Citizen of the Year Winner
Ken Warburton
Ken Warburton is a Sutherland Shire native, and staunch advocate and fundraiser for people with disability. He is the founder and director of the Pre WWII-Car Show and a Sylvanvale Member. The car show has raised over $120,000 with over 5,000 attendees at this year's show. Ken’s event promotes inclusion, social wellbeing and harmony by drawing together people of all ages and abilities from many diverse parts of the community. By raising funds for Sylvanvale, his work improves access to important community services and equipment for people with disability.
Young Citizen of the Year Winner
Joshua Craig
Joshua Craig has been helping the Sutherland Shire with the NSW SES Cronulla unit for over 5 years. He also volunteers to promote a great fan experience at the Sharks home games, offers assistance when people have been in a crash or broken down, providing first aid at incidents at the beach and at sporting events as well as helping young kids to find a job or write a resume.
Community Group of the Year Winner
Rotary Club of Caringbah
Rotary has 40+ active members, who are passionate about supporting the community through a range of national and international projects including Rotary Care Packs, Sutherland Food Services, BBQ’s, Project Youth, Activus transport, Kingsway Care, Kurranulla Aboriginal Group, Sutherland Hospital, Sutherland Food Services, Dandelion Monthly, Adopt-A-Tree, Caringbah Community Markets, End Polio Now, ShelterBox Disaster Relief, Australian Rotary Health, and a container of goods to Tonga. Over the decades they have donated millions of dollars to local community groups, disaster relief and humanitarian projects such as Project Youth Café Y program, Cancer Council, Walk for Respectful Relationships, Lismore floods, Enrichment and Leadership training, U-Turn-The-Wheel Coordination. The club has created and funded a spiritually significant “Yarning Circle” at Kirinari Hostel in Kirrawee, engaging local indigenous groups.
Environmental Citizen of the Year Winner
Kal Glanznig
Through "Plastic Free Cronulla", which he co-founded in 2019, Kal has delivered positive environmental changes. Kal speaks at schools and works with the state government to see changes legislated. Kal’s environmental leadership saw him selected onto the 2022 World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council. Shire businesses have implemented environmental changes due to Kal's involvement. Recently Kal was invited to attend the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference as a delegate. He has been a part of the Cook Federal Electorate Stronger Communities Grant Panel, plays first grade water polo with Cronulla Sharks Water Polo, is a Water Polo NSW Culture ambassador and a strong advocate for sportsmanship and respect in sport. Kal has recently graduated from the University of Sydney where he was awarded the University of Sydney Blue & Gold scholarship and the Unibank Leaders Scholarship.
Nominees - Citizen of the Year
Bob East
Bob is Gymea men's and women's Probus Club ‘walking pioneer’, which means he must Identify, to reconnoitre, encourage and navigate the walk for our members each month, which he does exceptionally well. He is a selfless, caring bloke and is unstintingly nominated by his colleagues. He has been doing this job for the Probus Club members for years. Considering the emphasis all Government agencies are placing on the need to exercise as we get older, his club members feel he contribution to the community is spot-on.
Bronte Hendricks
Bronte is co -founder of Stellar Experiences a disability support group for young members aged 16- 35 years in the community. Stellar Experiences also support young clients to live Independently and achieve any goals and wish lists they may have. Bronte takes her role beyond and above, being an advocate for people with disabilities and is always available on a personal level with her clients.
Gaye Cameron
Gaye has been a volunteer since 1989 including as the Local Commander for Randwick SES (awarded a NSW Premiers Award for her work), the Sutherland Shire Council Local Flood Planning Committee and a Social Worker and Psychotherapist. In her latest role Gaye provides free services to members of our community less fortunate helping with drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, relationships and more. Gaye has achieved many credentials academically too. Gaye is always giving to community, and never asks much in return.
Graham Avery
Graham is a young Aboriginal man of Dhurga, Djirrinjanj, Gumbaynggirr, Danghutti, and Ngiyampaa language groups decent. Graham volunteers to share culture, conducts research of Dharawal cultural heritage, history, environment, language. Graham shares his extensive knowledge of native bushland, botanical names, foods, and medicines as a volunteer running Yarning Circles, Smoking Ceremonies & practices. Graham also volunteers to help people researching their genealogy lines. Graham is the Chairperson of Sutherland Shire Reconciliation Inc. He is passionate about reviving the Dharawal language and has assisted to develop a Picture Dictionary of Dharawal words given out as a gift to children from Sutherland Shire Reconciliation Inc.
