East Gippsland Shire Council has recognised the significant contribution of volunteers across the region during National Volunteer Week, with several local residents honoured through the East Gippsland Volunteer Honour Roll.
This year’s inductees collectively contributed more than 469 years of volunteer service across East Gippsland communities, highlighting the depth of community involvement across sport, emergency services, health and local organisations.
Among those recognised in the Lakes Entrance area were Geof Bassett and Tracey Le Maitre, both acknowledged for more than 40 years of volunteer service. Aaliyah Ratzmann was recognised for more than five years, while Sonya Martin was acknowledged in the up to five years category.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity to celebrate the vital role volunteers play in strengthening local communities.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community — whether they’re supporting emergency services, aged care, environmental conservation or local sport,” Cr Ashworth said.
“Their efforts make East Gippsland stronger, more connected and a better place to live.”
Since its establishment in 2022, more than 300 volunteers from across East Gippsland have been recognised through the Volunteer Honour Roll, with nominations remaining open year-round.
Council also highlighted the involvement of staff who volunteer with organisations, including the CFA, emergency services, Learn to Drive programs, sporting clubs and community groups.
Lakes Entrance CFA volunteer Geof Bassett has been recognised for more than four decades of dedicated service to the community. Bassett has served continuously with the CFA for 42 years, holding a range of leadership roles, including captain and first lieutenant. He currently serves as 1st Deputy Group Officer and is also qualified as a fire medical responder.
Alongside his frontline operational work, Bassett represents volunteers at board level through Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.
Throughout his years of service, he has regularly responded to high-risk incidents including bushfires, structure fires and multi-agency emergency responses.
Known for his reliability and commitment, Bassett consistently records the highest attendance rate for call-outs at Lakes Entrance CFA.
Also among this year’s Lakes Entrance honourees, Tracey Le Maitre’s recognition also resonates strongly within the Lakes Entrance Amateur Basketball Association (LEABA), where she has been a long-serving and highly respected figure.
LEABA said the acknowledgement reflects the importance of volunteers at every level of community sport.
“From fundraising, coaching, refereeing, scoring, helping in the canteen, assisting on committees, team managers, or getting your children to and from games and training — it all matters and we thank you,” the club said.
“Those who have given over the years and those starting out, it couldn’t work without you. Many started at LEABA playing as kids or as parents of children, and over the years have given back to the club in various other roles. We see you and celebrate you.”
Already a LEABA life member, Tracey has contributed to the club for more than 40 years and has volunteered across the broader Lakes Entrance football and sporting community.
She is well known for her long-standing roles as a referee, treasurer and committee member, alongside extensive behind-the-scenes work, including jersey management, canteen support and score bench duties.
“For all that you see her do around the club, there is so much more she does behind the scenes,” LEABA said.
The club congratulated LeMaitre on her recognition, describing it as a well-deserved honour and thanking her for her long-standing dedication to basketball and the Lakes Entrance community.
