STAFF WRITERS
OUTSTANDING citizens, community events and services were acknowledged and celebrated at the 2024 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards ceremony on January 26.
Long-standing volunteers of the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run campaign, Alf and Stella Vella, were awarded the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award.
As avid motorcycle enthusiasts, Alf and Stella initiated the Toy Run 23 years ago, evolving into a major annual event.
Along with other participating motorcycle groups and a host of volunteers, the husband-and-wife duo passionately gather toy donations to support the less fortunate before Christmas.
Their efforts generate substantial donations that benefit numerous families and children.
The Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run also took out the 2024 Community Event of the Year Award.
Knitted Knockers Australia, Traralgon Branch, a community group dedicated to hand-knitting prosthesis for women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, received the 2024 Community Service of the Year Award.
The group have distributed 63 hospital packs of hand-knitted prosthesis to women in need since opening in August 2022.
Harlequin Goodes, an outspoken and passionate advocate for youth equality, received the 2024 Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Through Gippsland Youth Spaces, Harlequin advocates for youth equality, access and equity.
She was also recognised for addressing crucial matters for regional youth, especially for new energy in Latrobe City.
John O’Bryan, an integral member of the Morwell Fire Brigade, received the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year Award for his dedication to the CFA spanning over 55 years.
John, who has held numerous leadership positions in the brigade, received the Emergency Services Award for his response during the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
He was recognised for showing this dedication through mentoring junior members and attending regular brigade meetings.
Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe congratulated the award winners and nominees.
“All nominees should be proud of their achievements,” the Mayor said.
“They have all selflessly sought to make Latrobe City a great place to work, live and visit.”
The Mayor also touched upon the importance of volunteering.
“We know that through volunteering and other acts of service, we can help foster a greater sense of belonging,” he said.
“Council encourages community members from all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to volunteer.”
The Deputy Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Tracie Lund, congratulated the Australia Day award winners and nominees.
“Your dedication, tireless efforts and commitment to making our community a better place are truly commendable,” the Deputy Mayor said.
“Your contributions serve as a shining example of the spirit of unity and service that defines our great nation. Thank you for your outstanding work, and may you continue to inspire us all with your passion and commitment to Latrobe City.”
Community Service of the Year Nominees:
- Cameron Bowman: An exemplary member of the CFA, dedicating seven years of his time to service in Churchill and Morwell;
- Gippsland Groovers Club: A non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, by hosting a monthly dance that provides a safe and joyful space;
- Gippsland People’s Council: A dedicated group of approximately 350 volunteers that serves communities across Gippsland;
- Knitted Knockers Australia, Traralgon Branch: Winner, and;
- Yallourn North Fire Brigade: Dedicating countless volunteer hours to enhance the safety of residents, their efforts centre around promotion, planning and installation of smoke alarms in more than 70 homes within the community.
Community Event of the Year Nominees:
- Gippsland’s Great Global Greyhound Walk and Adoption Day: The event featured a three-kilometre walk along the Traralgon Creek path, to raise awareness for Greyhound adoption;
- Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run: Winner;
- Moe Earth Market: An all-inclusive event run by the Latrobe Valley Beekeepers Association, aiming to educate the community on sustainability;
- Tyers Art Festival: Provided the Latrobe City community with an impressive cultural event, and;
- The United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley Eid Festival: Celebrated a belated Eid festival, emphasising culture and inclusivity.
Young Citizen of the Year:
- Elly Brown: A youth representative in Latrobe City, consistently advocating for the wellbeing of youth in the region;
- Tommy Campbell and Kayla Dukes: The pair represent the non-mainstream sport of Bocce at an international level;
- Levi Dalziel: A youth representative in Latrobe City, a postive role model to local youth, inspiring others to be actively engaged to make a difference in the community;
- Harlequin Goodes: Winner;
- Lincoln Ingravalle: Shows execptional dedication to youth spaces across the region, leaving an unforgettable impact on the community, and;
- Trey Merlo: An active member of Gippsland Youth Spaces, and consistently demonstrates a reliable committment to improving the lives of young people in the region.
Senior Citizen of the Year:
- Ian Ipsen: At 85-years-old, he holds a remarkable legacy in his community, as a former SEC member and Army reserve engineer;
- John O’Bryan: Winner;
- Vicky Osborn: A passionate advocate always ready to lend a helping hand, dedicating decades on volunteering for various organisations, and;
- Peter Quinn: An integral member of the Morwell Fire Brigade for 45 years, joining in 1978, and going on to hold many roles.
Citizen of the Year:
- Daniel Chessells: After exploring various continents in search of the best tasting coffee, Daniel recognised the region’s execptional local produce and established his own coffee haven, Danbo’s;
- Susan Graham: Known for her exemplary volunteer work, dedicating countless hours to various community organisations and initiatives, working to promote positive change;
- John Harris: A beloved figure in Yinnar, having been a stalwart for many years, initially as a teacher in Yallourn, John moved to Yinnar after working at the international student area at the former Monash University in Churchill, and;
- Alf and Stella Vella: Winners