Helen Mabbutt
A group of parents in the Special Education Unit at Endeavour SHS formed a charity SKWAD (Special Kids with a Disability) in 2010. Helen Mabbutt has been an integral part of this team and is the current elected President. Helen has been the driving force behind this team and has worked tirelessly to help promote positive outcomes for Special Education students.
Jamie Gavin
Jamie is a police sergeant at Sutherland police station, he has been a member of the force for the past 28 years, he is an incredibly caring person, he is also a captain at the Woronora bush fire station, where he spends every weekend that he is not working at the police station, he fought the recent bush fires, devoting his life to serving others. He has many awards as a police officer and as the bush fire captain.
Joanne Hurst
Jo is a Wellbeing and Support Officer for the Department of Education. She is passionate about student welfare and works tirelessly to assist public schools and many students, often with additional needs, to reach positive achievements and outcomes. Jo trained to become a Lifeline volunteer where she spends some of her afternoons and weekends listening, supporting and empowering vulnerable members of our community.
Julie McKinnery
Julie has always volunteered her time including participation in many roles at the North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and Cronulla Caringbah Junior Rugby League Club. Julie’s dedication to the community is unwavering. Julie opens up her home serving breakfast and going well into the night with live music, BBQ, lucky door prizes, raffles and auctions as part of her biggest pink breakfast for Breast Cancer awareness month. Over 200 people visited throughout the day and over $25,000 was raised, making the total upwards of $70,000 since Julie took over hosting the breakfast in 2015. As Julie says “not bad for a backyard shindig”.
Kellie Stubbs
Kellie’s first involvement with mental health awareness was with a real and tragic need after the suicide of one Como Crocs Rugby League fellow members. Since then, Kellie has become a driving force in the Gotcha4Lifes mental fitness program. She has started a “Walk and Talk” program to get some exercise for both the body and the mind.
Lisa Tilsed
Lisa has been an inspiration to thousands of women. Lisa co-created the "Wondering Women Group". This group organises events, walks and weekends away to help women with depression and domestic violence issues. Lisa does all this on top of a demanding full-time job, running a home and also organising things for thousands of women for free.
Serder (Sam) Guner
Sam is a very modest person; he has won various world titles in Taewondo. He has represented Australia all over the world. He has trained over 22 Australian Champions in the past and present, and currently training some of his members to compete at the next Olympic games. Sam doesn't discriminate against people with a disability, he focusses on their ability, giving everyone individual attention and making sure everyone is included in all activities.
Sharon Collon
Sharon's company The Functional Family provides life changing support and strategies for parents of children with ADHD. There is a lack of support offered to the parents. Sharon provides this valuable service and a lot of free resources. She works with passion and dedication. Sharon wants to change how the world sees ADHD.
Sophie Brown
Sophie is a local photographer who has been working on her photography project 'Sutherland Shire Open 4 Business' which connects businesses with the local community since 2019. Sophie hosts a community-based Photography Workshop that help people build connections and increase their knowledge of photography in a time of post covid anxiety. A Board Member of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber, Sophie has actively been involved in the Chamber as a volunteer as a Board Director and is passionate about helping the economy to grow in our local area.
Nominees - Young Citizen of the Year
Jade Lucy
Jade is a MultiClass swimmer in the S14 category for swimmers with an intellectual disability. Jade has a rare genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. She also suffers from Epilepsy. Jade has a love of all sports having competed in Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Netball, Oztag, Water Polo and Triatholon. Previously, Jade has been selected in the NSWCHS Swimming Team, the National Squad with SLC Aquadot, the INAS Global Games, the INAS World Swimming Championships, the Australian Para Dolphins team and competed at the World Swimming Championships in London. Jade was named captain of the Australian Global Games team and competed in the 2022 Commonwealth Games for women and the Virtus Oceania games held in Brisbane in 2022 . Jade has won many medals and claimed several Australian and Oceania records.
