Kingborough Council hosted its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, January 5, at the Civic Centre in Kingston to recognise and celebrate residents who have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the Kingborough community.
The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter presented the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Certificates of Appreciation.
He said, “These awards are Council’s opportunity to recognise not only those who are receiving awards, but to send a message to all volunteers, who, through their own efforts help create the community we are so proud of.”
Chair of the Kingborough Awards Committee, Councillor Paula Wriedt said, “It was a really difficult decision by the panel this year, because of the large number and high quality of nominations we received.
“It is heartening to see so many potential worthwhile recipients being recognised in our municipality and I encourage everyone to nominate their local hero next year.”
The Citizen of the Year was presented to Richard Goodwin, for his outstanding contribution to the Blackmans Bay District Cricket Club, a co-founder in 1972, he has literally built the club from the foundations.
Richard is a highly respected member of the Kingborough community and supports several initiatives, schools, charities, youth organisations and aged care facilities.
Helping veterans and their families is a focus for Richard.
He is an extremely valuable member of the Kingborough RSL Sub Branch, and he wrote and published the booklet ’80 years of service’ to celebrate their achievements.
Richard is always available to provide advice to Channel ex-service persons and their families, particularly when they are in need, and continues to push for more consideration to be given to returning soldiers.
Steven Elliston has been recognised as Kingborough’s Young Citizen of the Year for his outstanding commitment and inspirational enthusiasm as a volunteer, particularly in service to older members of our community.
Steven has provided support and friendship to the residents and staff of Bishop Davies Court, a residential care facility in Kingston, for the past two and a half years.
He is always willing to help any staff member and on hand to provide social support and comfort to residents.
Although Steven lives with a disability, this has not deterred him from being a dedicated volunteer.
His experience enables him to understand and appreciate the needs of others, providing personalised assistance and inspirational motivation.
The Lions Club of Kingborough was presented with the Community Group of the Year award for their ongoing contribution to a wide range of community programs and activities throughout Kingborough.
The Club organise and support an incredible number of events, charities and groups through their fundraising activities and on ground support.
They also create fantastic community initiatives such as the Kingborough Art Prize and partner with other groups to develop events such as Love Living Locally.
Certificates of Appreciation to recognise significant service to the Kingborough community were also presented to three individuals and one sporting club.
David Ellis’s contribution to the Kingston Men’s Shed and his mentorship of young people was recognised, along with Charles Turnbull for his outstanding commitment to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island.
Although not able to make it to the ceremony, Leonie Hennessy-Smith has been recognised for her contribution to the Blackmans Bay Primary School Parents and Friends Association and commitment to the Kingborough Ladies Netball and social club.
The Summerleas Eagles Cricket Club were recognised for their contribution to Kingborough’s sporting and multi-cultural community.
The Summerleas Eagles Cricket Club was founded in 2012 by migrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Their aim has been to provide an opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to play sport in a supportive atmosphere while connecting with the broader community.
The Kingborough Awards presentation ceremony will now be held on or after the first Saturday of 6 January.