Australia Day Awards 2025

Nominations for the 2025 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards have now closed.

These shire-wide awards recognise individuals who have dedicated their time to making a difference in their community. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.

We thank everyone who submitted nominations and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of those who volunteer their time to local clubs, groups and services.

The community and award nominees are invited to the Australia Day Awards on Saturday 18 January at 12 pm at Forest Park in Orbost. RSVPs for catering purposes are encouraged and can be made by phoning us on 5153 9500 or emailing: civicevents@egipps.vic.gov.au 

Grants for community Australia Day events

Are you part of a community group holding an event to mark Australia Day 2025?

We have small grants available for community organisations to help them celebrate Australia Day in a way that is meaningful to the local community.

Mayor Cr John White said grants of between $500 to $750 are available.

To support as many towns as possible, we are only able to award one grant per town. We would like activities on Australia Day to be free; however, we understand organisers may seek some donations to subsidise other costs.

Expressions of Interest close on Wednesday 11 December at 5pm.

Anyone with questions about the grants can contact Council’s Community Development Officer on 03 5153 9500 or email communitygrants@egipps.vic.gov.au.

As part of next year’s Australia Day events, Council will hold the shire-wide 2025 Australia Day Awards in Orbost on Saturday, January 18 at Forest Park which recently had a $1.9 million upgrade.

Australia Day community event Expression of Interest form

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Australia Day Awards 2024

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Approximately 100 people attended this year's East Gippsland Shire Council Australia Day Awards at Eagle Point Foreshore Hub on Saturday 20

The 2024 recipients are:

Citizen of the Year - David Murphy

Following a distinguished career as a safety officer on Victorian oil and gas rigs, David retired in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he underwent training as an RSL Compensation Advocate.

Since then, David has been dedicatedly serving veterans and their families in East Gippsland.

He provides encouragement and guidance to those navigating bureaucratic complexities, helping individuals who are having trouble working through the system.

In situations where veterans and their families feel isolated, David offers hope and works tirelessly to secure favourable outcomes for them.

‍Nominees:

• Angela Dunkley
• Phil Schneider
• Cheryl Jakobi
• Geoff Enever
• Sue Carroll

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Young Citizen of the Year - Jasmine Westaway and Danika Woods (joint winners)

Danika Woods exemplifies true resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite encountering obstacles in her learning environment due to a disability, she emerged as an outstanding role model and achieved the distinction of being the first person in her family to graduate from high school.

Her selflessness and unwavering commitment to serving others were evident in her active participation in "Project Ready” where she not only completed the program the previous year but also dedicated time each week to support disengaged students.

Jasmine Westaway stands out as an ambitious all-rounder and high achiever involved in a diverse range of activities.

In sports and recreation, her dedication to athletics is noteworthy, including tasks such as program assignment, setup assistance, and motivating and supporting young participants through warm-up activities.

Additionally, Jasmine has made significant contributions to both the Orbost Secondary College Senior and Swing Band community from an arts and culture perspective.

Over the past year, performances have been featured in events such as emergency services presentation night, Orbost Show Day, school functions, and band tours.

‍Nominees:

• Banjo Jackson
• Lilly Legget
• Juliette Heart

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Community Event of the Year - Metung Fun Run

The Metung Fun Run is a fantastic community event raising funds for Metung Primary School and Metung Lions Club.

The event has been held for over 10 years and continues to grow each year.

The 2023 event had over 355 participants and raised $15,000 from registrations, sponsorships, and merchandise.

The event attracts runners from all over to East Gippsland, brings the local community together and celebrates the natural beauty Metung has to offer.

Supported by so many volunteers and businesses, the Metung Fun Run is a great event that also prompts children and adults to get active.

‍Nominees:

• Carols by Candlelight Bairnsdale
• Lakes Entrance parkrun
• East Gippsland Winter Festival
• Orbost Pony Club

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