Major Award -Citizen of the Year
Zelma Mildenhall
The demonstrated commitment displayed by Zelma Mildenhall has paved the way for her to receive the 2010 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Zelma Mildenhall has been a passionate community member of the Jeeralang/Hazelwood district for many years. She had been a guide leader for over 30 years, local tennis player, and an outstanding community member. She is one of the main members of the district’s Church and is always on hand when needed.
Her kind and gentle nature, is shown in the way she works within the community, and her passion and dedication is evident to anyone who meets her.
Zelma is known for being hard working, never standing still, always on the go, and many wonder where her energy comes from. If you need help, she is there, no questions asked.
Zelma’s leadership is renowned, she is a role model for the community and excels in community service.
Major Award -Young Citizen of the Year
Keren Palermo
Keren Palermo is 19 years old and is an engaging and thoughtful young woman who has made a significant to the Latrobe Valley community. She has overcome significant challenges and has resided independently since the age of 16. In 2009 Keren returned to school to complete her VCE, and hopes to pursue university studies after its completion.
Keren was a founding member of the “Whatever Youth Diversity Project” over 3 years ago. She devotes much time and effort to the development of the group and its projects. She has been active in promoting “Whatever” and its message of a safe and inclusive community for all young people through work in schools, public speaking, social marketing and engaging with young people in the community.
Keren is also the nominated representative of the “Whatever” group and Secretary of “Out There”, the Rural Youth Council for Sexual Diversity. Keren has tackled her role in both groups with determination and enthusiasm and has immersed as a role model for many young people. She is well respected in the school community by both students and teachers.
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
Boolarra Folk Festival
The Boolarra Folk Festival has been an outstanding community event for 7 years, and won the Latrobe City Community Event of the Year in 2007.
Planning was well advanced for the 2009 festival when the Delburn complex fires devastated the township and surrounds of Boolarra. At a public meeting of 300 people 3 days after the fires, as the community still stumbled in shock, and congratulated each other on their survival, Ray Stewart announced that the Folk Festival would definitely go ahead.
The impact was galvanising. Given the widespread damage caused by the fires, and the ongoing fire risk still faced by the community, there was a widespread expectation that the festival would be cancelled for the year. This expectation was increased because a number of the prime movers in the staging of the festival had been directly and severely impacted by the fires.
The decision to go ahead with the festival was rightly seen by the community as a statement that Boolarra would rise above the fires; that they would not be defeated, that they would move on as a community.
Major Award - Community Service of the Year
LATROBE CITY LIONS CLUBS
Lions Club of Churchill and District Lions Club of Moe Lions Club of Morwell Lions Club of Traralgon Lions Club of Yinnar and District Lions Club of Wellington Latrobe ** All individual Lions clubs received a Latrobe City Award The demonstrated commitment to Community Service displayed by the Lions Clubs of Latrobe City has paved the way for them to receive the 2010 Australia Day Community Service of the Year Award.
The Latrobe Valley bushfires in February 2009 was a tragic event, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction of property within the Latrobe City municipality. Along with many other community groups, Lions Club members sprang into action to provide emergency relief to those in need.
Lions Club member Barbara Cameron was the Zone 5 emergency coordinator for Lions District 201V3, and is being acknowledged for her work during this time.
Lions Club members were heavily involved in a wide range of emergency relief activities such as delivering hay and supplies, collecting wood, assisting in arranging for the repair of fences and setting up a warehouse in Traralgon for donated food and distributing them to needs families.
The Lions Clubs were also very busy in the aftermath of the bushfires, catering for numerous emergency services relief teas, the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund fundraising concert in Traralgon, which raised over $100,000 and catering for the 300 Army cadets that attended the two-day working bee in the Traralgon South area.
In addition, vouchers amounting to $160,000 were distributed from the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund set up by the Lions District 201V3 to assist people in the area who had lost their homes. The Australian Lions Foundation supplied these funds.
We also acknowledge the work throughout the year by these dedicated Lions Clubs, in particular the Australia Day breakfasts held earlier today and thank them for their dedication to the community.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Marie Byl
Marie Byl has been a member of Traralgon Girl Guides for over 20 years. Marie, currently is Leader of the Traralgon Girl Guides, Dolphin Guide Unit for Girl Guides 14 - 18 years. Her service goes beyond her normal unit leadership duties and include the roles of District Treasurer , District Badge Bank and District Representative on the Burnet Park committee for the local Girl Guide Camp at Glengarry.
