East Gippsland Shire Council's Australia Day Awards ceremony will be held this Saturday, January 20, at the Eagle Point Foreshore Hub from 10.30am.
The shire-wide awards recognise the contributions East Gippsland residents make to the wider community.
This year, 16 nominations were received, all contending for the honour of winning the 2024 Australia Day Award for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
The ceremony will include musical entertainment by East Gippsland Brass, a flag raising ceremony by the Bairnsdale and Paynesville Scout Group, a barbecue provided by Paynesville Lions Club, coffee van by Coffee Trix, a Welcome to Country by Aunty Glenys Watts and keynote address from Australia Day Ambassador Adam Bloem.
Mr Bloem is founder and director of the East Gippsland Winter Festival (EGWF). He is a passionate advocate for East Gippsland's unique identity. With a background in premier food and wine events, real estate, and community service, Mr Bloem is dedicated to showcasing the region's strengths and fostering its growth.

IMAGE: East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, Adam Bloem, founder of the East Gippsland Winter Festival.. (PS)