Our friendly staff look forward to assisting with your enquiry.
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 2026
Over 200 people gathered on Wednesday, 21 January to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, set against the stunning backdrop of dusk over our waterways at the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club where locals from across the region came together to celebrate some of East Gippsland’s most dedicated volunteers and community events, enjoying an evening that showcased both our incredible region and the people who make it special.
The community event recognised the incredible contributions of local volunteers through awards in three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year, with 23 nominations received.
The event was full of community spirit, featuring acoustic music by Warrick Munday, a touching Welcome to Country delivered by Kaylene Williamson, flag procession by the local Lakes Entrance Girl Guides and a barbecue dinner cooked by the volunteers of the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club.
Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Patrick Kinsella, provided a thoughtful keynote address about the power of volunteerism and the strengths of East Gippsland communities.
Patrick has served the Lakes Entrance community for more than 40 years as a highly respected GP and mentor, and has contributed widely across local media, sport and the arts.
‘The common thread of all these activities is the word community. So, what does community really mean to me? Well for me it's about neighbours who look out for each other, who turn up to help often without being asked. Think of the CFA and all those who volunteer with them, the recent bushfires serve as a reminder of how important these volunteers are. Not just the firefighters but all the support staff too. Think of all the people who do other voluntary work in our community.’ Dr Kinsella said.
Mayor Jodie Ashworth praised the outstanding calibre of this year’s nominees:
"They include volunteers, carers, coaches, event organisers, advocates, and quiet achievers.
The ones who show up early, stay late, say yes when others hesitate, and give more than they ever expect in return.
“Their impact is felt in every town, club, school, and neighbourhood across East Gippsland.
“These are the everyday heroes who make a real difference, and we’re grateful for their dedication.”
2026 award recipients
Citizen of the Year – Tracey Ah Sam
Omeo’s Tracey Ah Sam has devoted more than 30 years to strengthening her community, quietly shaping the town through tireless volunteer work, leadership, and advocacy.
Tracey’s dedication is perhaps most visible in her work transforming the Omeo Recreation Reserve into a thriving community hub. Through her vision, grant writing expertise, and hands-on coordination with Council and contractors, the reserve now supports sport, recreation, emergency services, and community connection.
Beyond facilities, Tracey has led and supported countless local organisations, including the Football and Netball Club, Tennis Club, Omeo Alpine Shears, the Omeo Medical Centre, and the Omeo Region Business and Tourism Association. From running major events to managing finances and administration, her professionalism and enthusiasm benefit everyone around her.
Tracey’s work has left a lasting mark on Omeo – from the beloved Omeo Alpine Shears to the successful operation of the Omeo Relief Centre and ongoing community fundraising efforts. Her leadership is driven not by recognition, but by a genuine commitment to making life better for others.
Young Citizens of the Year – Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman
Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman are two remarkable young people making a real difference in their community.
Banjo Jackson represents the very best of youth leadership. As Chair of the East Gippsland Shire Council Youth Ambassadors and College Captain at Nagle College, he has worked tirelessly to ensure young people are heard, valued, and included. From organising community events to speaking on issues such as youth homelessness and access to opportunities, Banjo leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose. He also inspires others through volunteering, sport, and mentoring, showing that leadership is about action as much as words.
Chelsea Wellman has shown extraordinary courage and commitment to service. Following the tragic loss of her brother, Chelsea turned her grief into advocacy, raising awareness about road safety across the region and beyond. Through speaking engagements, fundraising, and community work, she has educated and inspired others to make safer choices. Chelsea’s quiet strength, empathy, and determination have created lasting positive change, showing how personal courage can transform an entire community.
Together, Banjo and Chelsea demonstrate the power of youth leadership, resilience, and generosity of spirit. Their dedication and impact reflect the very best of East Gippsland, and we are proud to recognise them for their remarkable contributions.
Special Recognition Award for the Community Event of the Year – East Gippsland Winter Festival
The inaugural Special Recognition Award goes to the East Gippsland Winter Festival for its outstanding contribution to community life across East Gippsland. Year after year, the festival delivers high-quality, inclusive events that bring communities together, celebrate local culture, and create experiences that residents and visitors alike look forward to and cherish.
