Over 150 residents gathered in Orbost on Saturday afternoon to honour some of the region's most dedicated volunteers and community events at the 2025 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
The East Gippsland Shire Council-run event acknowledged the outstanding achievements of local volunteers, with 23 nominations across three award categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
The event was a vibrant showcase of community spirit, featuring a flag unfurling by the Orbost Girl Guides, live music by Marlo band The Remedies and an Orbost Lions Club barbecue.
Australia Day Ambassador, Sailors Grave Brewing's Chris Moore provided a thoughtful keynote address about the strengths of East Gippsland's communities.
Chris and wife Gab, through their craft beer business, are regional storytellers who showcase the region.
"One of the great strengths of our region is how much we embrace living with people who have different opinions and backgrounds," he said.
"East Gippsland is extremely diverse. Whether it's First Nations people, people of multi-generational backgrounds, people who have moved here to start anew life, or sea and tree changers, we're held together by common bonds. Here, we embrace people with different backgrounds, and we live together really well."
Mayor Cr John White noted the impressive quality of this year's award nominees.
"The dedication and passion displayed by our shire's many volunteers truly stood out. It's an honour to recognise the incredible individuals and events that make East Gippsland such a special place," John said.
"We value being able to honour the quiet heroes among us - those who volunteer, care for others, and give their time and energy without seeking reward or recognition. These are the everyday heroes who make a real difference, and we're grateful for their dedication," John said.
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Citizen of the Year - Bill Newcomen
Metung's Bill Newcomen has served the community in multiple roles, from school council committees, to training and mentoring new CFA members, and junior sailors at the Metung Yacht Club.
Bill's dedication and commitment to the local community has been demonstrated through his many years of serving in multiple roles, and his willingness to put his hand up and help.
Bill ran the junior sailing program for 25 years at the Metung Yacht Club teaching more than 600local children how to sail - including several current international level sailors. Although getting close to 80 now, Bill still assists when asked. You'll regularly catch him out on one of the rescue boats during a training session or regatta. Bill has been involved in running the Metung Yacht Club for as long as anyone can remember (including two stints as commodore and several as vice commodore).
During the day, as asocial worker with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Omeo Hospital and other services, Bill has been on the frontline assisting families going through difficult times navigating the emotions of life changing events.
Always with the kindest and most gentle approach, Bill is a constant point of contact for emergency service personnel across the shire, as a trusted confidant to unload the burdens of their job. He regularly checks in on paramedics throughout the Tambo Valley.
Young Citizen of the Year - Tanner McMillan and Alfie Simpson
Tanner and Alfie, both from Bairnsdale, were both recognised as Young Citizen of the Year for their outstanding contributions to local initiatives and positive influence on their peers.
Tanner is a role model to the thousands living with Lyme disease - raising funds and awareness and advocating for change.
Following a tick bite as a child, Tanner became seriously ill, eventually being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Despite this challenge, Tanner pushed through and now uses his experience to raise awareness and help others. He appeared on The Project on Channel 10 to tell his story and has been part of numerous YouTube videos and media articles, to help bring change for others.
During December Tanner walked the 90 Mile Beach to raise more awareness and research funds for the Lyme Disease Association of Australia. He even managed to have his walk mentioned by the lead singer of Coldplay in front of 50,000 people during their recent Melbourne concert.
So far, Tanner has raised over $100,000 to help others with Lyme disease.
Tanner's determination, courage, and willingness to share his story - despite it being a tough one, along with his drive to bring change for patients like himself, has inspired Lyme patients to keep going in the face of adversity and realise that people do care and want to make a difference.
Nine-year-old Alfie began collecting cans to recycle at the age of six, raising money to support those in need of some help. His straightforward explanation of why this cause matters is simple: he has a home, he has food and what he needs, but some other people don't. Any money Alfie raises, he believes, should be shared with those who need it.
In addition to collecting cans, Alfie and his brother also launched their own business, "Can-Do Poo'" with the goal of giving back to their community. Together, they collect sheep manure to sell to people to use as fertiliser, with the majority of their profits from sheep manure and can recycling, going toward helping the homeless.
In a time of financial strain for so many families, Alfie's compassion, kindness and unwavering desire to help is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the community.
Community Event of the Year - Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria Annual Get Together
The 2024 Omeo Get Together made an exceptional impact on the community and the way it brought people together in celebration. Held just outside of Omeo, the event is a shining example of collaboration and community pride.
The 2024 event not only brought together over 3,000 attendees but also celebrated a shared history.
With a strong focus on local connections, the Get Together showcased the rich local history of the Omeo region with engaging exhibits, interactive activities and performances that highlighted the stories, traditions and events that define the community's identity.
"The time, energy, and passion you invest in helping others is what makes East Gippsland thrive," John said.
"This recognition is just a small token of our appreciation for all that you do."
East Gippsland Shire Council hosts the Australia Day Awards ahead of Australia Day to allow the award recipients and nominees the chance to participate in their local celebrations on 26 January. The awards are held by Council to contribute to a connected and vibrant East Gippsland where outstanding people, clubs and communities are valued.
2025 AWARD NOMINEES
Citizen of the Year
- Bill Newcomen
- Christine Svenson
- Phillip and Joanne Jones
- Frank Makrai
- James Blandford
- James Nicholas
- Moss Mahony
- Jaime Savory
- Mary Mitchell
- Penny Hammond
- Gayle Webster
- Cherie Young
- Rachel Wagstaff
Young Citizen of the Year
- Tanner McMillan
- Alfie Simpson
- Giaan Woerz
- Amber Mazon
- Austin Millgate
- Banjo Jackson
Community Event of the Year
- Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria Annual Get Together
- Opera by the Lakes
- Orbost Annual Poker Run 2024
- Paynesville Classic Boat Rally
