Ku-ring-gai, the Northern Beaches and Willoughby City Council have awarded their local heroes.
The Australia Day Awards stand to recognise and appreciate the work of individuals and groups that contribute to the betterment of the local community.
For the Northern Beaches, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jimmy Arteaga from Forestville, Unit Commander for Broken Bay Marine Rescue.
Senior Citizen of the Year was presented to Aileen Ogilvie from North Narrabeen, Vice President of the community-based service MoWaNa and lifelong volunteer across the Northern Beaches.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Lachlan O’Callaghan and Cooper Morgan for their rescue operation for a man caught in danger while they were working at The Quays Marina.
Sportsperson of the Year was presented to Ben Tudhope for his brilliant athletic ability as a Paralympian and World Champion.
Community Event of the Year was the BEACH2BEACH Charity Fun Run, organised by the Rotary Club of Warringah. Community Group of the Year was awarded to Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association of NSW, who have recently celebrated 100 years of support across the Northern Beaches community.
Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to David Price from Balgowlah Heights, Denver J Bevan from Queenscliff, Gary Searles from Bilgola Plateau, John Diamond from Terrey Hills, Jon Russell from Cottage Point, Kelly Barr-Jones from Allambie Heights, Marilinda Winter from Narraweena, and Terry Cook from Ingleside.
For Ku-ring-gai, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Michele Bell, CEO of Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre.
Young Citizen of the Year was presented to Kevin Hao, co-founder of Youth 4 Difference, the student-led community organisation.
Environmental Citizen of the Year was given to Jemma Wlasichuk, owner of shed eleven. Jemma received the award for her campaign “Paint to Donate Australia” and her work donating upcycled furniture and artworks to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.
The Mayor’s Award for an Outstanding Contribution by a Community Group was awarded to The Men’s Kitchen. The community service gives older gentlemen the opportunity to learn and improve upon their cooking skills.
For Willoughby City Council, the Cultural and Community Development Award was presented to Glenda Hewitt, the non-executive director of The Housing Connection in Chatswood.
Senior Citizen of the Year recipient was Pam Clifford, author of “Northbridge, Building a New Suburb” and “History of Northbridge Public School’s First 75 Years”.
Two awards were presented for Citizen of the Year. The first to Grant Berthold, long-term volunteer with Parkrun and SES. The second recipient John Hung Eun Noh, for his involvement with the MOSAIC Men’s Group as Group Coordinator since 2013.
