Yinnar and District Australia Day 2023

Our usual group of supporters helped us to get underway. Yinnar and District Lions club provided a great breakfast washed down with tea and coffee from the Historical Society.

This year’s entertainment was delivered by two ex Kurnai College students, Azriel Halge and Lucas Hobbs. The duo did a fantastic job of keeping the crowd entertained with an extensive and varied repertoire of music.

“Welcome to Country” began the formal proceedings and was followed by Yinnar scout leader, Jess Cook, raising the Australian flag.

At the conclusion of the national anthem, the Yinnar Primary School captains Elyse James, Taylor Savige and Billy Bremner, delivered a heart warming rendition of “What is Australia Day ?”

Councillor Darren Howe gave a short address on behalf of Latrobe City.

Herb Smith then proceeded with the Citizen of the Year presentations.

Unfortunately there were no nominations for Young Citizen of the Year for 2023. Herb mentioned what a pity this was as past winners have left a great legacy for others to follow.

The Yinnar Citizen of the year recipient was Sandy Hegarty.

A valuable member of the school community, Sandy has been heavily committed to the safety of our local children on the roads and has been actively involved in establishing and improving the school crossings.

Sandy is also involved in the Yinnar and District Community Association where she has organised Christmas in Yinnar and Easter in Yinnar for the past two years. This was a mammoth task because of the COVID restrictions which were in place at the time, making organising and planning more difficult.

Not only have these events brought the community together at a difficult time, they have also attracted thousands of visitors to our town for fun and entertainment. A worthy winner!

Following the formal proceedings, thank you speeches were made, photos were taken and all those present left with a great start to Australia Day 2023.