SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council have announced the nominees for this year’s South Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
From unwavering community service to establishing and advocating for services for our communities, each nominee has worked tirelessly.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Meeniyan Hall from 6.30pm on Wednesday, January 15.
Citizen Of The Year nominees
particularly with Milpara Community House and Korumburra Men's Shed.
John Davies – Korumburra
John first arrived in the Korumburra area in 2000 and was instantly committed to the community, joining the Bena Community Group and later serving as its President. He proposed establishing a Men’s Shed and collaborated with Milpara Community House to create one of the first Shed's in the Shire.
John's efforts led to the establishment of the Korumburra Men’s Shed. He played a crucial role in securing over $33,000 in funding for renovations of the old Joinery Building, which officially opened in September 2009. His dedication didn’t stop there; he also helped launch the local Farmers Market, dedicating many early Saturday mornings to its success.
As the Men’s Shed grew, John facilitated its move to the Old Goods Shed in 2015 and later negotiated a lease for the Old Loco Shed, securing $80,000 for essential renovations. His successful grant applications have totalled over $98,000, ensuring the Shed remains a vibrant hub for the community and a place to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing.
John's unwavering passion and leadership have significantly enriched the Korumburra area, making a lasting impact on many lives.
Beyond his work with the Men's Shed, John has been deeply involved in numerous other community activities and he was a founding member and chairman of the Korumburra Round Table, The Round Table has been instrumental in the development of the town. He is a regular volunteer at local events, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
For over 15 years, John has been an active member of the Milpara Community House committee, serving four years as President and six years as Vice-President.
John’s contributions to Korumburra are described by locals as immeasurable. His patience, kindness, humility and unwavering commitment to others exemplify the true spirit of community.
Ian Rasmussen – Leongatha
supporting local clubs, events, and initiatives that enrich community life.
Ian’s extensive contributions to the South Gippsland community are a testament to his unwavering dedication and service. He has been a valuable part of many clubs, organisations and committees including:
• Young Farmers;
• Berrys Creek Hall Committee;
• Leongatha Probus Club;
• Leongatha Horticultural Society;
• Lions Club;
• Leongatha Senior Citizens' Committee; and
• Supporting local clubs, environmental causes and charity initiatives.
Ian's journey began with the Young Farmers, where he first embraced community service. His steadfast support for the Berrys Creek Hall has included organising fundraising events and participating in maintenance efforts, showcasing his commitment to local infrastructure.
As a member of the Leongatha Probus Club since 1999, Ian has been a vital part of the organisation, taking on numerous leadership roles. His involvement in the Leongatha Horticultural Society has been instrumental in the success of community events like the Rose Show and Daffodil Festival.
Ian's dedication to the Lions Club spans over two decades, where he has held significant positions, including Treasurer and President. His role as Market Manager has revitalised the Lions Community Market, fostering local spirit and supporting businesses.
For over 20 years, Ian has also served on the Leongatha Senior Citizens' Committee, diligently ensuring the group's activities run smoothly. His meticulous work in documenting the club's history for its 50th anniversary reflects his commitment to preserving community heritage.
Ian’s willingness to contribute his time and ability to so many organisations on a weekly basis, and his readiness to help wherever needed, exemplifies selflessness and dedication to community service.
connection and growth in Mirboo North through her
tireless efforts for families and the community.
Dianne (Di) Kiddell – Mirboo North
Dianne Kiddle is regarded as a quiet achiever in the Mirboo North community. A go-getter who flies under the radar to achieve great things for her town.
In 2004, Dianne served on the original Mirboo North Child Steering Group committee to establish the St Andrew’s Child Care Centre which opened in 2006. She continues to serve her role on the Committee as Liaison Officer between the church and the Child Care Centre. The establishment of this centre has been a huge benefit to many families in the area.
For several years, Dianne also coordinated the Community Kitchen which met weekly at the Community Shed in Mirboo North. Here, many young women with disabilities attended the session, fostering a sense of independence and community. The Community Kitchen enabled women to learn and enjoy cooking. It also offered friendships and camaraderie providing participants the opportunity to eat together at the end of the session. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, these sessions haven’t returned to Mirboo North.