Previously a recipient of the Community Event of the Year Award, the Winter Festival continues to showcase the best of East Gippsland through creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. This Special Recognition Award celebrates the festival’s ongoing role in connecting people, inspiring participation, and highlighting the richness of our region’s culture and traditions.
Community Event of the Year – Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland
The Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland is a volunteer-driven initiative making a real difference to families affected by breast cancer. Through thoughtful support – from grocery, fuel, and meal vouchers to wigs, mastectomy bras, and beauty treatments, the group helps patients and their families find small moments of comfort during challenging times.
Guided by the local McGrath Breast Care Nurse at BRHS, all support is delivered confidentially and where it’s needed most. Recent fundraisers, including the 50 Shades of Pink Party and a High Tea at Rivendell Farm Estate, raised $25,000, all spent locally to support East Gippsland businesses and families.
What sets this group apart is their dedication, generosity, and inclusive spirit. Every volunteer contributes time, energy, and care, ensuring the community feels seen, supported, and valued – truly embodying the power of locals supporting locals.
East Gippsland Shire Council hosts the Australia Day Awards ahead of 26 January to allow award recipients and nominees to participate in local celebrations. The awards are held by Council and aim to foster a connected and vibrant East Gippsland, where outstanding people, clubs, and communities are valued.
2026 AWARD NOMINEES
Citizen of the Year
Tracey Ah Sam
Trudy Anderson
Stephen Crellin
Mark Goddard
Graham Hall
Danielle Morris
Christopher Parker
Garry Proudlock
Shane Rees
Rachel Wagstaff
Young Citizen of the Year
Chelsea Wellman
Banjo Jackson
Sylvia Connley
Lindsay Hamilton
Community Event of the Year
Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland
East Gippsland Winter Festival
Emergency Services Open Day – Omeo region
Relax by the River
The Paynesville Festival of Music
Harmony Scholars Community Choir
Rotary Junior Community Award
Nagle College Tree Planting Day
There are currently no plans to display.
Please check back soon.
2026 Australia Day Awards speech by ambassador Dr Patrick Kinsella.
For me, today is about asking our whole community to come together to celebrate what it is to be Australian.
Like many of you, I’m an immigrant to Australia. I’m originally from Ireland, and I came here in 1976 after qualifying as a doctor. In those days, representatives from Australia travelled to Ireland offering flights and jobs to new graduates. Many of us took up that offer, planning to stay a few years for an adventure and then return home.
I started out in Brisbane and, after a year, was sent to rural Queensland. It was a real baptism of fire - less than two years qualified and the only doctor looking after towns and hospitals in Central Queensland. I survived, it made me a better doctor, and it showed me that rural medicine, especially general practice, was far more interesting than city work.
I gradually worked my way south - probably because the climate suited me better. In Melbourne I was lucky enough to meet my beautiful wife, Wendy. While we enjoyed city life, we both wanted to leave it. That was no surprise for Wendy, who came from farming life in the Upper Murray, and eventually not a surprise for me either, even though I’d always been a city boy.
So why did we choose Lakes? I don’t need to sell it to you, but for us it had incredible natural attractions and it was by the sea. I’d grown up on the coast in Ireland, so that felt right. The job was based in a Community Health Centre, which suited my idea of general practice - looking after a whole community, with many services under one roof.
Not long after we moved here, Wendy went house hunting and found the small farm where we still live. The day I saw it, it was pouring with rain and reminded me of Ireland - so I was sold.
As time went on, I developed special interests. Teaching and learning became a major one, and another was my weekly visits to Lake Tyers Trust after my mentor, Dr EB, retired. In later years I alternated visits with my colleague Dr Kath Connor. I look back very fondly on those years, the people I met, and everything I learned about Aboriginal culture.
When we first moved from the city, I noticed there wasn’t a lot of organised entertainment—but what I did find was people with similar interests. Community radio was one of those. With some new friends, we pushed for a licence, ran test transmissions, and eventually launched REG, which is still going today. One memorable fundraiser was the REG Money Marathon, where a papier-mâché REG moved up the road as funds came in. When REG was “kidnapped” between Lakes and Bairnsdale, it made the front page of the Bairnsdale Advertiser - and we never did find the kidnappers.
