Celebrating Latrobe City’s ‘”unsung heroes” and welcoming its newest citizens was the order of the day at Thursday’s Australia Day ceremony.
At Latrobe City’s annual function, held at Morwell’s Kernot Hall, Glengarry’s Trevor Ewert and Traralgon’s Emily Beecroft were named citizen and young citizen of the year, respectively.
Trevor, a baker by trade, was recognised for his Good Friday Appeal fundraising efforts, while Emily was commemorated for her achievements in swimming at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Community event of the year went to the Latrobe Valley Community Choir’s Street Requiem, a memorial concert for those who have died on the streets.
Also recognised with the community service of the year award was the International Women’s Group, featuring 140 members from 24 different cultural backgrounds, for its 20th anniversary.
Latrobe City mayor Kellie O’Callaghan congratulated the winners and all who were nominated.
“This year the quality of nominations was heartfelt, testament not just to the fact that Latrobe City has many community-focused individuals and groups, but also to the fact that people are now more willing to recognise those individuals and groups,” Cr O’Callaghan said.
“We have many unsung heroes in our midst, but being able to celebrate them is a special privilege.”
Australia Day also marked the annual citizenship ceremony, with Latrobe City welcoming nine new citizens.