Justin and Lachlan Hess
The twin brothers raise much needed fund for cancer research, various cancer research charities and the Love Your Sister Foundation. Justin is a personal trainer and business owner of his own gym in Kirrawee, and Lachlan is a lawyer. They both turn 25 in October, the age their sister passed away from Ewings Sarcoma 2 years ago. This year, they hosted the third annual 12 Hour Walk for Nicole in memory of their sister. For two young men who have lost so much, they have helped so many people, both through their fundraising and their attitude to life. They are passionate about the cause and work tirelessly outside their busy day jobs to raise awareness as well as money for cancer and aim to inspire other cancer sufferers and give hope and support.
Kal Glanznig
Through "Plastic Free Cronulla", which he co-founded in 2019, Kal has delivered positive environmental changes. Kal speaks at schools and works with the state government to see changes legislated. Kal’s environmental leadership saw him selected onto the 2022 World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council. Shire businesses have implemented environmental changes due to Kal's involvement. Recently Kal was invited to attend the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference as a delegate. He has been a part of the Cook Federal Electorate Stronger Communities Grant Panel, plays first grade water polo with Cronulla Sharks Water Polo, is a Water Polo NSW Culture ambassador and a strong advocate for sportsmanship and respect in sport. Kal has recently graduated from the University of Sydney where he was awarded the University of Sydney Blue & Gold scholarship and the Unibank Leaders Scholarship.
Megan Cox
Since 2019, Megan has volunteered her time with Civic, Sylvanvale and Engadine Community Services, 40th MS Gong Ride, MS Walk Run & Roll, Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog, Cronulla Sharks NRL Club, Skillz4me, Sharks Have Heart charity and the School for Life Foundation Charity Ball. Megan was awarded the 2021 Trainee of the Year in NSW and Australia. In the past year, Megan became an ambassador with the Educational Pathways Program and the Australian VET Alumni. She also mentors' young women through The Orbispace Initiative and volunteers with Inspiring the Future Australia.
Will Angus
Will was awarded1st prize in the “SMC Waratah Award for Young Composers” in both 2021 and 2022, as well as the President’s Prize in the “SMC Banksia Award for Young Composers” in 2019, at the Youth Music Awards. Whilst studying at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Will tutors trumpet to local Sutherland Shire students, installs artworks at Hazlehurst Art Gallery, works at multiple local businesses and volunteers at the Marrickville Asylum Seekers Centre, the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, the Loaves and Fishers restaurant, community sport in Grays Point and the Oasis Desert Van. He has scored the music for numerous short films, games and is possibly the youngest composer to score a complete feature film. Will’s local community work has included photography of low budget weddings and filming advertisements for small local businesses.
Nominees - Community Group of the Year
Bate Bay Body Bashers
A bodysurfing club established in 2016 to allow members for the community to be bonded by the ocean. Since its establishment the club has grown to over 150 members and continues to serve in and out of the water. In 2020 the Bate Bay Body Bashers Blood Bank was established when group gatherings were banned as a result of the pandemic and since then the local blood bank has benefitted with 30 new donors contributing. The club has also served in several local charity events and raised funds for several community initiatives. In particular, the support of Take 3 for the Sea and Plastic Free Cronulla.
Engadine/Heathcote Community page
A team of three people who put in countless hours to help drive community engagement and support for each other. Including fundraisers for people in need, building business awareness and community engagement.
Shire Animal Rescue
Shire Animal Rescue has been active in the Sutherland Shire since 2014. They are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation & rehoming of animals. Their objective is to curb the population of stray cats by advocating for and involvement in desexing programs. Rehoming means there is less cats on the street protecting our small native animals. Shire Animal Rescue continues to support new adopters after adopting in the first 14 days & after by having them join the adoption family Facebook group. Orphaned, including neonatal, kittens are hand raised and nurtured by experienced carers before being placed in the adoption program.
Sutherland Music Club
Sutherland Music Club gave music lovers 6 concerts in 2022. The Club organizes the annual Youth Music Awards which sees selected youth perform at the 30th Anniversary Finals Concert. Many past performers have been successful on the “world stage”, this year’s Winner - 14-year-old Maggie Elizabeth Zeng - was offered the opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in October.
Thrive By Pathways
Thrive is an amazing service to the community, supporting our elderly population through specialised rehabilitation and physiotherapy which is directly designed for people over the age of 60. Thrive by Pathways is a safe, beautiful, and caring space that allows seniors to stay independent for longer.