In September, Marie was First Aider for pink subcamp at the Girl Guide Victorian State Camp and staffed at the recent Australian Centenary Event Camp, an International Event held at Geelong on 3rd - 9th of January . 2500 Guides and Leaders attended to celebrate Girl Guides Centenary year.
Marie has been an invaluable support to teenage girls within the Girl Guide movement, in particular helping the girls work toward their ‘Queens Guide Award’.
This takes time, dedication, commitment, patience and passion, which Marie has demonstrated time and time again. No one can doubt her commitment to the Guide movement, or the girls under her care.
She has also been the unpaid carer to two older citizens of the Latrobe Valley for over five years and a volunteer canteen worker for Lavalla College for over ten years, despite no longer having children who attend the school.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Margaret Guthrie
Margaret Guthrie has for many years served as the President of the Churchill & District Community Association or CDCA. During her time at the CDCA there has been considerable change in Churchill, with many new projects completed and some still in progress. Margaret has shown considerable leadership skills, not only in chairing meetings of the CDCA, but also in articulating a vision for Churchill.
Opinions on significant changes in Churchill such as the Churchill District Community Hub, the Shopping Centre Developments and Planning Schemes have prompted strong and diverse views. Margaret has steered the CDCA through these discussions ensuring that all are heard, and that the long term collective benefit is not overshadowed by sectional interests.
Margaret has always been available to consult with community members, Councillors and Council officers, attend planning appeals, and support other individuals and groups in their projects for Churchill.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
Harvey Pynt
Harvey Pynt passed away on 11 January 2010 after a long battle with Cancer. He is honoured today because of his commitment to his local community.
His interests in the community covered areas such as sport, fundraising for various groups, and politics, as he was a long time member of the Labour Party.
Harvey served as the Royal Exchange Hotel Cork Club’s representative on the Traralgon Chamber of Commerce for the past twelve years. He was also on the committee for most of these twelve years, serving as President or Vice President.
In recognition of his service he was made a life member of the Chamber of Commerce in early 2009. Harvey was a member of the committee charged with the responsibility of having the sound shell constructed in Victory Park and was a member of the successor committee formed after construction was completed.
Harvey was also a member of the Safety Committee consisting of representatives from the City Council and Victoria Police, whose collective role is to survey the safety issues on Traralgon’s Streets.
Latrobe City Award – Citizen of the Year
David Roberts
David Roberts is a quiet achiever in the Yallourn North community. He has shown great leadership and guidance qualities, leading by example in the community groups with which he is, or has been involved with.
The groups he has been with have all provided a focus on the local community and the long-term benefits for Yallourn North.
His reliable and trustworthy nature makes him an easy person to work with and his attention to detail especially with the Old Brown Coal Mine Museum has helped make it an outstanding asset to the township.
David’s community effort, especially with the establishment of a permanent home for the Historical Society has encouraged people from larger townships to move to the area. David was also involved in Coalies Week during November, which enables people to visit the mine and promotes the work of the SEC and the relics of Yallourn and Brown Coal Mine.
His efforts promoting tourism within Latrobe City and co-ordinating with other Historical Societies in the Valley have assisted in preserving the Latrobe’s history.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Cadets on the Mountain (Sgt. Clint Wilson)
The Gippsland communities of Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee South, and Koornalla were severely affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires in February 2009, with 13 people losing their lives and many properties damaged or destroyed.
Several months after the devastating fires, with assistance from many people and agencies, the community had gone some way in rebuilding, however there was still a long way still to go, and a request for assistance was given by the Traralgon South and District Association.
This request was answered by cadets from the Army, Navy & Air force – a new initiative, orchestrated by Sergeant Clint Wilson and Leading Senior Constable Peter Olorenshaw.
The Commander of 34 Battalion Army Cadets organised the activity with approximately 250 Army, Navy & Air force cadets from Eastern Victoria attended the Traralgon South area on the weekend of 21st to 23rd August to participate in reconstruction tasks such as gardening, fencing, tree planting, low grade trenching and digging, rehabilitation of the monument at Koornalla and other low risk but labour intensive work, working closely with local community members and land owners.
