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Latrobe City’s Australia Day awards presentedCitizens, young citizens, community groups and a number of vibrant events which took place in Latrobe City during 2010 By Latrobe City - 27th January 2011 - Back to News Citizens, young citizens, community groups and a number of vibrant events which took place in Latrobe City during 2010, were recognised at Australia Day celebrations held at Kernot Hall on Wednesday 26 January.
Latrobe City mayor, Cr Darrell White, presented the awards following the annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony to recognise a number of Latrobe City residents who became Australian citizens.
Ulrich ‘Ollie’ Dobratz was announced as Latrobe’s 2011 Australia Day ‘Citizen of the Year’.
Cr White said that Ollie has worked tirelessly to preserve local history since arriving in the Latrobe Valley from Germany as a young man.
"He was a founding member of the Moe Folk Museum, now ‘Old Gippstown’ and became curator there in 1969. Today, he is responsible for mentoring young people in restoring the many irreplaceable artefacts held at the museum.
"Ollie has had a special connection to Walhalla for many years, where he has restored and renovated many of the historic buildings in the town. He has been president of the Walhalla Heritage and Development League, museum curator and even a mine guide," Cr White said.
"Without Ollie’s dedication, the preservation of the heritage and history of this community, whether it be through buildings, museums, records or artefacts, would be significantly diminished. He has worked quietly, selflessly and with much community spirit to ensure future generations will be in touch with the past," Cr White said.
Latrobe City’s ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ was announced as Miss Olivia Blackwood, who was described as a generous, selfless and giving person, worthy of recognition.
"At the age of 15, Olivia began working with children with a disability, through Interchange. Once a month, Olivia would take the children on an outing and every three months, she would attend their overnight camp.
"Her work since has expanded to include completion of a certificate of competence, achieving Auslan level one to further assist people with a disability, and attending camps organised by Very Special Kids to work with families of terminally-ill children.
"Olivia’s work shows an outstanding level of maturity, generosity and selflessness and she sets a remarkable example for other young people in our community," Cr White explained.
The 100 Years of Steam event in Moe won the ‘Community of Event of the Year’ award.
Cr White said that over 250 visitors from Melbourne came to Moe for the event with a total of 1200 people attending and 33 community groups taking part.
"This unique event worked so well to showcase a marvellous tourism opportunity and to highlight how well local community groups and businesses can work together. Congratulations must go to Make Moe Glow, Old Gippstown, the historical societies and the wider community for making this event such a success," Cr White said.
The ‘Community Service of the Year’ award was awarded to the Rotary Club of Morwell.
Rotary’s ethos of ‘Service Above Self’ is what the many men and women of the Rotary Club of Morwell strive for. Through various activities, Rotary promotes leadership, motivation and social skills development.
"Members of Rotary give freely of their time to fundraise for projects such as the Gippsland Rotary Centenary House. They are also involved in the ‘Shine on Awards’, presenting certificates and trophies to local community members for various fields of endeavour," Cr White said.
‘Australia Day Recognition Awards’ were also presented to a number of citizens and groups.
In the ‘Citizen’ category, Henry Parniak was recognised for his involvement with the Churchill Neighbourhood Centre; and to Roger Ries, for his tireless community work in Toongabbie.
In the ‘Event’ category, the Churchill Neighbourhood Centre’s ‘Gumleaf Quilters Quilt and Craft Exhibition’ was awarded for its beautiful displays of needlework, knitting, sewing and stitching work.
The Bocce Committee of the Italian Australian Sporting and Social Club of Gippsland was recognised in the ‘Community Service of the Year’ category. The committee energetically promotes the sport of bocce to the community, ensuring the whole community has access to its program of events.
Also recognised under this award was the ‘Gippsland Ethnic Communities Council (GECC)’ which aims to promote harmony and understanding of ethnic groups and to advocate for the disadvantaged. The organisation runs the Gippsland Multicultural Festival held in March each year, which won an Australia Day award in 2009.
Inducted into the Latrobe City Sporting Hall of Fame as a ‘Legend’ was Graham Rowley. Graham joined the Traralgon Cycling Club in 1956 and remained a member until the club disbanded in the mid 1970s.
Graham won many club championships, took part in 16 tours, winning on 6 occasions and being crowned sprint champion in 1978. He continued to race as a veteran touring Europe and gaining places.
Also inducted as a ‘Legend’ was Allan Keith Schroeder (dec) who was a skilled full bore rifle shooter. He represented Australia twice at Commonwealth level competition and achieved 8th place in the 1956 world class level at Bisley in England.
Allan was club captain of the Yallourn and Moe clubs for 28 years and made a life member of the Victorian Rifle Association.
Inducted into the Latrobe City Sporting Hall of Fame as a ‘Member’ was Harold ‘Joe’ Hutchinson (dec) for his contribution to Australian Rules Football in the Latrobe Valley.
Under Joe’s motivation and direction the Latrobe Valley Football League was the first of the country leagues to obtain sponsorship for all teams competing and he revolutionised player insurance by introducing a scheme that was eventually adopted by other leagues and the Victorian Country Football League.
Joe was awarded the prestigious Australian Sports Medal.
Also inducted into the Latrobe City Sporting Hall of Fame was Mrs June Woznica who has been involved within Gippsland and beyond for more than 30 years. As well as serving on many different committees and as both president and secretary of the Moe Golf Club, June has coached juniors every Sunday morning.
In 1993, June won the Australian Senior Amateur Golf Championships and she has been Moe Golf club champion no less than 31 times.
Cr White said that with so many individual and community groups achieving awards and recognition, it was a great encouragement to others in the community.
"We see so many people giving freely of their time, committing themselves to causes, organising events and helping others. The presentation of these awards recognises just a small fraction of the people out in our community dedicating themselves in their chosen field. We would love to be able to recognise each and every volunteer out there who does the same, but we know that most of these people do these things because they want to, and not for the recognition," Cr White concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977
Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation. - Wellington Shire Council seeks girls, young women, and 12 - 18-year-olds to help design Lions Park
Wellington Shire Council seeks input from girls, young women, and non-binary 12–18-year-olds to help design Lions Park, creating safe, inclusive, active, and engaging public spaces for youth. - Community invited to join Project Reference Group shaping East Gippsland’s future aquatic strategy and facilities planning
East Gippsland community members are invited to join a Project Reference Group to help shape the new Aquatic Strategy, guiding future facility planning, investment, and service delivery across the shire. - Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates local community groups’ achievements and grants at inspiring event
Bass Coast Council celebrated 92 local community groups, awarding $294,000 in grants, including $40,000 for climate projects, supporting creativity, connection, and resilience across the region at a vibrant celebration. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees. - Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety. - Baw Baw Shire Council and community celebrate official opening of Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee
Baw Baw Shire Council and the community officially opened Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee, honoring her bravery during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires, with festivities, Santa, and a Christmas celebration.
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