Lions Club member Les Harrison OAM said by 8am, members of the Tungamah Lions Club had cooked a generous breakfast, which was offered free to all attendees.
“Brewit served hot chocolate and coffee, and the annual event was well and truly underway,” Les said.
“Tony Figgins made a brief comeback to help with the sound system, and we thank him for that.
“Thanks also to Jai for the hot beverages, and to John and Heather Tyrrell for their hard work behind the scenes in making the day a success,” Les added.
Les also thanked the Moira Shire Council for their support, along with the Lions volunteers and MC Michael Barry.
Community Event of the Year
The Community Event of the Year award was presented to John Tyrrell for coordinating the Tungamah 150th Anniversary celebration.
The event was held from February 14–16, 2025, at the Tungamah Recreation Reserve. Attendance included approximately 100 people at the film night on Friday, more than 600 on Saturday, and 500 on Sunday.
Saturday began with an 11am parade featuring 15 horse-drawn carriages and 30 classic cars, watched by roughly 300 spectators. The historical society also opened the museum for visitors.
Later, everyone gathered at the football ground for the official opening at 1pm. Guests included residents representing some of Tungamah’s original families.
Many attendees returned from interstate to reconnect with their family’s hometown, staying in hotels and motels across the shire. Others travelled from Melbourne for the weekend.
Citizen of the Year Awards
Four nominees were considered for Citizen of the Year:
•Ken Dodd – for contributions to cricket, football, and the fire brigade
•Heather Tyrrell – for her work at the Kickstart RV Friendly Park and support of the local primary school
•Dianne Sampson – for her tireless volunteering at the bowls club and cemetery trust
•Pam O’Dwyer – for her years of dedication to the CFA and the local primary school
After consultation with the Moira Shire, dual awards were presented to Pam O’Dwyer and Dianne Sampson.
About the winners
Pamela O’Dwyer
Pam is a dedicated member of the CFA and organises the Good Friday Appeal each year, encouraging community participation, installing smoke alarms, coordinating the event, and even buying chocolates for local children from her own pocket.
She also runs the annual CFA Christmas event. At 68, Pam attends most fire calls and has responded to more than 35 callouts this year, making her the most active member of the Tungamah brigade.
She is widely respected for her leadership and expertise and also delivers fire safety education at the local kindergarten.
Dianne Sampson
Dianne has served the Tungamah (Tharanbegga) Cemetery for over 25 years, including several terms as secretary, a role she still holds today.
She is also a long-term member of the Tungamah Hall committee, a valued member of the Tungamah Bowling Club, and has supported the Tungamah Football and Netball Club for many years.
Dianne provides care and guidance to families who have lost loved ones and helps coordinate the complex processes involved with undertakers, stonemasons, and gravediggers.
She also manages cemetery meetings, ensures correct documentation is submitted to Crematorium & Cemeteries Victoria, and keeps trust members informed of legislative changes.
She has played a key role in securing grants for the cemetery, including funding for a new toilet block, rotunda, and lawn beam section. She is currently applying for another grant to improve cemetery safety.
“Both ladies were very popular winners and were humbled by their recognition,” Les Harrison said.
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