STAFF WRITERS
LATROBE City Council has congratulated recipients of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards.
The awards recognise the selfless acts of Latrobe City locals who make Latrobe City a great place to live, work and play.
Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson said award winners were all outstanding local citizens.
“What a delight it is to celebrate all winners and nominees of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards,” she said.
“Every moment they’ve given has helped make Latrobe City the great place we know it is. Recognising them on this special day inspires me, and I’m sure many others, to give back and support our community.”
Awards for the following categories were announced during a ceremony at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. (Feature stories on the winners will appear in future issues of the Express, along with local OAM recipients).
Community Service of the Year – Willow House Community Support (Paid Forward Program)
WILLOW House Community Support Ltd is a grassroots volunteer-run organisation based in Newborough, dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing hardship.
Community Event of the Year – Traralgon Community Christmas Parade, Market and Grottos
THE parade market and grottos event combines the spectacle of the parade, the fun of the Grottos and the festive stalls of the market to celebrate the joys of Christmas.
The event is a combined effort from various local community groups working together.
Young Citizen of the Year – Emily Sutton
EMILY has been part of the GippSport team for two years and is a member of the Changing Gippsland’s Game network, contributing to the promotion of gender equality in sport and recreation.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Jeffrey Sawyer
JEFFREY is a dedicated and community-focused professional with more than 50 year’s experience across the energy, transport, youth services, and waste management sectors.
Jeffery is well-known for his commitment to volunteering throughout the Latrobe City community.
Citizen of the Year – Blake Bourne
LAST year, Blake became the youngest person to run 380 kilometres across the Simpson Desert, to advocate for mental health awareness.
He raised more than $30,000 for mental health charity Speak and Share.
