Major Award – Citizen of the Year
Jean Tops
Jean is a carer of some 34 years, is recognised as a lifelong carer and worker with the Blind and Disabled. With first had knowledge of the problems involved, Jean worked hard to see the formation of the Gippsland Carers Association, and was appointed its first President. Twelve carers were appointed, including Jean, with the Association working with the common goal of “to break the silence on issues of caring”. Jean has “been there’ for families in need, and has been a member of the Latrobe Valley Residential Services Association Committee.
Major Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Jenny Farrar
Jenny was the recipient of the Rural Women in Leadership Bursary Award – one of only 30 such state awards presented in Victoria. In her employment as a Women’s Officer, Student Union, Monash Gippsland, for 1997, she worked to co-ordinated activities. Elected President of the Student Union for 1998, Jenny Manages a menswear store and is currently working to complete her degree in Indonesian and Business at Monash, which she has studied part time.
Major Award – Community Event of the Year
Morwell Centenary Rose Garden ‘Roses in Bloom’
Is one of the showpieces of Victoria, with over 2000 species of Roses and a display which is enjoyed by thousands throughout twelve months of the year. Morwell’s “Roses in Bloom” has been an annual event since the official opening of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden in 1992.
The event commences in early May of each year with the Winter Rose – the Camellias coming into bloom, followed by a display of Spring flowering bulbs contrasting against a backdrop of skeleton rose bushes. This is followed by a wonderful display of Wisterias on the Arbour, with the first blooms appearing in October, leading up to November when the blooms are at their best.
Credit must go to the Friends of the Garden, and those who have worked so hard to bring the Garden to its Showpiece setting of today.
Latrobe Shire Excellence Award
Richard Gubbins
Richard is recognised for his outstanding contribution as a founding member of the SCOPE Committee, a member of the TAFE Board of Directors and as Chairman of the La Trobe Shire Library Community Consultative Forum. He has worked tirelessly in the area of library service provision, and workers with the community organisations.
Marge Pritchett
Is recognised for continuous service to the Opportunity Shop in Morwell from work as a foundation member in 1957 to today, Marge has also worked as a volunteer with Helping Hand Association, Morwell Auxiliary for 40 years. Marge showed commitment to the community in past years through her work with Marching Girls and School Committees, and is honoured today.
Ken Markham
Ken is recognised for outstanding community service to the Glengarry area, particularly in the protection of life and property through the provision of fire services. Ken Plays an important role in the provision of this valuable service in the Glengarry area, and is honoured today.
Marjorie Brogan
Marjorie is a foundation member and volunteer of the Meals on Wheels Service and is also recognised today for her work as a member of the Meals on Wheels Co-ordinating Committee. Her interest in community work has been extensive, including previous involvement with the Country Women’s Association.
Rod Lucas
Rod’s recognition of a lifetime of service to the community, involving participation in the Morwell East Football Club and secretary of the Mid Gippsland Football League, Rod has given exemplary service to the Morwell Fire Brigade, and today has the honour of being the only Life Member of the Morwell Brigade. His leadership was honoured by those who serve under him in 1997, and he is tireless worker for the Morwell Fire Brigade.
Anne Lovison
Anne is recognised for her service to the community as editor of the Yallourn North Community Newsletter, and her work to further the interest of the local community. Anne is well known for her encouragement to the many organisations in and around Yallourn North, and is a tireless community worker.
Linda Hall
Linda has spent a lifetime in first the Brownies and then Guides, serving for 27 years as a Guide Leader. She has helped to shape young lives and uses her influence to help others in the community. A quiet worker in the area, her nomination recognises the work she does for other people.
Damiano Tripodi
Is honoured today for his outstanding service to the community thought the providing of services as an interpreter, assistance to the community and in the field of educating. Damiano is well respected in the Italian Community, and his preparedness to help others is recognised by his nomination.
Stephen Cook
Stephen is complied as a Police Station Youth Officer, and he has shown a keen interest in using his supervisory and organisation skills in assisting young people in the area. He has assisted in and attended numerous youth camps and assisted with supervision at trips to cricket, basketball, indoor skating and hiking. He leads by example ,, and has shown determination and initiative.
Jonathon Dyson
Is recognised for his outstanding level of service through strong community values, participation in sport and his work for the promotion of engineering as a career choice for students in secondary schools. He has served on Education Community Consultative Forum and has shown strong leadership skills.
Latrobe Shire Recognition Award
Jim Dear
Jim has shown tremendous drive and determination in the development of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden, and his tireless work has resulted in the development of an unused roadway into a Rose Garden which is gaining recognition as one of the best displays in the State.
Ann Dyer
Ann is recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Arts and to education, particularly through her work with textiles, art and humanities and participating in the school camp program. A member of the Executive of the Traralgon Arts Council, a Foundation Member of the Latrobe Regional Arts Board, a member of the Cultural Advisory Board to the former Latrobe Regional Commission, a current member of the Victorian Arts Council, Traralgon Branch and a member of the Executive of the Victorian Arts Council Board, the La Trobe Shire Art and Cultural Community Consultative Forum, an Executive Member of the Gippsland Regional Arts Board and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Latrobe Regional Gallery.
Richard Elkington
Richard is a member of many groups through his employment as a Loy Yang Power’s Manager of Corporate Relations and Environment, Richard finds the time to be involved in numerous community organisations. He is particularly interested in furthering the arts, and is a very active community worker.
Jane Barr
Jane is recognised for her work and contribution throughout her involvement in the Residential Intensive Support for Education Program, a long standing member of a committee working for Cubs and a mother who is willing to make sacrifices for her children.
Vic Health Sun Tour Committee
A committee which worked hard to establish La Trobe Shire Team in this year’s Sun Tour, and involves a keen group of enthusiasts who worked to provide the support to the cyclist – on a voluntary basis, devoting 2 weeks of their time to act as support crew. The team won the teams section of this year’s Sun Tour – no mean feat. The overnight stop, and the tour itself brought promotion of the region through the International, National, Victorian and Regional press coverage and the commitment was exemplary.
Things About Road Safety Expo Committee
The expo provided an educational experience for thousands of local school children to visit the Ridge and then on Sunday 26 October, members of the public were also provided with an opportunity to enjoy an open day. The message of road safety was carried through with practical demonstrations, and involvement of the Victorian Police, Police Band, Code 1, the Counted Branch, Solo Motorcycles, the Booze Bus and Traffic Operations Group, together with local police and other community groups.
Strzelecki Showtime
An annual event which grows from strength to strength. This popular production by local Scouts and Guides of the region in another fine example of the talent available in our community, with every item performed on stage either written or re-arranged by the production team. The training and involvement, which is provided to members of our community, is a valuable resource.
Volunteers Members of Police – Jaidyn Leskie
Represented today by Bruce Charles, the endeavours of the many volunteers and members of the Police and Emergency Services and the community who demonstrated their compassion and commitment during the long search periods, under very difficult circumstances. The nomination is in honour of the strength of support systems and networking which exists in the community and the spirit of those who rise to the call in the cast of emergencies.
Bruce Charles
Bruce is recognised for his outstanding contribution as Anglican Minister at Newborough for the past seven years and as a spokesperson for the Save the Moe Hospital and Public First Campaign Committees. Bruce is the Chairperson for the La Trobe Shire Ministers and Churches Community Consultative Forum and has proven to be a spiritual strength in the local community.
Joshua Pearce
Joshua is congratulated for his outstanding contribution to fundraising events for the Scouts, and as a recipient of a Queen Scout Award, he has shown leadership as part of the team of leaders at the first Victorian Cuboree. He works closely with young people, and has shown determination and initiative.