By TOM HAYES and LIAM DURKIN
Latrobe City Australia Day Awards
OUTSTANDING people in the community, as well as events and services were celebrated during the 2025 Latrobe City Australia Day awards ceremony at GPAC.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Barry Whitehead, who announced it would be his 25th consecutive and final time he’d be behind the podium at the Latrobe City Australia Day awards.
The formalities began with addresses from Latrobe City Council Mayor, Dale Harriman, Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.
All three spoke on the importance of Australia Day by acknowledging those who had made contributions to the community over the past year.
STARTING awards proceedings was the 2025 Community Service of the Year Award, with had nine nominations.
In line for the award included: Give a Damn, Give a Can; Latrobe Theatre Company Inc – Celebrating 60 years; Latrobe Youth Space; Make Moe Glow; Maltese Community Centre Latrobe Valley Maltese Museum; Moartz Inc; Paid Forward Pty Ltd; Rotary Club of Moe – serving the community for 75 years, and; The Wear House at Latrobe Regional Health.
Mayor Harriman announced that the winner was the Rotary Club of Moe.
Founded in April 1949, the club has made impacts throughout the community through fundraising, community projects, and young leadership initiatives, while maintaining a prominent presence in the community.
Recently, the club raised more than $100,000 for various initiatives, including making a contribution to the Botanic Gardens and the Rotary Golf Day fundraiser.
“In accepting the award, I acknowledge the 321 Moe Rotarians who have served our community over those 75 years since 1949,” Moe Rotarian, Roger Taylor said.
“The club’s 75-year celebration focused on community service, international service, and our youth and vocation service. These are the threads that hold our members together, as we work for a common goal.”
NEXT up was the 2025 Community Event of the Year Award, including seven nominations from the community.
Those nominees were: the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International; Australian Club Championship Inline Hockey Tournament; Boolarra Community Development Group, in partnership with the Community Supporting Dolly’s Dream; Conference of the Birds – The Valley of the Quest; International Women’s Group Inc – Harmony Day Event; Knitted Knockers Australia Traralgon Branch – An Afternoon with Elvis and Friends, and; Old Gippstown 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Mayor Harriman announced that the 2025 Community Event of the Year was the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International.
The AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International held its 32nd event in early January this year, providing a platform for young tennis stars to compete on an international stage.
The tournament brings a significant economical boost, contributing $2.4 million to the region in 2024, and over $2.5 million in 2025. The event is made possible with the help of more than 100 volunteers, who assists with catering, transport, and maintenance.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to accept this award on behalf of the Traralgon Tennis Association,” Traralgon Tennis Association President, Cameron Herbert said.
“I’d like to express our enormous gratitude in being recognised.
“Seeing the nominees in other areas, it’s just humbling to see how much good is done in this community by volunteers.
“Please know that this tier of event, in international tennis, everywhere else in the world is almost always held in a capital city. We are truly privileged to have this event here in Traralgon, and we are so grateful for the backing shown by this wonderful community.”
THE 2025 Young Citizen of the Year was a two-horse race between Claire Lindsay and Kirra Hanson, both with many notable contributions to the region.
Taking out the award, announced by Mayor Harriman – who said it was the award that gives him the “greatest pleasure” to announce, was Claire Lindsay.
Claire is a key figure in the Blue Light program, which builds positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement. Her leadership also shines throughout the Community Leading Project, driving meaningful change by addressing local issues.
She has also served as Mayor of the Latrobe City Youth Council, representing the voices of young Latrobe City citizens.
“I’m deeply honoured to stand here as a nominee for Young Citizen of the Year, and to have gotten this award is amazing,” Claire said.
“To be considered among such inspiring individuals is humbling and motivates me to continue working to make a positive impact.
“To the community that raised me, thank you for giving me the space to grow, the platform to serve, and the inspiration to dream bigger. Whether it’s through volunteering, project management, leadership opportunities, and more.”
THE penultimate award to be announced was the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year.
The nominees were: Beverly (Bev) Maguire, Catherine (Kay) Agatha Radford, Delia D’Amico, Domenico (Dom) Manzo, Gilio Barbara, Glenys Webster, Ron Wall, and Virginia Swan.
Mayor Harriman announced the winner to be Delia D’Amico. Ms D’Amico has been an active member of the International Women’s Group since 2008, contributing as a dance choreographer and founder.
At 72-years-old, Ms D’Amico remains a fit, active, true leader in the community, serving in many positions in various groups across the region.
“I am grateful to the organisers and judges to recognise my achievements, efforts, and contributions,” Ms D’Amico said.
“This award is not just a recognition, but also a testament to the hard work of everyone who encouraged us throughout this journey.
“I am proud to be part of this community and am looking forward to continue contributing to its growth and success.”
FINALLY, it was time for the 2025 Citizen of the Year award, where five locals were nominated.
In the running was: David McInnes, Mathias Wood, Matthew Beatson, Nicole White, and Peter Harrison.
Announced by Mayor Harriman, the winner of the 2025 Citizen of the Year was presented to Mathias Wood.
Mr Wood has made a strong commitment to both the energy and community health sectors in the region. He volunteers within the local community and has participated on community advisory groups.
He has challenged himself to have an input in the future of Latrobe City, in hopes of making it a better place for his daughter.
“When you go out to do these things, it’s not an expectation or desire to get this type of recognition. I would’ve have done it without my family and friends’ support, as well as the various groups I’m involved in,” Mr Wood said in an announcement with Mayor Harriman before the ceremony.
Mr Wood wasn’t in attendance to accept his award, as he was in the US at the time attending the presidential inauguration.
