Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Gippsland South electorate awards

Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (10:23): Gippsland is blessed to have some of the best pubs, clubs and restaurants in the state. It was officially confirmed at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence last week. In Gippsland South there were big winners, notably the Star Hotel, taking home Parma of the Year – a big, big boon for owners Jeremy and Tori Green and head chef Adam Jackson, who celebrated the win in style. I invite all members and all Victorians to get down to the Star and sample the best parma. I know the Parma of the Year was a big win last year for the Middle pub in Korumburra. This year Ben and Elyse Fisher and their team took out Best Non-alcoholic Beverage Menu, while other finalists from my electorate included wonderful small local pubs like the Poowong Hotel, the Welshpool Hotel and the Rusty Gurnard at Port Welshpool. The Tinamba Hotel took out the regional Best Pub Restaurant and young Sale chef Quinn Jacobs was named Apprentice of the Year. Traralgon’s Crown Hotel took out best overall regional pub, and the Grand Junction was another winner.

Gippsland is also kicking goals in sport – pun intended – with two Sale winners at the recent Victorian Sport Awards. Congratulations to Sale United women’s coach Madelaine Breakspear, who was named Community Coach of the Year – an outstanding achievement. Maddi coached the Swans to both the Latrobe Valley Soccer League championship and cup last year and also coaches the LVSL under-18 rep team. Sale cricket umpire Peter Boulter was named Community Official of the Year for his contribution across multiple competitions. Finally, at the Victorian Community Tennis Awards Sale Tennis Club was honoured with the Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative for its PALM workers program, getting visiting Pacific Island workers into tennis.