Wendy and I also started the Lakes Junior Soccer Club at St Brendan’s, believing soccer would be a great addition to local sport. Some of you may remember the Shanley Cup, which ran for many years and drew teams from across Gippsland. I was also a founding member of the Nowa Nowa Men’s Choir, which is still singing today. I later realised it’s really a form of Men’s Shed—a place where men can connect, talk, and support one another.
The common thread in all of this is community. For me, community means neighbours who look out for each other and turn up to help, often without being asked. Think of the CFA and all their volunteers, especially during recent bushfires—not just the firefighters, but the support crews as well. Think of people like Helen Gottshalk, who recently retired from Meals on Wheels after 50 years of voluntary service. Later today, when the Australia Day Award winners are announced, you’ll see that same spirit of volunteering reflected.
Wendy and I raised and educated our three children locally—although the truth is Wendy mostly raised them, while I was at work, and she also ran a farm. Our community helped raise our children too, through swimming, tennis, footy, cricket, and surf lifesaving. One of our children was inspired by a mentor at the SLSC, Murray Colvin, to become a paramedic. Our other two followed medical careers, and Wendy and I are delighted they are now rural GPs.
After more than 40 years of practice at Gippsland Lakes Complete Community Health, I realise how lucky we’ve been to live here - able to visit and holiday in places like Mallacoota, Shipwreck Creek, the Thurra River, Cape Conran, Buchan, the Snowy River area, and Mitchell River National Park. These incredible places are in our backyard. I truly believe East Gippsland is Australia’s hidden jewel.
So, in closing, I’d like to thank the shire for giving me the opportunity to say a few words today, and for allowing us all to celebrate what a wonderful place this is to live and raise our families.
Award recipients
East Gippsland Citizen of the Year
2026 - Tracey Ah Sam
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
2026 - Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman (joint winners)
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
2026 -Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland
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
Special Recognition Award - Community Event of the Year
2026 - East Gippsland Winter Festival
2026 Australia Day community events
Bairnsdale
Where: Rotunda, Main Street
When: 26 January, 7.00 am onwards
Highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Flag raising and national anthem
- Guest speakers and East Gippsland Brass
- Award presentations for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year
Organiser: Bairnsdale Classic Car Club
Contact: Peter Petrovich - bairnsdaleclassiccarclub@gmail.com or 0438 568 707
Lindenow
Where: Lindenow Public Hall
When: 26 January, 7.30 am – 10.00 am
Highlights:
- 7.30 am - 8.45 am: Free breakfast
- 9.00 am: Official ceremony and address
Organiser: Lions Club of Lindenow
Contact: Robert Treasure - r.ktreas@bigpond.net.au or 0438 002 210
Omeo
Where: Courthouse Gardens, Day Avenue
When: 26 January, 8.30 am – 11.00 am
Highlights:
- 8.30 am: Breakfast
- 9.15 am: National anthem and flag raising
- 9.30 am: Council address, awards, poetry, music and games
Organiser: Omeo Shire Lions Club
Contact: Maureen Webb - mwebb03@bigpond.com or 0429 618 610
Orbost
Where: Forest Park
When: 26 January, 7.30 am onwards
Highlights:
- 7.30 am: Breakfast, games, music
- 9.00 am: Flag raising, speeches and awards presentation
Organiser: Rotary Club of Orbost
Contact: Peter Van DenOever - vander.peter@gmail.com or 0400 128 483 and Judy Van Der Vlugt - mytuppance@gmail.com
Paynesville
Where: Community Craft Centre, 7 Sunset Drive
When: 26 January, 7.30 am – 10.00 am
Highlights:
- 7.30 am: Breakfast
- 9.00 am: Welcome, flag raising, awards presentation
Organiser: Paynesville Sea Scouts
Contact: Ken Bodinnar- seascouts3880@gmail.com or 0477 769270
Swan Reach
Where: Swan Reach Recreational Reserve, Duffy Street
When: 26 January, 10.00 am start
Highlights:
- Free community brunch - egg and bacon rolls
- Live music by Acoustrix
Organiser: Twin Rivers Lions Club
Contact: Peter Payne -pjpayne2021@gmail.com or 0478 169935
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.