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East Gippsland Australia Day Award recipients announced at Newlands Arm Community Centre on 21 January 2023

East Gippsland Australia Day Award recipients announced.

By news@gippsland - 24th January 2023 - Back to News

More than 150 people celebrated the outstanding contributions of 19 individuals, who earned 22 nominations, and community events at East Gippsland's annual Australia Day Awards, held at Newlands Arm Community Centre on Saturday, 21 January. Hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council, the shire-wide awards tapped into the Australia Day theme of "We're all part of the story - reflect, respect, celebrate."

Citizen of the Year Simon Hof, Young Citizen of the Year, Tilly Rose Hambling and East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves

Deserving special honour

Held in Newlands Arm for the first time, the awards included a Welcome to Country by well-respected Gunaikurnai community member Kaylene Williamson, a flag unfurling by the Bairnsdale Scouts and Paynesville Sea Scouts, entertainment by East Gippsland Brass, and an Australia Day address from local ambassador, Helen Martin. The Newlands Arm Residents and Ratepayers Association had sausages and bacon-and-egg rolls sizzling throughout the morning and a local coffee van enjoyed a busy time making coffees.

Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves was impressed by the calibre and contributions of the nominees and recipients. "These individuals represent everything great about our region and about being Australian," he said. "Despite different backgrounds, talents and interests, each has contributed to our community."

"They are wonderful role models for our region and very much deserving of this special honour. This was evident in the nominations across the three award categories - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year. The quality of nominations this year was fantastic. Hats off to all finalists and to everyone who took the time to nominate such worthy people and events," Cr Reeves said.

The 2023 Citizen of the Year award went to Sarsfield's Simon Hof

Citizen of the Year

Citizen of the Year, Simon Hof has been helping Sarsfield's recovery from the Black Summer bushfires. As part of the Sarsfield Community Association, Simon has led the committee with enthusiasm and dedication to obtain the best future for Sarsfield. He has been passionate in driving surveys to find out what was important to the wider community as he always advocates the role of the committee is to serve the community.

Simon has inspired many people to step up into leadership positions on the committee. He inspired the rest of the committee to keep fighting when a grant application for a new hall, playground, and community space was denied on a technicality. He kept the committee positive and drove public awareness of the issue - to the point the decision was reversed. Simon has been president of the Sarsfield Community Association for two years and is also president of the Sarsfield CFA.

Tillyrose Hambling is a fundraising dynamo

Young Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year, Tillyrose Hambling is a fundraising dynamo. She is a fundraising leader for her school and has raised funds for multiple foundations throughout her young life. Tillyrose was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age seven. When she was nine, she raised $1500 for charity by cutting off her waist-length hair. The hair was used to make wigs for sick children.

Taking part in STEPtember, Tillyrose and her family raised $3000for a cerebral palsy charity. The MS Readathon has also benefited from Tillyrose's charitable endeavours - with almost $2000 raised over three years.

Tillyrose has been an active member of Girl Guides for seven years and is working towards her Junior BP Badge, which takes its name from Lord Baden-Powell and the guides' motto of Be Prepared. Tillyrose is an exceptional young woman who has stayed positive and supportive of others despite her own challenges.

Bairnsdale National Tree Day event is organised by Bairnsdale Urban Landcare Group

Community Event of the Year

Bairnsdale's National Tree Day event is organised by Bairnsdale Urban Landcare Group. Each year, the group works with the Bairnsdale Scout Group and the community to educate and provide a hands-on opportunity for the public, especially children and youth, to revegetate and maintain the Mitchell River Walking Track.

The event has demonstrated excellence in drawing together a diverse range of people from the community. An annual event over the past decade, its ongoing legacy is the natural environment that has been created as a consequence of the mass-planting events. This, in turn, has created a wonderful outdoor venue for recreation and leisure.

Nominees and awardees

In celebrating all finalists and award recipients, Cr Reeves said volunteers give so much of their time, passion, and dedication to helping others, which is highly valued and does not go unnoticed.

Citizen of the Year

• Citizen of the Year award - Simon Hof

Nominees

• Val Asmus
• Garry Ball
• Ann and Stan Barker
• Amanda Bodinnar
• Trevor Clues
• Marion Dawson
• Tarsha Dixon,
• Ryan Findley
• Tracey Le Maitre
• Rodney O'Connell
• Maureen Webb

Young Citizen

• Young Citizen award - Tillyrose Hambling

Nominees

• Morgan Chester
• Olivia Lay
• Ava Aly-Mehlert

Community Event

• Community event award - Bairnsdale's National Tree Day

Nominees

• Metung Fun Run
• Outer East Gippsland Youth Fest

The presentation of the awards was broadcast live and is available to watch online at council's YouTube channel at Australia Day Awards - 21/1/2023 YouTube video. Council holds the shire-wide awards prior to Australia Day to allow winners and finalists the opportunity to attend celebrations in their own communities on Australia Day, 26 January. Saturday's event was supported by the National Australia Day Council.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
  The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
  Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.