Wondering Women
Wondering Women is a not-for-profit community group with over 2,000 members. The group organises activities that bring likeminded women together supporting diversity and inclusion. Activities include, walking tours, hiking, swimming, book club, cooking classes, bike riding and retreats. The group undertake fundraising for the Local Cancer Care Foundation, a Women's Shelter, "Waves of Wellness" and various charities at Christmas as well as donating urgent supplies to Lismore flood victims. Wondering Women's Cloud 9 Mental Health Community Program has been very successful with over 40 women being accredited Mental Health First Aiders who are able to support members of the group and the community.
Zonta Club of Botany Bay
Zonta Club of Botany Bay Incorporated formed in 1994 is advocacy for women. A small group of dedicated women who meet every month and continually raise money for a great variety of needs including young women, disadvantage women, International Aid including the Zonta Birthing Kits and Education sponsorship.
Nominees - Environmental Citizen of the Year
Brian Wilmott
Since 2013, Brian WIlmott has volunteered his time as the unofficial “Rubbish Collection & Removal Manager” for the Potter Point NSW National Park. Working with Sutherland Shire Council Lifeguards, Mark Speakman (MP for Cronulla) and NSW National Park Rangers, Brian has implemented many improvement ideas, reduced litter, improved safety, and cut down on anti-social behaviour. Brian has personally removed tonnes of litter as well as lead and consulted on issues related to litter at Potter Point.
Petra Themsen
Petra Themsen is a learning support officer at Taren Point Public School and an environmental and sustainability warrior encouraging over half of the school’s students to participate in the environment and garden club. Petra has introduced a recycling, composting, worm farms, encouraged staff to be environmentally minded, leads the schools garden club and cares for the school’s bees and chickens. Her passion is also reflected in her private life as she has an off the grid home at Oyster Bay.
Steve Anyon-Smith & Tom Kristensen
Citizen scientists Steven and Tom have found, individually identified and named over 100 previously undocumented koalas within the Heathcote National Park and other parks. They have spent thousands of hours searching and documenting their finds, done educational interviews with the ABC, hosted guided walks to the public and presented talks to raise awareness about these endangered creatures on our doorstep. Both Steve and Tom are also long serving Bushcare volunteers.
Citizen of the Year winner
Danielle Lucas and Megan Barnes
Danielle founded a NFP charity 5 years ago called Care 4 Kids Ltd for children impacted by domestic violence. She grew up aff ected by domestic violence losing her mum to years of abuse & she was placed in foster care. During lockdown & while out of work herself, besides running her charity which is inundated with requests she has taken on ensuring families in her community are being looked after, with meals & groceries making sure they are not going without. She has approached local restaurants to donate meals, cooked herself, community have donated vouchers & she has used her own vehicle delivering meals every day for the last few weeks. She is amazing, selfl ess, kind, caring & passionate about helping others. She is a mum, friend, wife and a community champion!
Megan has been relentless over the last 9 years with her crusade to ensure no other family has to hear the words “I have pancreatic cancer”. Megan lost her father in just 120 days in 2012 but doesn’t dwell on that fact as doing that would let her Father’s legacy die. Megan is on the World pancreatic cancer coalition & continues to use her voice with not only The Shire but the world to ensure we all know the symptoms. Megan’s advocacy is such that she was mentioned in parliament by our honourable MP Mark Speakman.
Young Citizen of the Year winner
Alexander Tuckfield
Alexander is a Paralympic athlete who recently competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games & achieved a bronze medal in the 400 Freestyle for swimming. This was his first international competition at the highest level possible. This was an incredible achievement given the impact of Covid. This took 5 years of commitment starting as an 11-year-old with a goal of making the Paralympics, swimming 20 hrs. a week in Sutherland pool. During Covid he did not give up, swam in the ocean at Cronulla and Gunnamatta bay, using a wetsuit in winter to keep swimming even in the dark. As an athlete born with Cerebral Palsy. He used swimming to help manage his disability throughout his life. This is very inspirational.
Community Group of the Year winner
Covid-19 Sutherland Shire Community Group
The COVID-19 Sutherland Shire Community Group Facebook page kept the community abreast of COVID developments, news & updates with accurate, timely information with some laughs along the way. throughout COVID. I referred to this page on a daily basis & potentially 5,000 others did too! Their selflessness & commitment to outstanding service in the name of keeping us safe and healthy.
