By TOM HAYES

 

LONGSTANDING contributor to the region and popular emcee Barry Whitehead took to the podium for the 25th and final time for the 2025 Latrobe City Australia Day awards ceremony.

The Express spoke to Mr Whitehead ahead of his final service.

Once Mr Whitehead was approached to emcee a local function in his early days, there was no turning back as the offers continued to roll through the door.

“It started from my theatre days, I had a lot to do with local theatre companies, musicals, and plays, and I got approached to emcee a local function,” he said.

“Once you start doing it and people get to know you, then they start knocking on the door.”

What might’ve made Mr Whitehead more attractive was the fact that he never charged, always considering it to be a part of his community service.

Over the years he has stood behind the podium at a number of events, including weddings, family events and football-netball club reunions.

“I’m not a great actor, or singer, but I can get up there and yap away,” he laughed.

In terms of the Latrobe City Australia Day awards, Mr Whitehead has always found it a pleasure to be up there on such a special day.

“It is a significant day for the community, and I’ve always said how special it is that we’re acknowledging people in the community who are contributors and do great things,” he said.

“I’m also in the bandwagon of Australia Day is the 26th of January and we should celebrate all the good things about being Australian, and this is one of those opportunities to do that.”

Looking ahead to next year, where he won’t be up on stage, Mr Whitehead believes he’ll be “itching” to get back with a microphone in hand.

“I’m sure this time next year I’ll be a bit itchy, and I’ll be champing at the bit,” he said.

“I’m a milestones man and 25 is a nice round number, and I’m at that stage in life where I’m slowing up with things I get involved in. I will miss it, but I won’t be devastated.”

Mr Whitehead especially mentioned his wife, Di for her support and one the quiet achievers behind the scenes.

“I’m grateful of Latrobe City to have the confidence in me all this time to do the role… but I’d particularly like to mention Wendy Hrynyszyn who is the lead organiser for this event… she does the running sheet that I use on the day, and I’ve always said behind every good emcee is a good running sheet,” he said.

As far as Mr Whitehead’s portfolio is concerned, he is beginning to slow up on his commitments, announcing he will be stepping back from the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

However, he pledged that he would remain a part of the Big Bloke’s BBQ, which fundraises for prostate cancer.

“I’ll certainly continue my efforts there,” he said.

Mr Whitehead spoke on the sense of feeling he gets from volunteering, and how more people should get involved.

“There are a lot of good people in the community who give a little bit along the way, it gives you a good feeling personally, but also, it’s good to know you’re doing something positive in our community,” he said.

“There should be a lot more of it, there’s too much negativity in our community at the moment.

“I’m delighted to have had this job for 25 years. I will miss it, but I won’t be devastated, and I look forward to next year to see who pops up behind the podium.”

Following proceedings of Mr Whitehead’s 25th and final Latrobe City Australia Day awards, Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman called him back up to the podium during his final remarks.

“Barry has been instrumental in bringing the community together and making this an enjoyable event,” Mayor Harriman said.

“He does so much for the community, it’s not just here, Barry does so much work across the whole community.”

Mr Whitehead was presented with a certificate for 25 years of service along with some other tokens of appreciation from Latrobe City Council.