The help given to local residents by the cadets not only assisted in the cleaning up and rebuilding process but, more importantly it helped to raise the morale within the community.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Cadets on the Mountain (Leading Senior Constable of police Peter Olorenshaw)
The Gippsland communities of Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee South, and Koornalla were severely affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires in February 2009, with 13 people losing their lives and many properties damaged or destroyed.
Several months after the devastating fires, with assistance from many people and agencies, the community had gone some way in rebuilding, however there was still a long way still to go, and a request for assistance was given by the Traralgon South and District Association.
This request was answered by cadets from the Army, Navy & Air force – a new initiative, orchestrated by Sergeant Clint Wilson and Leading Senior Constable Peter Olorenshaw.
The Commander of 34 Battalion Army Cadets organised the activity with approximately 250 Army, Navy & Air force cadets from Eastern Victoria attended the Traralgon South area on the weekend of 21st to 23rd August to participate in reconstruction tasks such as gardening, fencing, tree planting, low grade trenching and digging, rehabilitation of the monument at Koornalla and other low risk but labour intensive work, working closely with local community members and land owners.
The help given to local residents by the cadets not only assisted in the cleaning up and rebuilding process but, more importantly it helped to raise the morale within the community.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Adolescent Recovery Action Day
Concerns had been expressed by members of local communities shortly after the Black Saturday bushfires about the well-being of adolescents, aged between 12 and 19 years, in the region. It was identified that there was a ‘gap’ in programs and services being provided for this group in the community.
A proposal document for the event was developed by the Bushfire Community Liaison Officer of Relationships Australia of Victoria in July 2009 and widely circulated to over 100 community organisations, Government departments, secondary schools and colleges, Latrobe City Council, emergency services organisations, potential sponsors, members of parliament, individuals and VERA as part of the consultation process. Local youth were also consulted in the process.
Over 300 people pre-registered to attend and 200 adolescents attended the event. A key feature was that over 80 of the adolescents availed themselves of a “Chill Out Room”, where qualified counsellors were available to talk and mix with them.
The feedback from the adolescents, their parents, case managers and workers from various agencies who attended the event has been extremely positive, and many adolescents requested further such events be organised in the future.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Churchill United Soccer Club Community Bushfire Appeal
After the devastating Boolarra fires, the Churchill United Soccer Club’s volunteers quickly organised a bushfire appeal - within five days of the event a remarkable achievement.
They had a monster raffle and auction with goods donated by local businesses. A local real estate auctioneer conducted events and the club raised in excess of $21,000 on the night for Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.
The Churchill and District community supported the event in force with 1700 people estimated to be in attendance, local bands played free of charge on the back of a semi trailer to a family-based crowd.
The next day was Black Saturday and many of the people in attendance had to fight to defend their homes or were forced to evacuate.
The event consisted of raffles, auctions, live music, food and drink, and children’s activities and was an outstand success.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year Community Recovery Comedy Night Over 500 bushfire affected residents, staff and volunteers from local organisations, agencies and community groups, including local Councils, who were involved in the emergency, relief and recovery stages of the bushfires in the Latrobe City region and beyond, enjoyed a ‘free’ night out.
This was an opportunity to relax, have a laugh and unwind with other members of the community. Relationships Australia worked on the theory that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and hoped that the event would be a bit of a ‘circuit breaker’ in the lives of the people who attended the event. The feedback from the attendees on the night was very positive.
The Community Comedy Night was organised and totally funded by Relationships Australia Victoria, following feedback from members of the community that they could benefit from a ‘free’ social event, and the offer by leading Melbourne comedian, Nelly Thomas to arrange for several other comedians to perform at a Comedy night as their way of supporting the bushfire recovery effort. Seven comedians performed, and light refreshments were provided for the audience.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Make Moe Mauve Leukaemia Foundation Fundraising Event
The Make Moe Mauve Leukaemia Foundation Fundraising Event is being recognised because of the way in which it brought together the whole community, including retail and corporate businesses, community organisations, service clubs, schools, residential care hostels and most importantly, the citizens of Moe and Newborough.
