Lyme patients to keep going in the face of adversity and realise that people do care and want to make a difference.
Nine-year-old Alfie began collecting cans to recycle at the age of six, raising money to support those in need of some help. His straightforward explanation of why this cause matters is simple: he has a home, he has food and what he needs, but some other people don’t. Any money Alfie raises, he believes, should be shared with those who need it.
In addition to collecting cans, Alfie and his brother also launched their own business, “Can-Do Poo’” with the goal of giving back to their community. Together, they collect sheep manure to sell to people to use as fertiliser, with the majority of their profits from sheep manure and can recycling, going toward helping the homeless.
In a time of financial strain for so many families, Alfie’s compassion, kindness and unwavering desire to help is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the community.
Community Event of the Year – Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria Annual Get Together
The 2024 Omeo Get Together made an exceptional impact on the community and the way it brought people together in celebration.
Held just outside of Omeo, the event is a shining example of collaboration and community pride.
The 2024 event not only brought together over 3,000 attendees but also celebrated a shared history.
With a strong focus on local connections, the Get Together showcased the rich local history of the Omeo region with engaging exhibits, interactive activities and performances that highlighted the stories, traditions and events that define the community’s identity.
“The time, energy, and passion you invest in helping others is what makes East Gippsland thrive,” John said.
“This recognition is just a small token of our appreciation for all that you do.”
East Gippsland Shire Council hosts the Australia Day Awards ahead of Australia Day to allow the award recipients and nominees the chance to participate in their local celebrations on 26 January.
The awards are held by Council to contribute to a connected and vibrant East Gippsland where outstanding people, clubs and communities are valued.
2025 AWARD NOMINEES
Citizen of the Year
- Bill Newcomen - Metung
- Cherie Young - Orbost
- Christine Svenson - Paynesville
- Frank Makrai - Benambra
- Gayle Webster - Kalimna
- Jaime Savory - Bairnsdale
- James Blandford - Meerlieu
- James Nicholas - Bruthen
- Mary Mitchell - Orbost
- Moss Mahony - Lakes Entrance
- Penny Hammond – Lakes Entrance
- Phillip & Joanne Jones - Bairnsdale
- Rachel Wagstaff - Bairnsdale
Young Citizen of the Year
- Alfie Simpson - Bairnsdale
- Tanner McMillan - Bairnsdale
- Amber Mazon - Nicholson
- Austin Millgate - Orbost
- Banjo Jackson - Metung
- Giaan Woerz - Marlo
Community Event of the Year
- Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria Annual Get Together
- Opera by the Lakes
- Orbost Annual Poker Run 2024
- Paynesville Classic Boat Rally
Australia Day community events
Bairnsdale
Where: Rotunda, Main Street
When: 26 January 2025, 7.30 am onwards
Highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Flag raising and national anthem
- Award presentations for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year
Mayor Cr John White is attending.
Organiser: Bairnsdale Classic Car Club
Contact: Peter Petrovich - bairnsdaleclassiccarclub@gmail.com or 0438 568 707
Lindenow
Where: Lindenow Public Hall
When: 26 January 2025, 7.30 am – 10.00 am
Highlights:
- 7.30 am - 8.45 am: Free breakfast
- 9.00 am: Official ceremony and address
Mayor Cr John White is attending.
Organisers: Lions Club of Lindenow
Contact: Robert Treasure - r.ktreas@bigpond.net.au or 0438002 210
Omeo
Where: Courthouse Gardens, Day Avenue
When: 26 January 2025, 8.30 am – 11.00 am
Highlights:
- 8.30 am: Breakfast (egg and bacon muffins, and vegan options)
- 9.15 am: National anthem and flag raising
- 9.30 am: Council address, awards, poetry, music and games
Deputy Mayor Cr Sonia Buckley is attending.
Organisers: Omeo Shire Lions Club
Contact: Maureen Webb - 0429 618 610 or mwebb03@bigpond.com
Orbost
Where: Forest Park
When: 26 January 2025, 7.30 am – 10.30 am
Highlights:
- 7.30 am: Breakfast
- 8.00 am: Games, including best hat / clothing competition
- 9.00 am: Speeches and awards presentation
Cr Ian Trevaskis is attending.
Organiser: Rotary Club of Orbost
Contact: Peter Van Den Oever - 0400 128 483 or vander.peter@gmail.com, Judy Van Der Vlugt - mytuppance@gmail.com
Paynesville
Where: Community Craft Centre, 7 Sunset Drive
When: 26 January 2025, 8.00 am – 10.00 am
Highlights:
- 8.00 am: Free breakfast
- 9.00 am: Welcome, flag raising, awards presentation
Cr Jodie Ashworth is attending.
Organiser: Paynesville Sea Scouts
Contact: Ken Bodinnar - seascouts3880@gmail.com or 0477 769270
Twin Rivers (Swan Reach)
Where: Swan Reach Recreational Reserve, Duffy Street
When: 26 January 2025, 8.30 am – 10.00 am
Highlights:
- 8.30 am: Breakfast
- 9.30 am: Welcome and speeches
- 9.45 am: National anthem
Cr Arthur Allen is attending.
