Major Award – Citizen of the Year
Anna Fascio
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Mrs Anna Fascio of Morwell has paved the way for her to receive the Latrobe City Award of the 2007 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Anna was nominated for her tireless volunteering efforts and her dedicated involvement and commitment to the Latrobe City Italian community. Her involvement is both diverse in its range of activities and inspiring in terms of her supportive contribution to the general wellbeing of the community.
Since her arrival from Italy in 1962, Anna has learned to deal with difficult times. With a determination to prosper and focused on overcoming the lifestyle and cultural barriers of isolation that confronts rurally based elderly Italian migrants, Anna began advocating on behalf of the local Italian community.
Some of Anna’s significant contribution to the community at an organisational level include:
Her involvement as President of the Italian Senior Citizens from 1986 and she is a founding member of the International Italian Union Foundation for Women established in 1995. Anna is currently the Gippsland representative of the Italian Assistance Agency in Australia, where she has assisted well over 2000 people in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland. Since 1990 Anna has provided an interpreting service for Law Court situations and the Department of Social Security, and regularly works with Centre Link clarifying social security requirements for Italian pensioners. She was Secretary of the Italian Catholic Federation and a representative for the Italian community in the Migrant Resource Centre. Since 1995 Anna has been the Gippsland representative for the Italian Pensioners Association of Victoria, and for over 12 years she has been a Community Radio presenter on Gippsland FM. Anna participated in the Sydney 2000 Torch relay and received an award for ‘Meritorious Service in the Community’ in Multicultural Affairs.
In all her roles, Anna acted with passion, professionalism and dedication in advancing the interests and wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley community.
Anna’s commitment to the community continues to this day and Latrobe City is very proud to acknowledge such a selfless citizen and congratulates her on receiving this great honour.
Major Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Robert Bruzzese
Robert Bruzzese is a highly motivated 15 year old student from Traralgon and is being honoured with the Latrobe City 2007 Australia Day ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ Award.
Robert was nominated for his contribution to the community as a mentor and excellent role model, and for his outstanding achievements in the sport of Soccer.
Robert began his involvement with Soccer at the age of 5, and throughout the last 10 years has been an active member as a player with the Traralgon City Soccer Club.
During the past 2 years, while studying at Lavalla College, Traralgon, Robert has given up the majority of his spare time to coach 2 junior teams, 3 nights a week.
As the coach of the Under 9 and Under 12 teams he has exhibited excellent guidance to the children, imparting on them his soccer knowledge, and through dedication and patience, Robert has seen both his teams reach the finals for the first time.
Described as a quiet achiever, Robert is an excellent role model and mentor, providing exemplary leadership skills and an environment where children are praised and encouraged to achieve their best potential.
Robert is an exceptional athlete, and while also having played Basketball and Tennis, is an excellent ambassador for the promotion of his chosen sport.
He has demonstrated his ability to perform, through his selection to:
Attend the Gippsland Academy of Sport for 2 years, Represent the Gippsland Soccer League as a member of the Representative Squad playing Country Championships in Melbourne, He is a representative for the Lavalla College Soccer Team, He played for the Fortuna Soccer Club Senior Reserves, And in 2005 he was selected for the Gippsland Soccer Team to represent Latrobe City in Japan. At the end of last year, Robert received a School Award for ‘High Achievers’ in year 9 at Lavalla College. Latrobe City is very pleased to honour this young achiever, who is to be commended on receiving this Civic Award.
Major Award – Community Event of the Year
Twin City Archers Gippsland Inc. 59th National Archery Championships
This outstanding event is being recognised as the Latrobe City 2007 Australia Day Community Event of the Year.
The event was nominated for the commitment shown by the dedicated members and volunteers from the Twin City Archers Gippsland, who help to prepare this event in order to showcase the wonderful talents of the many Archery competitors from around Australia who competed in this highly successful and outstanding event.
With the assistance from local companies, businesses and Work for the Dole volunteers, a small facility was transformed into one of the best purpose built Archery facilities in Australia.
Held at the Twin City Archers Club in Toners Lane Morwell, this National Archery competition commenced on Monday 24th April 2006, with 206 competitors and ran for 6 days, giving competitors the opportunity to compete in the different elements of Archery.
The Tournament attracted many competitors and their families to Latrobe City, with many spectators coming from across the Latrobe Valley and the wider Gippsland region. The competitors travelled from all over Australia, and while in the area, it gave many of them the opportunity to tour and explore, and see what the Latrobe City region has to offer.
Recognised by the Australian Archery Federation as the ‘best ever’ National Championships held, and because of the high standard of professionalism of the Twin City Archers to stage such an major event, Twin City Archers have been awarded the rights to host the 2008 Nationals in Latrobe City.
