Congratulations to 2021 Australia Day Award Winners

Congratulations to 2021 Australia Day Award Winners

Published on 27 January 2021

Baw Baw Shire community members were recognised for their contributions at the Baw Baw Shire Australia Day awards on Tuesday at a special event at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The annual awards ceremony honour and recognise those who give back to the community every day without seeking recognition. All winners are nominated by fellow community members.

Award categories and winners:

Citizen of the Year – Louise Young Young Citizen of the Year – Charlotte Smithett Community Organisation of the Year - Baw Baw Food Relief Australia Day Medallion – Bernie Walsh

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“Australia Day is our day to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements and our people. Each year these awards recognise and celebrate the special people who go above and beyond the call of duty. We are fortunate to have so many extraordinary people here in Baw Baw, each devoted to making our Shire a great place.”

“Several criteria are taken into consideration when selecting award recipients. Many strong nominations were received, and each choice was a difficult one. Each category winner should take great pride in their award. Congratulations once again and thank you for your contributions to our community.”

Award nomination details Citizen of the Year – Louise Young

Louise has been described by many as an incredible force for community connection in the Ellinbank District and beyond.

The success and strength of the Ellinbank Badminton Club reflects Louise’s quiet dedication to the club as part of the committee and as a coach.

Through her work, Louise has helped many young people to have a chance to enjoy the sport and has gone above and beyond to make it accessible for all.

Aside from her commitment to developing the badminton club, Louise has an extensive history of community broader community involvement, from establishing the Ellinbank Playgroup to taking on the role of President of the Warragul Regional College Parents and Friends Committee.

Louise also produced the Ellinbank Community Newsletter for many years, helping to keep the community informed and connected.

She is the ultimate local community role model - dedicated, passionate, and incredibly generous to all those she supports.

Her achievements are the connections she has created between so many families and their kids, and the positive good sportsmanship she is the living example of.

Young Citizen of the Year – Charlotte Smithett

Described as always caring, kind and consistently thinking of others, Charlotte is always representing the community.

As a member of the 1st Drouin Scouts, she’s participated in many community fundraisers, organised nights with her scout troop to clean up around the town and won’t hesitate to help others when they need it.

Charlotte has also received her Australia Scout Medallion, which is a significant undertaking and a credit to her excellent attitude.

Community Organisation of the Year - Baw Baw Food Relief

Baw Baw Food Relief is a non-profit charity is supported by over 70 unpaid, dedicated volunteers with every effort and dollar raised contributed to the purchase food to feed community members experiencing hunger through financial hardship. Last year alone, the group directly supported 900 families in times of need.

Food Relief Centre delivers 3 to 4 tonne of healthy nutritious food each week to families

and individuals who are suffering food insecurity

The benefit to the residents is they can access emergency food relief within their community. Anyone in need in the geographic area of Baw Baw Shire is welcome and will be met with food, kindness and practical support.

The group are there for not only our community, but our neighbouring communities in times of heartbreak and crisis, and Council is honoured to recognise their efforts.

Australia Day Medallion – Bernie Walsh

As a teacher at Drouin Secondary College, Bernie goes above and beyond for his students.

Bernie’s unique teaching style and dedication to providing the best possible learning experience is evident in the way he interacts with his students, helping to set them up for a bright future.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to learn from him or work alongside him will know that he is a passionate, driven and resilient teacher who has made a significant contribution to our community