Major Award – Citizen of the Year
Ray Linton
Nominated for being the driving force of the establishment of the Elderly Citizens units at Yinnar and also organising pleasure trips for the elderly.
Recently retired shop owner and assistant Postal Officer his trade being that of Boilermaker Superintendent.
Ray and his family’s input into the community has been huge.
Major Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Kristy Theissling
Kristy is being nominated for her involvement with many community organisations in music and youth, especially for her involvement in youth activities for the Latrobe region volunteering her time with the Karma Push Club at least one night per week.
Organisations include:
Secretary of the Karma Push Club Represented St Michael’s Parish for World Youth Day Involvements 2000-12-13 Volunteered at the Merry Mid-Winter Melodies at Kernot Hall, waiting on tables for the elderly Member of the Latrobe City Youth Council. Latrobe Valley Orchestra Francis Orchestra “Annie” Orchestra Other
Kristy, has a wonderful understanding of the needs of disabled people within our community.
When working with the community, Kristy gives 100%, particularly when it involves people counting on her.
Major Award – Community Event of the Year
Moe Community Bonfire & Fireworks
The Bonfire night involved many local groups to participate which included CFA, Army Reserve, St John’s Ambulance, and the Lions and Apex Clubs. Free entertainment was provided to the community.
There was approx. 6000 to 7000 people in attendance. The event rallied many local sponsors, attracted spectators from beyond the region and was achieved because of only a few members.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Mary Gilmour
Nominated for her work with the Traralgon Agricultural Society. Mary has been a member since 1956 (44 years); Steward in Children’s Art/Craft since 1975 (25 years); Vice President since 1992 and hostess to judges and stewards since 1995.
Other Significant Contributions and Achievements include:
13 years to Cub Scouting 33 years to Christian Education in Schools CWA from 1942 onwards (Branch President 4 times, Group President 1983-85 and Central Vice President 1985-87) Uniting Church elder from 1974 onwards Latrobe Valley Lifeline Councillor for 19 years Associated with Red Cross since 1942 Advisor to Traralgon Young Farmers for 6 years Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod for 32 years
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Maria Roncan
Nominated for her dedication, commitment, determination in making life easier for disabled people and their families, and her many years of service on a variety of committees relating to people with disabilities.
Other Significant Contributions and Achievements include:
Involvement with various voluntary committees and associations for people with disabilities in the Latrobe Valley for over 25 years In 1976 she presented a paper at a major conference in Canberra that told of her experiences in helping her son make the most of his capabilities. Founding member of the former Moe & District Friends of the Handicapped People (now Moe Friends of the Disabled, Inc) Over the years Maria has worked on 8 different committees, most of them concurrently and still remains an active member on three. Outcomes include: A Community Residential Unit in Moe Moe Lifeskills Centre Moe Playgroup Riding for the Disabled Encouraging the establishment of Noahs Ark Toy Library and much more (see attached)
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Kath Tanian
Nominated for her contribution to the Hazelwood, Churchill and Morwell communities because of her involvement with the Churchill Guides, a valuable member of the Anglican Church and the Morwell East Senior Citizens Club.
Other Significant Contributions and Achievements include:
Active member of the Guide Movement for 30 years – holding many positions in the Hazelwood/Churchill Guide District. Kath helped with a guide unit when the District was short of leaders and was always willing to attend unit meetings to assist leaders. Kath has kept the support group active in spite of many difficulties. Church councillor and member of the choir, always willing to lend a hand at functions, was Anglican Synod for many years and assisted with the local newsletter “Churchill news”. 6 years members of the Morwell Senior Citizens Club, member and conductress of the choir, and was President in 1998 (when there were no other candidates and the Club would have closed). Involved with the Central Gippsland Retired Persons Association.
Latrobe City Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Leigh Gatt
Leigh is being nominated for this award for his tireless effort in representing many issues on behalf of other people. Leigh attends Neighbourhood Watch, being involved in the meetings and offers different solutions on troubling situations. He was an adamant supporter of “Save the Moe Hospital”. Leigh also took it upon himself to stop video cameras being installed in the toilets at school because two girls were going to leave school because the cameras were an invasion of privacy.
Other Significant Contributions and Achievements include:
School Captain (Lowanna College) School Council Representative SRC President Member of various community groups, ie SMHG
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Morwell Celebration of Roses
The Morwell community supported the event totally, the success of this has inspired Advance Morwell to plan a week-long celebration in April 2001 and the start of an new Annual event. The event highlighted Morwell’s major features – the Morwell Rose Garden and Airlie Bank Gallery. The aims of the Celebration include:
Promote the features and attractions of the Town of Morwell Activities should be self-funding and aim at a small surplus, which shall be used solely for the promotion of future celebrations Attract tourists into the area from Melbourne and nearby areas Maximise the involvement of the local community and its organisations
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
World Championship Axemen’s Carnival
With over 80 axemen competing from USA, NZ and Australia, the Carnival attracted more than 11,000 people over the 2 days. Over 1,650 people took advantage of the tours through the APM, wetlands and forest to see how the Mill and forest operate. The Committee (all volunteers) consisted of workers from the Mill (8 on Committee) and over 60 helpers. Other community groups involved were REH Cork Club, St John’s Ambulance and Riding for the Disabled. All money raised going to these community groups - $8,000 in total.