Major Award – Citizen of the Year
Keith Brownbill
Nominated for being the original member of Latrobe Valley U3A (1989), Course Co-ordinator, taught several subjects, wide range of contacts for Course Leaders and for securing funding.
Other:
- Executive Member, Advance Morwell / StreetLIFE
- 4 years on the Church Street Fiesta Organising Committee
- Member of Rotary since 1965, President of 2 Clubs
- Secretary/Treasurer of Australian College of Education, Gippsland Group (8 Years)_
- Organiser of Annual Len Flak Lecture
- Past President and longest standing member of the Gippsland Community Road Safety Organisation
Association with many organisations
Major Award – Young Citizen of the Year
Benjamin Van Poppel
Benjamin is a student, although blind since birth, has completed the training program for telephone counselling with Lifeline and now works regular shifts as a volunteer counsellor. Benjamin has completed VCE, completing his exams in Braille, and in 1998 won a scholarship for the Society for Australian German Student Exchange, spending 2 months in Germany as an exchange student.
- Benjamin intends moving to Melbourne in 2000 to live independently and study languages.
Major Award – Community Event of the Year
Wing’s, Wheels & Fine Foods Expo
This by-annual event is organised by the Latrobe Valley Aero Club and Morwell Rotary Club. It was attended by approximately 9,000 – 9,500 people.
The Latrobe Valley Aero Club attractions include:
- Flying and static displays of aeroplanes (Roulettes, Latrobe Flying Museum’s mustang & DC3)
- Fire Bombing demonstrations
- Ultra-light aircraft
- Motor Cars
- Motorcycles (parade and static display)
- Go kart race
- Much more
The Morwell Rotary Club attractions include the showcasing of Gippsland producers of gourmet foods and wines as well as organising the usual snack food sites, ect. Also there were organised activities for the children.
The event also increased the public awareness of what facilities are at the Airport.
Latrobe Shire Award – Citizen of the Year
Mary Gilmour
Nominated for her work with the Traralgon Agricultural Society, Traralgon Uniting Church and the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod.
- Senior VP Traralgon Agricultural Society
- Elder and Church Councillor with the Traralgon Uniting Church – also choir member, Convenor of “Care & Support Task Group” that supports the sick, elderly and newcomers to the Church and Convenor of Connections – Visitation & care of mentally ill people in the community
- Committee Member and past President of the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod
- 25 years with the scouting movement in Glengarry
- 25 Years providing religious instruction to the parishioners
Widowed 6 months before 5th child was born and continue to manage the farm at Glengarry.
Alexander McGregor
Nominated for his service to the community of Yallourn North through involvement with Legacy, Football and Bowling.
- Service in RAFF 1943 – 1946: Served 8 months Australia and 2 years active service overseas
- Worked with SEC 1955 – 1986: retired from position of Work Co-ordinator
- 39 Years service to Legacy Widows and dependants, many times supporting from his own pocket
- Joined Legacy in 1960 and I s presently the longest serving member of the Latrobe Valley Group of the Melbourne Legacy – has served as President, Secretary, Sub-group Leader, 10th consecutive time as Camp Chief (using his annual leave to do this for 14 day camp for dependants)
- Served with local Fire Brigade
- Member Yallourn North Bowling Club since 1987, holding office for 12 years and is a senior pennant player
- Service Meal on Wheels in Moe for 12 Years
- Great interest in football, both juniors and seniors.