The Lions Club of Wellington/Latrobe Inc once again delivered a fantastic Australia Day in 2026.

The event included:

• Address from Councillor David Barnes
• Heartfelt “thank you” to the towns volunteers from MC Peter Feenstra of the Lions Club
• Flag raising by Glengarry Scouts
• Group singing of National Anthem and We are Australian with the Latrobe Valley Community choir and Mark Woods on the keyboard
• Additional songs by the wonderful choir
• Announcement of Toongabbie Citizen of the Year
• Free community breakfast
• Eating and chatting at the Village Green

Cassandra Tolsma was named Toongabbie Citizen of the Year for her volunteer work within the community. Currently, Cassandra is President of the Toongabbie Township Group and volunteers with the Toongabbie Fire Brigade.

Some of the achievements of the Toongabbie Township Group that Cassandra was been involved with, or led, include:

• Securing grants for printing of the newsletter
• Maintaining the website and Facebook page
• Assisting with obtaining the main grant for the cenotaph, and secured additional grants for the extra concrete and flag pole
• Obtaining the grant for the new tree guards at the Mechanics Hall which the Men’s Shed skilfully made and installed.
• Supporting the Lions Club Christmas market with live music, face painting and lollies for Santa to distribute
• Preparing Resident Information Packs for new and current residents
• Helping where she could with community events, and helping to build connection with other programs such as the Heart Safe Community and Community Bushfire Connection program.

During her 10 years with Toongabbie CFA, Cassandra has contributed to the brigade through:

• Co-running the Junior Volunteer Development Program for young people aged 11-16. The program provides an opportunity for young people to learn about volunteer roles while having fun and building confidence
• Assisting with the successful grant application for an ultralight vehicle. This new whizz-bang 4×4 should arrive in early 2026 and assist the brigade in turning out faster and safer. The Ultralight will be a significant addition to the brigades resources
• General support during fire events, completing odd jobs around the station, helping with Santa Runs and other brigade events

Cassandra is a firm believer that we all have the ability to make wonderful, positive changes in the world around us. Our actions don’t have to be enormous; they just need to have heart.