Over $9000 was raised by the town, which is to be used for the treatment and support of patients and their families in Gippsland.
This money was raised through donation tins, mauve ribbons, pins, raffle tickets and Leukaemia Foundation merchandise in shops, cafes, and the railway station; and through fundraising initiatives by businesses and individuals throughout the town.
The project peaked on Make Moe Mauve Day when the whole town went mauve. Shop windows and premises were decorated with mauve clothing, balloons and streamers, cafes sold mauve cakes, and many residents wore mauve.
Make Moe Mauve has demonstrated how the town can pull together, and creates a feeling of unity.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
Rhythm, Roses, Recovery Concert
The Rhythm, Roses, Recovery Concert provided a chance for the community to come together, relax and socialise in the beautiful Centenary Rose Garden. It was a free outdoor concert, which included brass bands, orchestras and choirs.
This was a great opportunity for people to listen to a variety of music from Gippsland bands, choirs, and the Latrobe Valley Orchestra.
All the musicians involved in the concert had been touched by the recent events, whether by loss of loved ones, lost homes and environments or through their involvement in fighting the fires and feeling the emotional impact suffered by the community.
The concert was a way to relax and enjoy some great entertainment, while supporting the various groups represented, with all profits going to the Gippsland Bushfire Relief fund.
Latrobe City Award – Community Event of the Year
International Power/Mitsui 30th Tyers Art Festival
The International Power/Mitsui Tyers Art Festival has become one of the major arts events in Gippsland, allowing local artists to exhibit their work in a high quality event. In recent years the addition of the Tyers Young Artist Awards and the Tyers Quilt Exhibition has widened the scope of the Festival. The Tyers Art Festival also provides an avenue for many local community groups to raise their profile through displays. Groups involved have included the Tyers CFA, Tyers Soccer Club, Tyers Kindergarten, Tyers Garden Club, Friends of Tyers and Tyers Tennis Club.
Over the past three years the International Power/Mitsui Tyers Art Festival has included exhibitions and displays by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Country Fire Authority in response to the fires that have effected the district including the; Great Divide Fires, Coopers Creek Fires and Moondarra Fire.
This exhibition allowed many members of impacted communities to express their feelings and thoughts about the fires in a variety of ways as well as sourcing information on how to respond to bushfires.
Latrobe City Award – Community Service of the Year
Traralgon Girl Guides
Girl Guides International celebrates their Centenary Year in 2010. 2010 has been declared The Year of the Girl Guide by the Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd. This is a superb recognition of the contribution that Girl Guides has made to society in Australia over the past century. The Traralgon Girl Guides began in 1925, and have given service to the Traralgon and surrounding District for 85 years.
This organisation has volunteered thousands upon thousands of hours to encourage young women between 5 and 18 years to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members.
As well as Traralgon Girl Guides attending camps and learning skills, Traralgon Guides have performed many different community service activities, including:
Singing Christmas Carols for residents of Aged Care facilities Assisting in Clean Up Australia in Traralgon Assisting with McHappy Day in Traralgon Planting trees on environment days Participating in the Anzac Day ceremony Gift wrapping to assist the REH Cork Club; Christmas and Mothers Day Collecting for the Red Cross Calling, Annual Appeal
Latrobe City Award – Community Service of the Year
Andrea Gordon
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist others in the recovery process.
Andrea Gordon is being recognised for their work as co-chairpersons of the Community Recovery Committee for Traralgon South.
Latrobe City Award – Community Service of the Year
Peter Harrison
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist others in the recovery process.
Peter Harrison is being recognised for their work as co-chairpersons of the Community Recovery Committee for Traralgon South.
Latrobe City Award – Community Service of the Year
Peter Olorenshaw
On the 7th of February 2009, a great disaster fell on a part of Latrobe City. A significant number of people were directly and immediately affected by the disaster. The Black Saturday bushfires were not something that the majority of the population had any idea of how to cope with. Many of the issues associated with the bushfires continue today, and will do for some time. Since the disaster there have been a number of people who have given their time and effort to assist others in the recovery process.
Peter Olorenshaw is being recognised for his selfless service to the people of Callignee, Koornalla and Traralgon South.