The success of this event is evident in the result, and with an estimated economic impact to Latrobe City of ¾ of a million dollars, we as a community are very privileged to have such an excellent national wide tournament held in Latrobe City.
A comment in the Visitor’s Book from an Archer who competed for Australia at the World Championships in Madrid says it all – “It was better than Madrid”.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Arthur Aitken
Arthur Aitken of Yallourn North is being recognised for his active involvement in community affairs and for his dedication and outstanding commitment and volunteer involvement in the Wirilda Environment Park.
Other significant contributions Arthur has made to the community include :–
Being on the Board of Management of the Wirilda Project Association Currently a non-operational member of the Tanjil Fire Brigade Past Group Leader of the 1st Yallourn North Scout Group Zone Leader of the Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch, and Present of the Yallourn-Tyers Landcare sub-group of the Lake Wellington Landcare Network.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
John Bryant
John Bryant of Traralgon is being recognised for his dedicated commitment and many years of volunteer involvement with the Gippsland Car Club for the past 34 years, to Motor Sport in general, and his active involvement in community organisations.
As a Teacher and Principal, John has worked on many educational boards and committees. He has been an active member on the School Councils for the Traralgon Secondary College, Maryvale High School and Kurnai College, and was a founding member of the Gippsland Education Precinct in Churchill.
At a sporting level, John has been involved with the Traralgon Tennis Club, the Traralgon Football Club, Traralgon Squash Club and the Traralgon Basketball Association.
In the year 2000 John was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for his service to Motor Sport, and in 2005 was recognised by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport as the Victorian Official of the Year.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
John Guy
John Guy of Morwell is being recognised for his significant contribution to Local Government and for his dedicated commitment and volunteer involvement in community service activities across the Latrobe City municipality.
To highlight some of the major areas of his contribution to the community, John served as a Councillor and Mayor for the former Morwell Shire and Morwell City Council. He was Chairman of the Latrobe Regional Commission, and Chairman of Commissioners of the Wellington Shire Council during the amalgamation process of local governments.
Some of John’s other significant contributions to the community include:-
His past involvement with Mitchell House, Member of Maryvale High School Council, His involvement with the Gippsland Leadership Program, He is currently involved as a Board Member of the Latrobe Community Health Service, Chairman of Advance Morwell, And President of the Maryvale Probus Club.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
William (Bill) Lawler
Bill Lawler of Moe South is being recognised for his loyal and dedicated commitment to supporting people with a disability and for his outstanding contribution to the community of Latrobe City through professional and private commitments.
Bill is a person who continually shows incredible generosity, and is always willing to give of himself both personally and professionally.
For 10 years Bill was the Advocacy Coordinator for the Gippsland Disability Resource Council and is currently the Rural Access Project Office at Latrobe City Council.
Some of Bill’s other contributions to the community include :-
His 12 year involvement with Latrobe Valley Jazz, His 14 years association with the Moe Jazz Festival, An Independent Third person, on behalf of the office of Public Advocate for over 10 years, And his 30 years association, including active service, with the Moe Fire Brigade. Bill is to be commended for his volunteer involvement and congratulated for his excellent work in the promotion and support of people with a disability.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Peter McShane
Peter McShane of Churchill is being recognised as a valued member of the Churchill community for his outstanding contribution and dedicated volunteer involvement with community organisations in Latrobe City.
Peter’s involvement with local community organisations include :-
The Walkley Park Kindergarten Steering Committee Churchill Primary School Council president for 9 years An active member of the Churchill Apex Club for 28 years Churchill Post Primary School Planning Committee The Kurnai College School Council The Churchill Citizen Association, and the Churchill Neighbourhood Watch Committee In 2006 Peter’s outstanding contribution to the Churchill & District Lions Club was recognised with him being awarded with the Lions highest International President’s Award – the ‘International President’s Certificate of Appreciation’.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Joan Peachy
Joan Peachy of Morwell is being recognised for her outstanding contribution and volunteer involvement with community organisations within Latrobe City.
Contributions to the community for which Joan was nominated include:-
Her 30 year involvement with the Morwell Basketball Club as Treasurer and committee member, A committee member of the Morwell Golf Club, She is a dedicated committee member of her local church, A Meals on Wheels volunteer, Morwell Leisure Centre User Groups committee member, Her association with the Morwell Swimming Club, and Her 26 years involvement with the Morwell Netball Club juniors and seniors. Joan is described as a wonderful mother and grandmother who is a very caring and devoted lady. Joan will always go out of her way to assist others in need.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Alison Waite
Alison Waite of Traralgon is recognised for her volunteer involvement with community organisations in Latrobe City.