Moe Citizen of the Year
FOR someone who freely admitted to talking a lot, being named Moe’s 2025 Citizen of the Year was nearly enough to leave Dawn Cowley speechless.
Ms Cowley was awarded the Lions Club of Moe honour at the town’s Australia Day celebration last Sunday, recognising more than 40 years of dedicated service to the community.
Ms Cowley has mainly worked with the Mid Gippsland Family History Society.
A founding member of the society in 1980, Ms Cowley has helped countless people trace and track their ancestry.
“Some may say it’s more than an interest, it’s an obsession,” she said of genealogy.
“But it’s a long-time interest and love of mine. It’s taken a long, long time but we’re still here after 40 odd years, which is not bad for a small organisation.”
The society has faced a nomadic existence for much of its life, but somewhat fittingly, Ms Cowley was able to use her Australia Day address at Old Gippstown to announce the group was soon to open a new venue in Albert Street.
“And you are all welcome to come along,” she said.
It has been this generosity that has seen Ms Cowley contribute greatly to the Moe/Newborough area.
As well as her work with local history, she has served on school councils, with Moe Life Skills, Relay for Life, volunteered at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, and been at the forefront of numerous local fundraising events.
Ms Cowley has also written two historical publications: One Hundred Years of Yallourn North State School, and an index of extra birth, death and marriage certificates.
Through these works, her legacy is sure to live on for generations.
“Moe, Newborough and surrounds are all the better for having members within the community like Dawn,” Moe Lion, John Kerr said upon making the presentation.
Ms Cowley wished to thank her family for their support, who were on hand to congratulate her.
“Thank you all for this incredible and unexpected honour, it reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact in my field,” she said.
“This award is a tremendous honour, I’m deeply appreciative of the recognition, thank you for considering me worthy of such a prestigious accolade.
“I’ve lived in this area the whole of my life, married and raised our family here, and this is my home, as part of the community I’ve worked with wonderful people along the way, all playing a part for the betterment of our community and making lasting friendships along the way.”
Australia Day Honours
LOCAL emergency service workers were recognised in the Australia Day honours.
Moe’s Edward Wright, Yallourn North’s Mark King and Traralgon’s Jonathon Wood accepted honours.
MR WRIGHT was awarded an Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service.
Starting with Ambulance Victoria (AV) in 1990, Mr Wright has served in various roles including as a paramedic, Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic, group manager, and regional support manager.
A proud Gunaikurnai man, he has been the regional support manager for Gippsland for the past 15 years, overseeing financial operations, emergency management, and community engagement, while also promoting his Indigenous heritage and supporting reconciliation efforts.
He frequently speaks at community events, sharing his extensive experience in the military, Country Fire Authority, and Ambulance Victoria.
During the 2024 National Reconciliation Week, he advocated for improved identification of First Nations patients in health settings.
He has been a key figure in significant Gippsland emergencies, including the 2003 and 2006 fires in Omeo, and served as the health commander during the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. His role in evacuating Neerim Hospital was highlighted by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and he was an AV representative appearing before the commission. He also played a crucial role in post-fire recovery efforts.
During the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire, he addressed health risks related to firefighter rest and meal arrangements, leading to procedural improvements.
In the 2019/20 bushfires, he supported isolated communities and managed a challenging medical emergency in a remote area, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the needs of isolated communities. He also provided vital relief as a health commander in the Barwon Southwest area during the Wye River fires in late 2015 and early 2016.
MR KING was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.
Mr King’s journey with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) commenced in November 1992, and his steadfast dedication to both his community and the organisation was evident as early as July 1993 when he assumed the role of brigade communications officer.
Over his impressive 30 years of service, Mr King has donned various hats within the CFA, including firefighter, strike team leader for deployments both interstate and state-wide, sector commander, divisional commander, deputy operations officer, health team leader, and is currently a community liaison officer.
His commitment has taken him to campaign fires in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, leaving a significant impact in each location. Mr King’s expertise extends to fire investigation, with qualifications in wildfire, structural, and vehicle fire investigation since 2004. He has conducted investigations across districts 9, 10, 11, and 27, bringing invaluable insights to the table.
Within the CFA, Mr King has made an indelible mark, especially in training, community safety, firefighting, and firefighter health, safety, and wellbeing. Notably, he played a pivotal role in introducing the South East Region’s first Health Monitoring and Rehabilitation Unit, advocating passionately for the benefits of such initiatives. As a result, two more rehabilitation units now serve the South East Region of Victoria, significantly reducing heat-related incidents and hospital treatment claims among firefighters. These units also extend their support to partner agencies like the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Fire Rescue Victoria, and Victoria Police.
Mr King’s dedication extends to being a volunteer trainer and assessor, equipping many volunteers with essential qualifications, including breathing apparatus, tanker licenses, and general firefighter skills.
MR WOOD was also awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.
Mr Wood has provided 35 years of dedicated service to fire response on the fireground, in incident management teams and aviation roles. Mr Wood is currently accredited as a Level 2 incident controller, Level 2 operations officer and has led many taskforces and many incident management teams through some difficult and challenging deployments, with the safety of firefighters his first and foremost priority. He has attended all major fires in Gippsland during his career and has proudly represented Victoria on deployments to New South Wales and Queensland.
Mr Wood has been a dedicated trainer and assessor for 20 years in operational Australian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) roles, and also provides significant time and resources to others providing coaching and mentoring in these roles.
NB: The Express wishes to congratulate Mr Wright, Mr King and Mr Wood on their honours. It is the intent of this publication to feature stories on each individual in coming weeks.
