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Citizen of the Year award an honourThe 2017 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards acknowledge those who make a positive contribution to our community and nominations for Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year are now open.
By Portal Admin - 15th November 2016 - Back to News Nominating someone who goes above and beyond for our community can be a great way to help them see how thankful we all are for their contribution.
The 2016 Citizen of the Year joint winner, Tricia Hogan, said she was blown away when she was nominated for the award.
"I had a really emotional reaction and I burst into tears. It was lovely and very touching that someone had noticed the work that we had had been doing with the local kids.
The award was made even sweeter because we were nominated by Max Wells, Surfing Victoria’s CEO. Max has been remarkable and a great mentor to us both," Ms Hogan said.
"I was happy with just being nominated and so when we won, I was totally surprised, shocked, and thrilled.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would win.
"It is such an honour and this award was made even better because it was shared with my equally hard working, passionate and driven mate, Allison O'Halloran.
"For the last four years we have worked extremely hard to keep this longstanding local club 'buoyant'."
Ms Hogan thanked the Citizen of the Year Award Committee for their decision, which she said was a clear indication that they feel that the future of our area is in the young people.
"Our kids need to be guided, cherished and given opportunity.
"The award indicated to me that the Council had a focus and understood about the importance of healthy stimulated kids," Ms Hogan said.
"This accolade has certainly put the spotlight on our near defunct club. The Bass Coast Boardriders Club is now vibrant and flourishing.
"Our young members are shining examples of the benefits of health, fitness and friendship.
"The award has spurned me on, and given me the confidence to continue building and educating the kids in our club.
"Sporting clubs benefit children and sometimes, in many cases, they are their saviour."
Ms Hogan encourages all community members to nominate a hard working unassuming 'local' for the 2017 awards.
"We have so many wonderful community minded and worthy recipients within our Shire," Ms Hogan said.
"Bass Coast is full of lots of wonderful souls that are going 'above and beyond' to help others. I hope that the Committee is inundated with nominations this year."
Nominees for Citizen of the Year must be aged 25 years or over on 26 January 2017 and for Young Citizen of the Year must be aged 16-24 years on 26 January 2017.
Nominations must be for individuals, as those for multiple people will not be considered.
Nominations close on Friday, 9 December 2016 and the finalists and winners will be announced in the lead up to Australia Day in January 2017.
If you would like to nominate a local hero, you can download more information and the nomination forms online at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/2017awards, or have a printed version posted to you by contacting Linda Ryan at l.ryan@basscoast.vic.gov.au, or (03) 5671 2747.
The 2016 Citizen of the Year joint winner, Tricia Hogan (far left), pictured with joint winner, Allison O’Halloran, and Australia Day Ambassador, Elizabeth Chong, encourages the community to nominate worthy locals for the 2017 award.
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Live4Life Baw Baw celebrated its 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising their leadership, teamwork, and mental health initiatives, while marking key milestones and community achievements throughout the year. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination. - Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - East Gippsland unites for 16 Days of Activism, raising awareness and preventing gender-based violence across the community
East Gippsland joins the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, promoting respect, raising awareness of gender-based violence, and hosting community events to foster safety, connection, and inclusion. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Shirley Boulton celebrates 95th birthday with scenic trishaw ride, thanks to Cycling Without Age Gippsland
Shirley Boulton celebrated her 95th birthday with a joyful trishaw ride at Lake Guthridge, supported by Cycling Without Age Gippsland volunteers, connecting older residents to community experiences. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch. - Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future. - Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment. - Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events. - Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications. - Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region. - Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region. - Tim Bull urges community action to prevent gender-based violence during global sixteen-day activism campaign
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces. - Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality.
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