Alison is a retired Teacher and is also recognised for her contribution to Education, where she assists children from Prep to Grade six at the Hazelwood North Primary School, with an individual Literacy and Numeracy program.
In 2002 Alison was awarded a Gippsland Regional Office Community Award for her contribution to Education.
Some of her other significant contributions include her volunteer involvement with Scope - dealing in adult Literacy.
Alison is currently a Lifeline Counsellor where she trains and supervises new volunteers.
Alison is described as a very caring lady and a valued and respected member of the Hazelwood North Primary School community.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Margo Whelan
Margo Whelan of Traralgon is being recognised for her tireless and dedicated work in a voluntary capacity in assisting people in need in Latrobe City, without expecting any gratitude or recognition.
Held in high esteem and described as a most sincere and thoughtful person, Margo is alert to serving the needs of the disadvantaged in our diverse community and is committed to helping those in need.
Margo herself is a very busy person, but she still finds the time to –
Support local churches, Donate her cooking to Charitable Cake Stalls, Offer support to the Church of England Elderly Day Care Centre, Continually support community organisations such as Rotary, and For over 20 years Margo has been active member and support volunteer for Red Cross.
Latrobe City Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Mark Stolk
Mark Stolk is a 13 year old student from Yinnar. He is recognised for his active community participation and volunteer association with the Yinnar and District Community Association.
Mark is known for being one of the most active junior members of the Yinnar community, and is described as a true leader and excellent role model for his peers.
Some of Marks significant achievements include his being elected as School Captain at Yinnar primary School.
Even at a young age Mark is an exceptional athlete. Excelling in many sports including Judo, Mark has represented his local Judo Club and Victoria, in both State and National Judo Titles.
His sporting achievements also include numerous accolades in Tennis, Football, Basketball and Athletics.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
The 6th Annual Gippsland Motorcyclists Christmas Toy Run
The 6th Annual Gippsland Motorcyclists Christmas Toy Run is being recognised today and was coordinated by three local Motorcycle Clubs involving the dedication and commitment of the Gippsland Central Branch of the Ulysses Club, Us and Them Tourers and Eastern Riders Gippsland.
The first Christmas Toy Run held six years ago involved 75 bikes, and now the event attracts over 500 motorbikes with more than 700 riders and pillions participating.
The Motorcyclists raised an amount in excess of $42,000 in monies, toys and goods and presented to the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Society for distribution to over 1000 needy families, prior to Christmas throughout Latrobe City.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
27th Annual Tyers Art Festival
The Committee of the Tyers Art Festival are being recognised and congratulated for their dedication and hard work for the staging of the 27th Tyers Art Festival, which incorporated the Tyers Children’s Art Award, the Official Opening of the Tyers Beautification Works and the Dedication of the Tyers War Memorial.
The Festival is a high quality event that exhibited over 500 works of Art over the 2 day weekend and is a significant cultural and community event for Tyers and the wider region of Latrobe City.
The volunteer committee of the Tyers Art Festival worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the Festival, which delivered a great family event that catered for all ages.
The Festival was an excellent example of how the spirit of a community can be lifted and united together providing an opportunity to showcase a variety of incredible talents.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Advance Morwell for the 2006 Valentine’s Celebration of Roses
Advance Morwell’s staging of the 2006 Valentine’s Celebration of Roses is being recognised today and the volunteer members of the committee are to be congratulated for the enormous amount of planning and preparation that was involved in making the event the success it was.
The purpose of the event which linked Roses and the Centenary Rose Garden with a Valentine’s theme, involved the participation of -
Mid Valley Shopping Centre through their hosting of a Rose Show; Cedar Lodge Morwell with an Art & China Painting display The Stratford on the River Festival Group, The Gippsland Historical Automobile Club, and the uniting of the Business people of Morwell with the Festival. Overall the Celebration of Roses provided an opportunity for the Latrobe City community and the wider Latrobe Valley region to come together and celebrate what is a truly a remarkable Centenary Rose Garden created by the community for the community.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Waterwatch for the 2006 Catch a Carp Fishing Competition
This was the fourth year of the running of the Waterwatch Catch a Carp Fishing competition held at Lake Narracan in Moe.
This fishing competition aim was to reduce Carp numbers and raise the awareness of Carp as a major pest, and the environmental problems they contribute to our waterways.
The event provided general information on fish and fishing and educated people on how they could prevent the distribution of Carp and also provided an opportunity for people to taste cooked Carp,
The Waterwatch committee members and volunteers are to be congratulated for the organising and staging of a fun filled day that catered for families and people of all ages and was attended by many from across the region.