A large crowd gathered at the Bairnsdale Rotunda on Monday morning to celebrate Australia Day, enjoying a classic car
display, a community breakfast and an
awards ceremony.
The morning began with a breakfast provided by the Bairnsdale Classic Car Club, supported by the East Gippsland Historic Automobile Club, while attendees admired a range of vintage cars on display before and after the ceremony.
The official proceedings commenced with a Welcome to Country led by Lisa Giblin, followed by the raising of the Australian flag by Chloe Morton of the Bairnsdale Scouts. The crowd joined Briony Camp and the East Gippsland Brass band for a rendition of the national anthem.
Attendees were treated to a diverse range of entertainment, including humorous poetry from Russell Heathcote and a sharp display of skill from 2025-2026 Australian Ladies Whip Cracking Champion, Emiliqua East.
Bairnsdale Horse Centre’s Carlee Knight also addressed the crowd as the guest speaker.
Local MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester also spoke at the event.
The highlight of the morning was the presentation of the annual Australia
Day awards.
Long-serving community member Graham Hall was named Citizen of the Year. A humble recipient, Mr Hall admitted he was more comfortable away from the podium.
“I’m not used to doing this sort of thing.
I like being in the background a bit,”
Mr Hall said.
He spoke of his lifelong connection to the town and his dedication to the local band.
“I was born and bred in Bairnsdale – because of the beauty and natural attractions in the area I had no desire to leave,” he said.
“Once you settle into a country town you sort of take on its nature. I’ve enjoyed my time with the band and all its activities and friendship. I’m proud to have this.”
Chelsea Wellman was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her tireless advocacy for road safety. As Chelsea is currently hiking in New Zealand, her award was accepted by her parents, Steve and Vanessa.
Mr Wellman spoke passionately about Chelsea’s drive to protect young drivers.
“She started by raising money for the Australian Road Safety Foundation. Chelsea’s been on the ABC radio quite a few times to try and push the message to the younger kids about how dangerous it can be on the roads,” Mr Wellman said.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Rotary Junior Community Award, a long-running program fostering youth development. The award was accepted by John Butler and Lorna Hawkey.
Reflecting on the program’s origins, they noted its enduring success.
“It is difficult to understand that the Secretary of the Education Department in Victoria asked a group of principals in this town 30 years ago to come up with a program to help young people,” they said.
“The program has involved an average of 100 grade six students for nearly 30 years, just in Bairnsdale area alone.
“It’s a great award and we are pleased to do it and it hasn’t changed.”