Since 2015, Dianne has coordinated the Mirboo North Community Bus Service. A job that involves many administrative tasks including bookings, drivers and regular servicing of the bus.
Today, Dianne continues to do her community work through the church, recently acting as Chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee of Presbytery of Gippsland.
Dianne has been pertinent to the growth and development of the Mirboo North community, helping to establish a place for children and women to learn, and people to connect.
Colin Murray – Mirboo North
CFA and Scouts exemplifies his unwavering
commitment to Mirboo North and beyond.
Over many decades Colin Murray has dedicated so much of his time, energy, care and attention to the Mirboo North community. He is regarded as a calm and collected individual who has the invaluable characteristics to skilfully navigate stressful and traumatic situations with all members of the community.
Colin has acquired these skills through his volunteering efforts, including 15 years of service to the Mirboo North CFA. He is an integral part of the Brigade, always volunteering to be part of the strike teams in the fire season, travelling to various parts of Victoria. His contributions to the CFA are widely appreciated by his counterparts and he has been awarded National Emergency Medals for bushfires in 2019 and 2020.
February 2024 saw Colin’s true community spirit and commitment reach new heights. Days after helping his own community with the aftermath of the storm, Colin drove the Mirboo North fire truck in a CFA strike team to the other side of Melbourne to assist with an out-of-control bushfire.
Every year, Colin also organises the all-important Christmas Drive. He calls up Santa and drives him around in the CFA truck spreading the joy of the season with the whole community.
In addition to his remarkable work with the local CFA, Colin is also a valued member of the 1st Mirboo North Scout Group. He first joined in the 1960s and from there has been an active non-uniform volunteer of the Group. He attends multiple Cuboree Camps, is responsible for the Hall maintenance and adds to the community of the Group assisting with BBQs, offering a helping hand to the youth and so much more.
Colin embodies the spirit of community, providing care and commitment to Mirboo North and many places beyond. He often lends his assistance to those in need, from cutting trees off the roads so that everyone can travel safely, to helping on neighbouring farms when required. He always puts his hand up to help those in the community who need it and does it all in a placid, selfless manner.
Marge Arnup – Fish Creek
has shaped Fish Creek into a vibrant, inclusive,
and connected community.
Marge's community life in Fish Creek began in 1984 when she took on the role of Secretary for the Fish Creek Kindergarten. The following year, she was appointed President and continued this role until 1990. During this period the Kindergarten became Incorporated, renewed the playground facilities, added a storeroom and provided many events and activities to support community connectedness.
She has supported the Tea Cosy Festival Committee since 2014. Marge has been Chairperson and Festival Director since 2018, presenting four festivals that have engaged Fish Creek and the broader local community. Each festival has been unique and puts the Fish Creek community on the map, attracting visitors from around the world. The unique 2020 COVID E-Cosy Festival also prompted her advocacy for free public Wi-Fi at the Hall, which was installed in 2022.
In 2020, Marge took a more active role in the Fish Creek Community Development Group (FCCDG) when filling in for the Secretary. A role she continues today. Some of the things she has facilitated as a member of the FCCDG are: the involvement of RMIT in conducting a wastewater study for Fish Creek, the installation of a water station and the coordination of how Fish Creek hosted the Great Victorian Bike Ride in December 2023.
Marge is also Secretary of the Fish Creek Hall Committee and an active op-shop volunteer.
She previously served on the Buffalo Hall Committee, especially during the time of the building of the new Hall from 1984 to 1987.
Marge has also been strongly involved in the provision of services for people with disabilities since the 1990s. She was the key driver in the establishment of the South Gippsland Specialist School which opened in 1996, then known as the Baringa Annexe. Her advocacy and leadership led the provision of post-school education options, employment services and housing for people with disabilities. These services were previously unavailable in the South Gippsland. She was also key in the establishment and delivery of the Basketball for All program, teaching people with disabilities basketball skills and opening opportunities to play in mainstream competition.
Marge has also played a key role in the re-ignition of International Women's Day events in the Corner Inlet area and the recording and promotion of many women who are the reason the area has many services and is such a cohesive and strong community today.