Environmental Citizen of the Year winner
Julie Keating
Julie is a shorebird enthusiast, who for the last 10 years has been studying the Port Hacking shorebirds. She is out every day monitoring the sands & mudfl ats that are home to these extraordinary birds. Through her stunning photography & video, Julie has raised awareness of the shorebirds among residents & visitors & advocated for protection of their habitat. Using social media, she has actively grown Shire shorebird interest. Furthermore, she leads walks & is building a growing team of volunteers, helping them to learn about the birds, monitor numbers, movements, & behaviour & how to look after them. She has also contributed vital information to inform government decision making on development in shorebird habitat areas. Julie’s leadership in public information, education & advocacy is crucial to ensure that these incredible shorebirds find a safe and welcoming home in the Shire.
Nominees - Citizen of the Year
Cameron Simpson
Cameron is a firefighter and for the past 10 years as a volunteer lifesaver with Elouera SLSC as patrol Captain. Last year Cameron with fellow patrol members successfully rescued and resuscitated a member of the public. The rescue was nominated for “Rescue of the Year” at Surf Life Saving Sydney Branch.
Emma Payne
Emma shares the joy of music and movement helping elderly people in independent and aged care stay active. During COVID, she’s continued to run movement classes either in-person, dancing outside of windows or online. Emma also offered free movement classes online to local children and Aged Care staff.
Jacqueline Townsend
Jackie is a volunteer firefighter with Menai RFS as a captain and nurse, is the first aid teacher and responder. She was involved in fighting the Black summer bush fires. As a front-line health worker she has been instrumental in providing safe infection control and involved in reassuring patients, especially the elderly and in the safe roll out of the influenza vaccine, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccines.
Patricia Pender
Pat has been presenting a radio program, Saturday Morning Jukebox, for over 10 years on 2SSR. It is one of the most popular Saturday programs not only on 2SSR but on Sydney radio in general. There are thousands of Shire listeners every week as well as listeners interstate and overseas. Pat is a volunteer and as well as producing & presenting her weekly 4-hour program, she is also the Program Manager for 2SSR.
Sandra Holden
Sandra is a dedicated role model for those who are passionate about mental health and improved wellbeing. Her advocacy and passion for a supportive and inclusive community is demonstrated positively through her role as Lucas Heights Community Schools Wellbeing Advisor.
Scott Thomas
Scott is a Nippers coordinator with Elouera SLSC and a Fireman who is a role model for kids at Elouera. Scott spends his time planning, communicating and working with age managers, parents and the Nippers’ Committee so that kids can learn, train and compete.
Sophie Brown
Sophie is a photographer in the Shire and started a project due to lockdown, Sutherland Shire Open 4 Business to help promote Shire businesses. Sophie was on Job Keeper and decided to do the first 100 businesses for FREE, valued at $55,000. Sophie has completed 200 photo sessions & captured 180 businesses for the project.
Spyros Abelas
Spyro is a Greek migrant who purchased a Mixed Business on Gerrale Street. He worked every day for 5 years to make his business a success. Spyro’s passion for small business started here where he became an active member of the Cronulla Community.
Nominees - Young Citizen of the Year
Amanda Reid
Amanda at the age of 24 she has been to three Paralympics Games, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020. Amanda’s achievements are a Gold medal and World Record in Track Cycling, Silver in Track Cycling and Finalist in London in swimming. Amanda helps other young athletes via mentoring or assisting and has donated cycling equipment to cycling clubs.
Ashleigh Dean
Ashleigh is a proud advocate for mental health and the lives of young people around her. With such passion and drive, Ashleigh dedicates her time with various organisations where she can volunteer and share her ideas with the team to achieve goals.
Lara Proctor
Lara led the creation of ‘Women United’ which seeks to combat sexism in all forms through education and empowerment of young women and young men about the impact their behaviour and comments have on women. Through this initiative Lara mentored younger peers and provided leadership opportunities.
Nominees - Community Group of the Year
1st Oyster Bay Scout Group
The 1st Oyster Bay Scout Group organised a District Backyard Camp at home and Olympics to provide an opportunity for Cubs and Scouts to interact and lift the spirits of over 60 Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts & Venture Scouts during the COVID lockdown period.
Activus Transport
Activus Transport continued to provide essential community transport services during lockdown for Shire residents and enhanced the wellbeing of members of the community during. Appointments, shopping and veterinarian visits for pets still had to be attended and without Activus facilitating those trips, many Shire residents would have missed crucial commitments.
Care 4 Kids
Care 4 Kids Ltd is a NFP charity founded five years ago by Danielle Lucas to help children impacted by domestic violence. She grew up affected by domestic violence losing her mum to years of abuse and she was placed in foster care.
Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation
Kurranulla is a community group based in Sutherland Shire, whose services played a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of members of the local Aboriginal community during particularly with Covid-19. Kurranulla are dedicated to providing individually tailored and culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander’s within the Shire.
Southern Sydney 24 Hour Ultra
Stephen Redfern is an Australian 24-hour track representative, he is humble & wants only the best for the Sutherland Shire. His Southern Sydney 24 Hour Ultra is well run, inspires and facilitates runners of all levels.
Sutherland Music Club
The Sutherland Music Club provides an important service to the Shire. With the onset of Covid, the Club was forced to cancel our remaining 2020 concerts and annual Youth Music Awards competition. The Club has provided four concerts which have not only entertained our masked, Covid-safe audiences of senior citizens, but given performance opportunities for professional musicians.
The Daisie Chain
The Daisie Chain are a dedicated team of fitness instructors, performers and entertainers for the Aged Care and Disability. The team’s resilience and adaptability has meant residents have been able to stay active with online classes.
Zonta Club of Botany Bay
NB: This Community Group works & operates from the Sutherland Shire - Zonta Club of Botany Bay (ZCBB) have worked for 27 years to support local women. ZCBB worked with Platform 9 for women in crisis to provide household essentials to every family leaving the refuge. This year, every client was provided with bed linen to use &and take with them as part of the refuge’s COVID response.
Nominees - Environmental Citizen of the Year winner
Deborah Stapleton
Debbie launched the Sutherland Shire Balloon Library on Facebook earlier this year. The balloon library is free to join and allows community to contribute their used helium balloons. Debbie retrieves them and lends them to the public as many times as feasible, for no charge.
Dennis Dal Santo
Dennis is passionate about the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Dennis and a few other volunteers collect plastic waste from Green Hills, Boat Harbour, Potter Point, Silvers Beach and Burning Palms Beach, helping to clean the environment for all users.
Jonathan Prendergast and Jay Banyer
Jonathan & Jay established Sunny Shire several years ago in order to support the Shire community to receive the benefits of renewable energy and efficiency including cost savings, self-reliance, resilience and lower impact on our environment. Jonathan and Jay work in the renewable energy industry but run Sunny Shire purely as volunteers, as a project of the environmental charity Sutherland Shire Environment Centre.
Robyn Bingle
Robyn is a member of the of the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club and is passionate about protecting Woronora River where the club is based against plastic pollution. The club has been involved in an increasing number of clean-ups along the river, targeting hard to reach areas not serviced by Council and Georges Riverkeeper.
Citizen of the Year winner
Sandra Hudson
Sandra Hudson, as a volunteer at Sutherland Shire hospital who organises events to raise awareness of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit including CPR nights, women's heart dinners and the 'Happy Hearts' Sutherland Shire walking group. Sandra also started the 'MRI for Sutherland Hospital' action group.
Young Citizen of the Year winner
Ashleigh Dean
Ashleigh Dean is a Mental Health advocate working as an active member of the Headspace Youth Reference Group, as well as organising and leading the Wellbeing Day within her school. Ashleigh has achieved the 'highly commendable' award for Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs, as well as becoming the School Captain of her Local High School.
Community Group of the Year winner
Engadine/Heathcote & Surrounds: New Mum Village
Engadine/Heathcote & Surrounds: New Mum Village. This year when nearly all mothers groups were cancelled, two local mums with newborns created an online community group helping more than 190 mothers in Engadine/Heathcote & Surrounds with their pregnancy and babies. The group plans park playdates, monthly 'Wine Down Wednesday' lunches at which they have raised $500 for Breast Cancer and are starting a local Nanna Morning Tea with community members who can't see their grandchildren due to the border closures.
Environmental Citizen of the Year winner
Sarah-Jo Lobwein
Nominees - Citizen of the Year
Marilyn Urch and Sandra Hudson
Marilyn Urch (left) and Sandra Hudson spent two years working to have an MRI machine at Sutherland Hospital. At the moment approximagely 800 patients have to travel from Sutherland Hospital to St George Hospital to have an MRI.
Rob Cook
Rob helped set up the Sutherland Shire Community Co-op, an open pantry for Sutherland Shire residents who lost their jobs due to Covid. The co-op brings in over a tonne of fresh food every week, along with a similar amount of long life type foods, equating to more than 1000 meals per week.
Joanne Myers
Joanne volunteers her time to run the Grays Point Girl Guides teaching young girls about caring for the environment and life skills. She is also the NSW Cleft Pals contact new families of babies born with cleft lip and palettes and also helps at the hospital meeting the parents when their baby is born.
Günther Theischinger
Günther Theischinger is a retired entomologist who lives in the Shire. He would be considered one of Australia's leading experts on Dragonflies. In 2020 Mr. Theischinger helped Sutherland Shire Council staff with the identification of a possible rare Sydney Hawk dragonfly larvae.
Thomas McCabe
Thomas has been a dedicated member of NSW Rural Fire Service - Sutherland Communications and Heathcote/HQ Brigade for the past 46 years. Thomas is also an active member of the Sutherland District Secondary Schools Cadet Program.
Andrew Deards
Andrew serves with the Australian Air Force Cadets unit at Sutherland, No.18 Flight as Instructor/Lecturer. He is also a current member of the local Marine Rescue and a member of the Grays Point Rural Fire Service
Nominees - Young Citizen of the Year
Samuel Corby
Samuel Corby is an active member of both NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service. Today at only 24 years of age, Sam has demonstrated commitment to both Emergency Services as a volunteer member.
Nicholas Creef
Nicholas has cared for families and children through tragedy and mentored students from year 6 to year 7 with disabilities. He has worked with Aboriginal organisations for the welfare of Aboringal families in Sutherland Shire and organised parent breakfasts for the School community.
Bronte Leghissa
Bronte Leghissa developed an online platform to encourage local spending and support local business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Darian Lenton
Darian founded We, Future Leaders - a tutoring and mentoring company and in less than 12 months has grown from just herself to a team of 25 staff. She is an active volunteer, musician, author and advocate for children in out of home care.
Keiley Mead
Keiley Mead, is a health and wellness advocate and one of the faces of Chronic Pain Australia's 2020 Awareness Campaign. Having suffered personal health challenges, Keiley is now a role model. She is a university student, business owner and disability support worker.
Kai Withers
Kai, a surf life saver and full time apprentice in construction, he dedicates his spare time to assisting kids his own age with disabilities. He goes above the requirements and develops friendships with them and even invites them to his mum’s for dinner.
Nominees - Community Group of the Year
Sutherland Shire Family Services
Sutherland Shire Family Services provides a comprehensive service for women, children and young people, when they are at their most vulnerable. They provide a safety net, financially and emotionally, and help people heal from trauma to rebuild their lives.
Sutherland Food Services
Stellar Experiences
Enabling young people living with disabilities to engage in social activities helping them live their best lives. A social group supporting our additional needs youth to enjoy an inclusive social environment.
3 Bridges Early Years Support Service
Professionally trained and supervised volunteers home visit mothers referred by health & welfare workers for support due to lack of family support, or mothers who have as post natal depression, anxiety, multiple births, ill health and or disability issues, new to the area and Australian Defence families.
Sydney 3 CAMberra
The Sydney 2 CAMberra charity group, which was created in the Sutherland Shire to support families and friends touched by incidents of stillbirth and infant loss. Over nine years this charity has raised/donated over $1.6M to various charities, all done on a volunteer basis.
Sutherland Shire Horse Owners Association Club
Sutherland Shire Horse Owners Association Club has been providing opportunities and support to Junior, Senior and Disabled riders to compete in the sport of Dressage. They also provide opportunities for Race Horses to be retrained and re-homed.
St George/Sutherland Parkinson's Support Group
The Parkinson's NSW St George/Sutherland Parkinson's Support Group provide social and emotional support for people living with Parkinson's and their families and carers in Sutherland Shire. They raise funds to support the ongoing work of Parkinson's NSW by hosting BBQ's and Fashion shows.
Wildlife Emergency Response, Sutherland Shire & Beyond
Wildlife Emergency Response, Sutherland Shire & Beyond is a community response group that has assisted hundreds of injured, orphaned and rehabilitating native animals, following the devastation of recent drought and fire events.
Citizen of the Year winner
Michael Batty
Michael has given a significant amount of his personal time to community based activities including surf life saving, bushfire brigade, the John Franklin Christmas Day lunch, Sutherland Hospital, and as a board member of Tradies.
Young Citizen of the Year winner
Kal Glanzing
Kal has continually strived to improve our community through the Plastic Free Cronulla initiative, organising $100,000 worth of solar panels for Caringbah High School, being on the Stakeholder Reference Group for the Cronula Plaza redevelopment, and providing an alternative community-driven design for the Boat Harbour redevelopment.
Community Group of the Year winner
Animal Shelter Volunteers
Animal Shelter Volunteers are a group of dedicated people who attend the shelter in rain, hail or shine and provide love and care to the animals by spending time helping to socialise and train them in readiness for when they find a new home. The volunteers also help with cleaning and tidying the facility, washing bedding and cleaning in the dog kennels and runs, and in the cattery.
Environmental Citizen of the Year winner
Chase Cross
Chase is a young community champion, collecting cans and bottles used at home, from restaurants, social and sporting events and even family holidays as part of a school project called “The Planet is there to Share”. Chase collected 2061 in a single school term and through the Return and earn scheme, earned $206.10 which he donated to Love Mercy Foundation. The Foundation is a local Sutherland Shire based charity that helps people in Northern Uganda, Africa.
Nominees - Citizen of the Year
Jane Hall
Jane Hall is a long term, and active, member of Southern Brass (Sutherland Shire Brass), 1st Oyster Bay Scouts, and a volunteer with Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Eric Tam
Eric has been a volunteer with St John Ambulance for over 20 years. This year he started the St John Ambulance (NSW) - Sutherland Cadets to give young people opportunities to learn new skills, grow in confidence and form strong friendships.
Nominees - Young Citizen of the Year
Luiza Knijnik
Luiza is a proactive member of our community and a passionate advocate for young refugees, educating her peers about the struggles refugees face. Luiza also publishes an online social justice magazine for young people that explores global topics of equality, health, human rights.
Katelyn Peoples
Katelyn has served with St John Ambulance for many years, volunteering for over her set hourly requirements every year with local and state duties and is now an officer within the organisation and second in command of their new youth division.
Nominees - Community Group of the Year
Bonnet Bay Football Club
Bonnet Bay FC operates within a small pocket of Sutherland Shire yet punches well above its weight on and off the field and is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community gets behind a well compiled strategy. Named 2018 Best Community Sports Club of the Year by Sports NSW and Best Club at the 2018 Menai District Sports Awards.
Cronulla Rotary Club
Cronulla Rotary is a dynamic bunch of community-minded people who donate their time to help people and groups in our district. The club's focus is on the youth in the Shire and fundraising for local charities.
The OWN Sutherland Wellness Centre
The OWN Sutherland Wellness Centre provides support for women over 50 in a social and health context. Activities run by professional trainers assist women to stay healthy. Lunches, book club, day outings and morning teas provide important social connection. By gaining support, older women continue to play a vital part in their communities, volunteering for many other important services in the Shire and, in turn, supporting those around them.
Sutherland Shire Horse Owners Club
The Sutherland Shire Horse Owners club has been active in the Shire for nearly 40 years, providing Event/Competitions for Dressage riders. It has particularly encouraged young and junior riders to compete and provides events for disabled riders. A Rio Disabled Olympic rider competed at the Como grounds. It's a very friendly club and encourages the sport of Dressage in Sutherland Shire.
Sutherland 2 Surf
The Sutherland 2 Surf (S2S) is a community fun run/walk catering for all ages and levels of physical capability. It is coordinated by a committee of volunteer members from the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club who also dedicate their time to patrol Wanda Beach, educate, coach and train surf lifesavers as well as other activities for the Club.
Nominees - Environmental Citizen of the Year winner
Jannali Rangers
The Jannali Rangers is a group of students and parent/grandparent volunteers from Jannali Public School who work together to look after “The Patch” at the school, a community vegetable garden that encourages and inspires sustainable practices such as food waste avoidance, recycling and composting. It gives students a sense of place and their role in looking after that place and how with little changes big differences can be achieved not just at school but also at home.
Toni Weber
Toni has single-handedly driven change within the community and young and upcoming workforce who she has retrained to hold new ideals of environmental awareness. She is the driving force of sustainable and environmentally friendly choices at her café Mr Paisleys Café including a boomerang cup program, Keep Cup discounts and avoiding single-use plastic in business operations.