Organiser: Twin Rivers Lions Club
Contact: Peter Payne - pjpayne2021@gmail.com or 0478 169935
Swifts Creek
Where: Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve
When: 26 January 2025, 10.30am - 1.00pm
Highlights:
- 10.30 am: 20/20 cricket match
- 1.00 pm: Barbecue lunch and social gathering at Tambo Valley Bowls Club
- Novelty prizes: Best dressed and craziest run
Organiser: Tambo Valley Bowls Club
Contact: Ann Batt - ann_batt2000@yahoo.com.au or 0448 642 181
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Australia Day Awards speech by ambassador Chris Moore
Our Australia Day Awards held in Orbost on Saturday 18 January had a local flavour, from the music by Marlo’s The Remedies down to the keynote address from the area’s local brewer.
Delivered by Australia Day Ambassador Chris Moore, the keynote address was a reminder to see East Gippsland’s potential for prosperity, opportunity, and pride.
Chris and Gabrielle Moore are the makers behind Sailors Grave Brewing, a craft brewery that started in Orbost and recently expanded to a place they’ve called Dunetown, sited between Marlo and Cape Conran, which also features a cellar door and restaurant.
The philosophy behind their brewery extends beyond making great beer. They strive to infuse each brew with the rich history and unique landscape of the region, crafting liquid whilst representing East Gippsland’s coast, forests and the essence of the Aussie spirit.
Their dedication to promoting local ingredients, supporting East Gippsland's agricultural economy, and engaging in environmental sustainability efforts has made Sailor’s Grave a respected and influential part of the community.
"I'm incredibly proud to be this year’s Australia Day Ambassador and to be part of a community that consistently comes together in times of need and celebrates its unique identity. These awards highlight the efforts of countless individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making East Gippsland such a wonderful place to live," Chris said.
Chris’s keynote address:
About 11 years ago, Gab and I moved from Sydney to Marlo. For Gab, it was a return to the place where she grew up. For me, it was a bit different. I grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne, but my grandfather was from Orbost. So, for me, it was a return to my roots.
Once we found out that we both had roots here, we asked Gab’s family if the Perrys and the Ingrams had ever mixed in any way. Apparently not. So that’s a relief!
We’d been living in Sydney running a restaurant, before deciding to return.
And these past 11 years since returning have been a journey of discovery for me – discovering the value of this region and realising just how incredible it is.
It’s been amazing to see so many of my preconceptions completely overturned. To be honest, I’ve realised how narrow-minded I was. This region is one of the most diverse, bountiful, productive, and collaborative places anywhere.
What motivates Gab and me most – both personally and in business – is a really simple thing: we have three children who are growing up in this region. Our biggest hope is that they grow up in a thriving, prosperous and diverse community.
It’s a motivation that I think many people can understand, and it’s something we all share. I want our children to grow up here, explore the big wide world, and then, like us, want to return. For them to want to return, they need to see the value of this region and understand how special it is.
So, how does this happen? How do we help our kids, neighbours, and even ourselves recognise and embrace the value of this region? And how do we share that message with the wider world?
For us, it comes down to telling stories – stories about place, but most importantly, stories about people.
Through our business, we’ve always told stories about beer. We happen to make beer, but in many ways, the product itself is kind of irrelevant. Beer is just a vehicle for sharing the stories of our region. It’s the connection to this place that truly matters.
Every time we send out a beer – whether to Gippsland, Melbourne, interstate, or overseas – we’re sending out a story.
These stories can be about the local landscape, the producers, or even the neighbour who has a glut of lemons. Sometimes, they’re about the First Peoples of this region, or the pristine environment we’re privileged to live in.
For example, one of the first beers we made used beautiful local seaweed from Snowy River Station. Another beer we created incorporated sea urchin – a collaboration with Yuin Nation First Nations people – which highlighted both a seafood festival in Mallacoota and the environmental issue of sea urchin overgrowth on the ocean bed.
Sometimes, the story is about heritage. For instance, Orbost was corn country for a long time. We’ve embraced that heritage by putting corn in some of our beers, opening a Mexican restaurant, and even commissioning a stone mill to make tortillas from locally grown maize.
We want to celebrate the producers, the landscape, and the skills of this region.
A few years ago, before we even had a venue, we were invited to speak at a Victorian tourism conference. It felt strange because our brewery wasn’t a destination at the time. But we realised we’d become ambassadors for the region simply by sharing its stories.
Now, with a venue of our own, we’re helping to bring people here. Whether they come for a music festival or just our cellar door, anyone visiting for the first time is amazed by this place.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is collaboration. We work with a diverse group of businesses, neighbours, and First Nations groups, and we find such a like-minded attitude towards this region.
We collaborate with people who value East Gippsland, who see its potential for prosperity, opportunity, and pride.
If I had to pick one thing that bonds me to this region, it’s diversity. From the outside, regional communities can be seen in a simplistic way, but for me, it’s the opposite.
East Gippsland is incredibly diverse – in people, in opinions, in aspirations. We live alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds: First Nations people, multi-generational families, newcomers starting fresh lives, and sea- or tree-changers.
There are different beliefs, values, and dreams here, but one of the greatest strengths of this region is how well we embrace this diversity. We live together, respecting our differences while finding common bonds – not just through our appreciation of the natural beauty around us, but also in valuing each other.
If I had a beer right now, I’d raise it to East Gippsland. My message is simple: let’s embrace what we have every single day, because what we have is incredibly valuable.
Award recipients
East Gippsland Citizen of the Year
2025 - Bill Newcomen
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
2025 - Tanner McMillan and Alfie Simpson (joint winners)
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
2025 - Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria Annual Get Together
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.