Outstanding citizens, community events and community services have been acknowledged at the 2023 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards Ceremony today.
Founding Member of Gippsland MTB Mountain Biking Club and fundamental project manager of the Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park, Nicholas King was awarded the 2023 Citizen of the Year.
As an educator of at-risk youth, Mr King has dedicated his career to finding pathways and
re-engagement options for education.
Mr King was celebrated for his commitment to achieving better infrastructure for Latrobe City and volunteering his time to build a more active local community.
Captain of the Morwell Fire Brigade, Peter Keenan received the 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year award for his dedication to the CFA for over 47 years.
Mr Keenan also has a long-term commitment to the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association, Gippsland Dog Obedience Club and Royal Children’s Hospital fundraising.
The 2023 Young Citizen of the Year is William Morgan, a youth leader with the program Kickback, a group for young Aboriginal people who are at risk of offending.
Through Kickback, William encourages engagement and helps foster solid relationships between adults including Police and Youth Justice and young people.
Mr Morgan was recognised for his drive to embed cultural ways into other young people.
Oktoberfest was awarded 2023 Community Event of the Year. A much-loved annual community event, Oktoberfest has recently reached 20 years in operation.
It was an opportunity for Club Astoria Morwell German Club to showcase German fare including house made sauerkraut, schnitzel and kranskys.
Country Women’s Association Latrobe Central Group delivered the 2023 Community Service of the Year through their Family Violence Refuge Starter Kits Program.
The group collected over $15,000 worth of items, giftcards and cash to deliver basic household items to support people and families escaping family violence.
Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan congratulated all nominees and winners for their efforts.
“Thank you to everyone who was nominated for an award, your contribution to our community is valued and we are so very fortunate to be able to recognise the work that you have undertaken,” said the Mayor.
“Your dedication to our community helps make Latrobe City a special place to live.”
Award Recipients
- 2023 Citizen of the Year: Nicholas King
- 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year: Peter Keenan
- 2023 Young Citizen of the Year: William Morgan
- 2023 Community Event of the Year: Club Astoria Morwell German Club - 20th Oktoberfest
- 2023 Community Service of the Year: CWA Latrobe Central Group - Family Violence Refuge Starter Kits Program
Recognition Awards
- Kellie Bertrand
- Joy Derham
- Anne-Marie Dunkley
- Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club Inc - 25th Community Fun Run
- Walk to D'Feet MND
- CWA - Morwell Evening Branch
- Jackie Dalrymple
- Latrobe Regional Hospital Vaccination Centre
- Traralgon Lions Club - Farmers Market
- Donald Lovison
- Newborough Men’s Shed Inc