Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Latrobe City Celebrates Australia Day Award Winners

Australia Day celebrated by honoring community members.

By Portal Admin - 3rd February 2020 - Back to News

Latrobe City has marked Australia Day by honouring some of its leading community members.

In front of an appreciative crowd, Terry Hunter a dedicated member and volunteer of the Traralgon RSL Sub-Branch, was named Latrobe City Council's Citizen of the Year.

A Vietnam veteran, Terry is a dedicated member of the Traralgon RSL Sub-Branch who, since returning from active service in 1969, has volunteered for various RSL roles/activities, working tirelessly for the benefit of fellow veterans and their families for 40 years.

Chair of the Youth Governance Committee at Latrobe Youth Space, Lincoln Ingravalle was awarded Young Citizen of the Year.

Described by his peers as determined, considered and thoughtful as well as a valuable member of the organisation, Lincoln's leadership extends beyond the Latrobe Youth Space to the wider youth community of the Latrobe Valley.

At the Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Kernot Hall, Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dan Clancey said the nominees and winners personified the spirit of community, of selflessness and of Latrobe City itself.

"The men and women that we recognise today have contributed in a way that makes us better as a Regional City, and that's something that we should not lose sight of, nor take for granted. In our busy, modern lives it is too easy sometimes to overlook the importance and value of community service," Cr Clancey said.

"What we see in all of our award recipients is a commitment to service that does our community proud. They enrich the lives of those around them and they don't seek praise, or recognition. Rather they simply give selflessly to help people in our community.

"Volunteering to support fellow veterans and their families for over four decades, Terry personifies what it means to be an Australian. Lincoln embodies the Latrobe Youth Space values of trust, integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, leadership, unity and respect - he is a leader among us."

Recognised for their selfless spirit, dedication and leadership in the service of our community, the Event and Community Service of the Year recipients are focused on raising awareness and supporting those in their time of need.

Event of the Year was awarded to the Boolarra Community Development Group, in partnership with the Boolarra Community Hotel, who hosted the Tom Curtain's 'Speak Up' tour an event to raise awareness of bullying.

Recognised for their care to fellow Gippslanders in their time of need, Gippsland Rotary Centenary House has provided accommodation to more than 5500 individuals since the House opened some 13 years ago.

Describing proceeding over the award ceremony as an honour, Cr Clancey said that it was events such as today that made him proud to stand side by side with such inspiring individuals.

"The day provides an occasion to applaud our local heroes. The Australia Day and Latrobe City Awards recognise these remarkable individuals and outstanding contributions they have made to our Regional City over the past year" Cr Clancey said.

"These are the unsung heroes that we pay tribute to on Australia Day, I congratulate all award recipients for the outstanding contribution that they have made to our community."

Award winners: