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Council's 2024 Citizen of the Year is Jimmy Arteaga. (l to r) Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and MRNSW Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga at the Commissioning of MRB21 the Bungaree. Photo: AJG/PON
Member Of The Order Of Australia (AM) In The General Division
Ms Caroline Kelly, Avalon Beach
For significant service to the community through awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer.
PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (formerly the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation)
- Ambassador, since 2008.
- Director and Chief Executive Officer, 2010-2020.
- Co-Founder, 2008.
- Founder, 'Put Your Foot Down' fundraising walks, since 2008.
- Host, Inaugural Pancreatic Cancer Research Symposium, The University of New South Wales, 2017.
- Organiser, National Strategy for Pancreatic Cancer Research Forum, 2013.
Awards and Recognition include:
- Pittwater Woman of the Year, 2013.
In June 2021 PanKind Co-Founder Caroline Kelly shared a letter of thanks to the entire community including all individuals and organisations that have, over so many years, contributed to making the greatest impact possible for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. The open letter was written to announce her retirement from PanKind.
That letter states:
"I want to share with you some personal news from me. After almost 13 years I have reached the difficult decision that it is time for me to step down from the Foundation (as a director and as an employee).
In the last couple of years, I have had little involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and have been absolutely delighted with the achievements over that time under the leadership of our CEO, Michelle Stewart, and with the team and board we have in place. I strongly believe the Foundation will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
Back in 2008 when Avner and I spoke about setting up a Fund for the disease, the view Avner held was that even small amounts of money could help have an impact on the disease but neither of us could ever have imagined all that the Foundation has achieved since launching. Some of those achievements include:
- funding 26 research grants across the country.
- funding the establishment of national surgical guidelines for the disease.
- through our research programs and symposiums, we have helped unite a disparate collection of passionate researchers and have led to more researchers choosing pancreatic cancer for their research focus.
We have given families an outlet for support and a way of being amongst others who understand the suffering of being impacted by the disease through our Put Your Foot Down walks and other events.
We have developed a booklet for patients and carers to help them through the various stages of the disease.
Getting the focus of government on the disease via our event at Federal Parliament House at which Minister Greg Hunt announced the development of a national pancreatic cancer roadmap for the disease.
Substantially increased the awareness of pancreatic cancer in the media and across the country through all forms of media and initiatives such as Play in Purple and Remember September.
All the above has only been achieved thanks to the support of our corporate and community donors, the passionate commitment of our community of volunteers across the country, our internationally respected Scientific Advisory Panel led by the brilliant Professor Ross McKinnon; our Clinical Advisory Panel led by the esteemed and caring Professor Chris Baggoley; the Pancreatic Cancer research and clinical community who dedicate their careers to making a difference to patients’ lives; our Board of Directors led by chairman Alan McArthur who guide all our strategic decisions and care deeply about making a difference and to our small but mighty team led by CEO Michelle Stewart. I would like to single out Grant O’Brien, Peter Hosking, Luke Dunkerley and the late Michael Luscombe without whom the Foundation would never have been established and succeeded in the way it has and to Warwick White whose early belief and support led to the Deep Spring Avner water initiative which went on to raise over $1m for the Foundation.
It would be remiss of me not to pass on my sincerest thanks to Woolworths which not only was where Avner worked and where we received much kindness and support during the toughest times, but it is where we launched the Fund back in 2008. Since then, Woolworths’ support has never waivered, and I am very grateful for the significant difference the company and its employees has made. Other companies which have generously supported us for many years include Wellcom, Red Jelly, Beak & Johnson and Coca-Cola Amatil and I thank all of them.
My heartfelt thanks to all who have helped contribute to the success of the Foundation and whose names are not listed here – I could fill this letter with pages and pages of names of people who have helped along the way.
I strongly believe the Foundation will continue to grow and achieve even bigger things for the disease in the years to come and I dearly hope you will continue to support any way you can to help achieve that goal.
I will always care about the Foundation, our incredible community of families, volunteers and researchers and I wish you all the very best going forward. The board have kindly given me an honorary title of Founding Ambassador so I will continue to have a small involvement and I hope to see you at events from time to time.
Kind regards,
Caroline.''
In 2013 when then Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes announced Caroline as the Pittwater Woman of the Year, he stated;
Caroline Kelly is the co-founder and director of the Avner Nahmani Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, named in honour of her late husband, which is Australia’s first and only research and support foundation exclusively dedicated towards pancreatic cancer.
“Caroline has overcome a tragic personal experience to inspire and give hope to others,” Rob Stokes said today. “From a situation where many would take a backward step – Caroline used her passion and determination to launch a foundation able to assist thousands in need.
“Under her leadership, Caroline’s foundation has helped generate widespread awareness and support for pancreatic cancer sufferers and helped raise millions of dollars in essential funds. The annual ‘Put Your Foot Down’ charity walk along Palm Beach is a great example of the successful fundraising initiatives Caroline has introduce for this increasingly important cause.
“Caroline’s efforts are a wonderful example of how determination and vision can provide lasting benefits and help change people’s lives. There is so much about Caroline’s story which reminds us about the possibilities in life and the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
“Caroline has refused to let the enormity of her goals deter her, and this is reflected in the growing success of her foundation. The motivation and commitment which Caroline displays is a real inspiration and this award is a fitting way to recognise her efforts,” Rob Stokes said.
We contacted Caroline to congratulate her and for a comment:
It is a great honour and quite overwhelming to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. I don't consider myself worthy of such an award, but it is something I will treasure forever. It is my hope that it can help put the spotlight on pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates of all cancers - Australian's diagnosed with the disease have a 5.2% chance of reaching the 5-year anniversary.
Caroline Kelly Pittwater Woman of the Year 2013 receiving award from Hon. Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater. Photo by Michael Mannington
Cr. Jacqui Townsend, Mayor of Pittwater, Caroline Kelly Pittwater Women of the Year 2013, Patricia Giles Pittwater Women of the Year 2012. Photo by Michael Mannington, Community Photography, for Pittwater Online News
Medal Of The Order Of Australia (OAM) In The General Division
Ms Roberta Louise Conroy, NSW
For service to the community of the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Bayview Church Point Residents' Association
- President, 2016-2018.
- Vice-President, 2014-2016, and 2018-2021.
- Committee Member, 2010-2021.
Northern Beaches Council (formerly Manly, Pittwater and Warringah councils)
- Member, Precinct Redevelopment, Church Point Aesthetics Advisory Committee, since 2016.
- Member, Environment Strategic Reference Group, since mid-2010s.
- Assessor, Inaugural Environmental Grants Program, 2020.
- Judge, Australia Day Awards, 2023.
- Judge, ECO Awards, 2023.
- Member, Community Safety Committee, 2018-2021.
- Member, Creative Space Advisory Committee, 2017-2019.
- Member, McCarrs Creek, Bayview and Mona Vale Flood Study Working Group, Pittwater Council, 2014-2016.
- Member, Special Rate Variation Advisory Committee, Pittwater Council, 2011-2015.
- Member, Community Engagement Panel, Pittwater Council, 2012-2013.
- Member, Heritage Working Group, Pittwater Council, 2012-2014.
- Volunteer, Manly Environment Centre, Manly Council, 2010-2013.
- Volunteer Art Installation Assistant, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Manly Council, 1998-2002.
Katandra Crown Land Bushland Sanctuary, NSW Department of Planning and Environment
- Deputy Chairperson, since 2022.
- Trustee, since 2019.
Environment
- Director, Pittwater Environmental Foundation, since 2018.
- Presenter, Wetlands Flora, Pittwater region, 2009-2017.
- Expert Environmental Advisor, NSW Department of Planning and Environment/UrbanGrowth/NBC Ingleside Greenfields Land Release, 2015-2018.
- Volunteer Team Leader/Presenter, World Parks Congress, Sydney, 2014.
- Member, Mackellar Innovation, Science, Environment and Energy Grants Advisory Committee, Federal Government, 2019.
Eramboo World Studies Centre
- Honorary Financial Director, 2015-2016.
- Volunteer/Contributor, Ku-ring-gai pH exhibition, 2015-2016.
Community
- Justice of the Peace, New South Wales, since 2018.
- Advocate, Share Our Space and Breakfast Club initiatives within NSW schools, 2017-2019.
- Northern Beaches Contributor, Greater Sydney Commission, 2015-2018.
- Affiliate Member and Military Museum Curator, Pittwater Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia, since 2021.
- Assessor, Mackellar Stronger Communities and Volunteer Grants Advisory Committees, since 2021.
- Arts Teacher, 1986-2002.
Professional
- Executive Director, Arrdent Environmental Services Pty. Ltd., since 2014.
- Counsellor/Life Coach, 2008-2013.
- Project Manager, Australian Geographic, 1999-2005.
- Centre Manager, Pittwater Council, 1996-1997.
Awards and Recognition include:
- Pittwater Woman of the Year, 2020.
- Outstanding Community Service, Australia Day Award, Northern Beaches Council, 2020.
In 2019 Rob was instrumental, along with the Bayview Church Point Residents' Association, in realising the new stairway trail from Bayview Heights to Church Point.
The scenic walkway links Captain Hunter Road and Quarter Sessions Road and improves community and emergency connectivity.
Rob Stokes, then MP for Pittwater stated, in adding his congratulations, ‘This is a great example of cooperation between the community, Council, and State Government – with funding assistance secured through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and the project delivered by Northern Beaches Council.’
Roberta Conroy Vice President of the Bayview Church Point Residents Association with Mayor Regan and Pittwater Councillors this week at the official opening
On Wednesday March 4th, 2020 Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes announced passionate community advocate Roberta Conroy as the 2020 Pittwater Woman of the Year.
The award was announced at the annual Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast, at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and recognises outstanding achievements of local women and their valuable contribution to the Pittwater community.
Roberta is actively involved in a variety of volunteer organisations focused around the promotion and preservation of Pittwater’s cultural heritage and natural environment. These include the Pittwater Environmental Foundation, Bayview Church Point Residents Association, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society, and Katandra Bushland Sanctuary.
“Roberta is always thinking two steps ahead and her attitude and approach is inspiring,” Rob Stokes said.
“Rather than searching for problems and faults – Roberta focuses on initiatives and opportunities.
“It’s Roberta’s positive and optimistic outlook which makes her so effective.
“Roberta somehow finds time to share her skills, knowledge and experience with a variety of local groups which are all focused on making our community an even better place to live.
“This award is a great way to acknowledge Roberta’s enormous contribution to our community,” Rob Stokes said.
Pittwater Online News spoke to Roberta after the announcement was made:
How and why did you first get involved with volunteering within our community?
My children attended schools in Pittwater, and like all parents, I became involved in many of their activities, including music, sport, managing, organising, coaching teams, and community events. Whatever I choose I want to make a difference, using my skills and experience to improve lives. I studied PG Environmental Studies and wanted to contribute to local environmental planning, so in 2009 I became a member of Pittwater Council Estuary Management Plan working group, then Council’s Environment Reference Group, Heritage working group, and contributing to the protection of natural and cultural heritage, sustainability and environmental plans and events
What Projects/celebrations have been your favourite achievements through the years?
A stand-out achievement has been the Church Point project - after 40 years of local discussions, it finally happened with the opening in 2017 of the boardwalk and in 2018 the new car-park, with new pontoons, cargo wharf and landscaping following. I have loved working with a talented bunch of on and offshore people in the design group, Council and external engineers, to create an award-winning and environmentally sensitive legacy project, which has increased access and importantly improved people’s lives. We are now working on Thomas Stevens Reserve designs, the new deck around the heritage café is due for completion in June.
These projects have received outstanding support from both Northern Beaches Council and the Hon Rob Stokes.
Another favourite is the Stairs project linking Bayview to Church Point, dramatically improving access, providing social connection to the Church Point transport hub, shops, amenities, and importantly fire egress. Residents bush-bashed for 40 years climbing this heavily vegetated, rocky, steep site, so when I learnt of the NSW Community Building Partnership grants, on behalf of Bayview Church Point Residents Association, I applied and received funds to build the stairs which used innovative installation techniques whilst ensuring minimum ecological impact to achieve an impressive, safe and vital passageway.
Another one for community - a few years ago I met with our local member, the Hon Rob Stokes when NSW Minister for Education and advocated for opening school grounds out of hours to community, to provide safe open spaces for exercise and recreation for all ages, using football/sports grounds, basketball hoops etc with the flow on health and social benefits for all users and community – a pilot was run and proved successful. I was particularly concerned that the usually very active ‘in-betweeners’ 9 years to mid-teens with few funds had limited access to outdoor spaces which this initiative delivers.
Finally and very importantly as a member of NBC Strategic Reference Group Environment I have very much enjoyed contributing to Council’s environmental planning, especially the development of Towards 2040 plans and Council’s green vision, using innovative technologies to protect our natural environment, with goals of zero carbon emissions, placing NBC with other Australian and International local governments who are leading the way in working sustainably to mitigate and reduce Climate Change impacts on a local scale, and so protecting our beautiful Pittwater environment, biodiversity, waterways, air and bushland for our community now and future generations, and of course we need everyone on board to achieve these goals
From your perspective, why is it important for residents to contribute to community?
There are so many benefits in contributing to community - staying connected is good for our health, mental and physical, and creates safer communities - these connections allow us to be more able to support each other in difficult times, especially now as Pittwater is exposed to the impacts of Climate Change – Sea Level Rising, storm surges, bushfires, floods – we must develop strong resilience to protect ourselves, families, communities. Helping others has always been an important part of our Australian culture, volunteering provides opportunities to make a difference, build stronger communities, learn, make great connections, share skills and expertise plus you get the ‘feel good’ bonus. Contributing produces the ripple effect, impacting positively on many others’ lives
Medal Of The Order Of Australia (OAM) In The General Division
Ms Kate Munro, Fairlight - For Service To Youth Through Social Welfare Organisations.
Youth Action
- Chief Executive Officer, since 2020.
Youth Services
- Speak Out Project Officer, Weave Youth and Community Services, 2015-2017.
- Youth Development Officer, Manly Council, 2005-2015.
- Youth Development Officer, City of Sydney Council, 2000-2003.
- Juvenile Justice Support Worker, South Sydney Youth Services, 1996-1999.
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor, New South Wales Department of Juvenile Justice, 1992-1995.
Community Services
- Casual Teacher of Welfare, TAFE New South Wales, 2004-2016.
- Clinician and Health Promotion Officer, Central Sydney Area Health Service, 2003-2005.
- On Call Sexual Assault Counsellor, New South Wales Health, 2001-2016.
Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People
- Manager - Participation, 2019-2020.
- Senior Advisor - Participation, 2017-2019
Kate is also a Member of North Steyne SLSC, has rowed and won multiple medals with the Avalon Beach SLSC 'Antiques', winning a World Championship in 2016, with The Rustiques in the George Bass Marathon 2016, and was part of the same Avalon Beach-Warriewood SLSC's women that were awarded a state and national 'Rescue of the Month' in 2015 after rescuing a rock fisherman who fell five metres onto rocks at Warriewood Beach on 27 June 2015.
Kate still rows with Avalon Beach SLSC as part of the North Steyne SLSC Boat Division.
The Rustiques - Day 7, at Eden - photo courtesy their support crew - George Bass Marathon 2016
Warriewood SLSC Sweep - Russell Lamb, Masters Women: Rowers – Louise Barnett, Alex Coates, Tanya Deer, Phillipa Lowe - Avalon Beach SLSC – Rowers – Kerry McEwan, Kate Munro, Beverley Tilbury, Donna Wishart. Support Crew – Phil Deer, Carl Quitzau. Leg 5 Winners - 3rd Overall in Masters Women.
Medal Of The Order Of Australia (OAM) In The General Division
Mr Anthony (Shane) Stedman
For service to the surfing industry.
- Owner/Designer and Manufacturer, Shane Surfboards, since 1960s.
Crescent Head, formerly of Mona Vale
Shane is without doubt one of surfing’s big names. He has had a huge impact on Australia’s surfing history.
Born and bred at Crescent Head, NSW in the roaring 40’s, he still remembers his one room shack primary school. The shack was home to six classes, all in the one room with half the class indigenous and the other half white kids. There was no electricity in Crescent until he was about 12 years of age. He went to high school in Kempsey.
Following school, Shane did a five year Production Engineering course in Kensington, NSW followed by another year post graduate. Shane’s foray into surfboard production came in 1963/64 and as with most experiments his first board was shaped in his Mums garage with a dirt floor. His simple plan reflected the times and all he wanted was to make enough boards to support his surfing lifestyle. What he ended up doing was much bigger than he had originally planned. In 1966 he was working with Dick Van Straalen and Kevin Brennan and in 1967 he made the move to Brookvale, the home of surfboard shaping in the State.
Shane and his mates became the legendary 'Shane gang' with very early advertising in Surfing World making you aware that this gang was a tight community of surfers on a mission. Together the team of surfers, shapers, sanders designers and glassers were beginning to see their hobby turn into a serious platform for their surfing and business future.
In 1967 the Brookvale operation had some influential guys producing quality surfboards with Bob Kennerson sanding and guys like Peter Cornish and Ted Spencer shaping. A liitle known fact is that Shane was the inventor of the Ugg Boot and sold the rights off very early in their inception. This business was to become an multi-million dolar enterprise for the shoe industry.
Later in 1970, a whole myriad of talent would come and go though the Shane factory. Shane he loved them all. The standouts were Ted Spencer and Terry Fitzgerald, who subsequently insisted he put on this young kid from Narrabeen. This was his now great friend Simon Anderson.
Other great names to come through the factory were Butch and Steve Cooney, Frank Latta, Richard Harvey, Glyn Ritchie, Chris Young, Richard Kavanagh, David Trealor, Josette Legarde and Jack and Gordon Knight. His rich shaping history began in 1963 with Malibu boards ranging in length from 9 to 10’ and in 1968 Shane began to produce Vee Bottom 8’ stringerless boards. As the years passed boards were getting shorter and in 1969 the Shane 7’6” rounded pin preceded the the Shoe Knee board 4’11” rounded pin. This was the same year the Standard Shane 5’5” pop out surfboard was produced and production of this model alone was 200 per week. This model shape is still current today and many surfers are riding this plan shape that Shane introduced back in the late 60’s. Shane’s favourite surfboard design was the Ted Spencer model “White Kite” because it evolved through so many rapid changes.
Shane acknowledged that when he moved to Brookvale he eased up a little on the shaping because he had so much talent there shaping world class boards, but to this day he still loves getting foam dust on him. His boards are still being produced in large numbers and his designs just don’t seem to date.
A lifelong surfer, Shane lived at Mona Vale in Sydney until recently. He is the father of Luke Stedman who in his own right became a first class surfer and local legend who has represented his country on the world stage of surfing on the WCT. Luke produced his own clothing fashion brand “In Sted We Smile” and receiving great reviews nationally. Shane’s daughter Bonnie is a chip off the old block studying naturopathy setting up a practice.
Stedman, whose real first name is Anthony but who changed it after watching the 1953 western Shane, sold up his Mona Vale home in 2021 and moved north again.
“Buying some land, throwing a couple of shacks on it and moving dad up the coast so he can watch the grandkids and we can keep an eye on the old grommet,” Luke told BeachGrit at the time.
Now well into his eighties, Shane is still loving the water, the great outdoors and a growing tribe of grandchildren.
Shane Stedman, June 2023. Photo: Facebook
Council's Australia Day Awards Celebrates Outstanding Achievers
An impressive array of local heroes were recognised on Thursday, 25 January 2024 at the Northern Beaches Council Australia Day Awards ceremony held at Glen Street Theatre.
The Awards celebrate the contributions of individuals and organisations who have dedicated their time to serving the community. Many recipients have devoted over 10-20 years to their cause; several have campaigned on safety and inclusivity issues, while others have saved lives.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the recipients were inspirational.
“Each year, we recognise individuals and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to our community,” Mayor Heins said.
“The judging panel had a very challenging job this year with so many amazing and worthy nominees.
“This year’s recipients exemplify the essence of our community, contributing significantly, often selflessly, across various fields and continually embody the spirit of the Northern Beaches.
We heartily congratulate and thank our winners.”
Council's Australia Day 2024 Award winners
Citizen of the Year – Jimmy Arteaga of Forestville
Jimmy is the Unit Commander for Broken Bay Marine Rescue. In the past year, he has overseen the rescue of many vessels and people in the Pittwater/Broken Bay area, bringing them to safety. He is responsible for more than 90 volunteers. His drive and dedication have enabled Marine Rescue Broken Bay to have a wonderful new state-of-the-art building now in keeping with the rest of Marine Rescue facilities in NSW.
MRBB Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga at far left with volunteers members of MRBB and descendants of Bungaree. Visit: Commissioning of MRB21 the Bungaree. Photo: AJG/PON
Senior Citizen of the Year – Aileen Ogilvie of North Narrabeen
Aileen has been volunteering on the Northern Beaches for 37 years, starting as a Lifeline Counsellor. She mentored vulnerable teenagers in high schools all along the Northern Beaches for over 21 years with Raise, also mentoring foster children. She has been on the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) for 22 years, and Vice President, ‘Kindness Officer’ and founding member of MoWaNa – a Northern Beaches Safe Space. Aileen also hosts ‘Coffee with Kindness’ two mornings a week at the Mind Café, providing a safe place for people to get support or have a coffee and a chat, which can often change a person’s life.
Young Citizens of the Year – Lachlan O’Callaghan and Cooper Morgan
Lachlan, from Narrabeen Sports High, and Cooper, from Northern Beaches Christian School, 16-year-olds at the time, displayed leadership in a rescue operation that saved a life. While working at The Quays Marina, Church Point, Lachlan and Cooper heard a man calling frantically for help. Utilising the training they had received from the marina and the skills they had learned from nippers in Surf Life Saving, their quick and selfless actions led to the rescue of a member of the public.
Sportsperson of the Year – Ben Tudhope
Ben is a three times Paralympic Snowboarder, Beijing 2022 Bronze Medallist, 2023 World Champion, six-time World Cup Champion and co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team. Ben holds the record of being the youngest ever Winter Paralympian. He has always found a way to overcome physical setbacks, now competing in the hardest category in his sport – below-the-knee disability – and is one of the most naturally talented boarders on tour.
Community Event of the Year – BEACH2BEACH Charity Fun Run
Organised by the Rotary Club of Warringah
The BEACH2BEACH Charity Fun Run is an annual event open to all abilities and ages. This wonderful event encourages the community to get healthy, exercise and have fun. Since its inception, Beach2Beach has donated over $5 million to local community organisations, including schools, Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts and many other charities.
Community Group of the Year – Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association of NSW
The Manly branch of CWA has been a steadfast pillar of support for the local community for the last 100 years. Over this time, they have demonstrated resilience and flexibility to address the pressing issues of the times. Whether it be providing support through significant events such as war or fostering community connections, they have exemplified a commitment to the Northern Beaches community. Currently, the Manly branch holds monthly meetings and free events, market stalls, and how-to classes to teach new skills and raise funds to donate back to the community.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
David Price of Balgowlah Heights
David is a long-term member of the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club. He is also a passionate volunteer and community leader. He has volunteered his time to assist with the evacuation of people during the 2020 bushfires and the NSW floods in 2020, 2021 and 2022. David is a true inspiration to the Northern Beaches community, and his dedication to surf lifesaving and volunteering is an example to us all.
Denver J Beven of Queenscliff
Denver has made an outstanding contribution to the Northern Beaches Community since he moved to Manly in 2001. Most recently, he has been the driving force behind the complete transformation of the southern headland of Freshwater Beach Undercliff Reserve (now renamed – Irene Crump Reserve) from a mass of jungle and lantana to a delightful garden paradise. He was also one of the eight people who started the Charity Tour de Cure (TDC) in 2007 to raise money for Cancer research, and he still volunteers with TDC.
Gary Searles of Bilgola Plateau
Gary has been President of Peninsula Cricket Club for three years and a committee member for the last 10. In fulfilling these roles, he actively contributes to a variety of volunteer positions as a coach, mentor, coordinator of cricket workshops and competitions, and 'come and try' sessions for children as young as six up to young adults. Ten years ago, there were no girls teams. Through Gary’s persistence there are now three girls teams. He presents the game in an inclusive, fun, accessible way that encourages all children to have a go.
John Diamond of Terrey Hills
John founded the Lions Club of Frenchs Forest in the early 1960s and has served the community with the Lions Club ever since. He has served as President and as the elder statesperson of the club, attending meetings for over 65 years. As a foundation member, he has contributed to the fundraising of millions of dollars to help the Northern Beaches community.
Jon Russell of Cottage Point
Kelly Barr-Jones of Allambie Heights
Kelly is the P&C President of Forest High School, P&C Vice President of Allambie Heights Public School and Chairperson of the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee of both Forest High School and Allambie Heights Public School. She plays an integral part in building an understanding of parents and carers of neurodiversity and how to best support students and parents. Her contribution has helped to create welcoming and respectful schools for all, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.
Marilinda Winter of Narraweena
Marilinda has been coaching football at various clubs on the Northern Beaches (Manly Vale, CC Strikers, St Augustine’s, and Beacon Hill) for over 14 years. She is an integral part of the Manly Vale Football Club, coaching and mentoring 19 junior football players to be assistant coaches to junior teams. She’s also developed a program for other coaches on “How to coach female players”, encouraging the longevity of female players for the Manly Warringah Football Association and in the sport of football generally. In 2023, Marilinda coached her club’s Under 18 – Division 1 team, which won the Football NSW State Cup and the Football NSW Champion of Champions.
Terry Cook of Ingleside
Terry is the main coordinator, President and contact for Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers, working tirelessly to refurbish many thousands of toys, games, dolls and bicycles for reuse by numerous charities. The convivial atmosphere has members helping to bring hope and joy to children in need. Terry's commitment to keeping unwanted items out of landfills is exemplary – there isn't much he won’t attempt to repair! You will find Terry in the workshop daily, just as he has been for the last 20 years.