Australia Day honours for Randwick City heroes

Published Date
26/01/2015
News Topic
Community Service Awards 2015

A retired police officer, an intensive care nurse for newborns, and an 86 year old grandmother who has dedicated more than 60 years of service to her community, were among the local heroes honoured at Randwick City Council's Australia Day Community Service Awards, Randwick Acting Mayor Anthony Andrews announced today.

"These awards recognise the special efforts and achievements of those people within our fine City who are prepared to volunteer their time and help build a sense of community," Acting Mayor Andrews said

"This year's winners represent a broad spectrum of our society and are all extremely deserving of their accolades. Congratulations to each of them; we are lucky to have such fine citizens in Randwick City."

Acting Mayor Andrews also welcomed 29 new Australian citizens who took the Australian Pledge at a special Australia Day Citizenship ceremony at the Prince Henry Centre in Little Bay.

The winners of the Australia Day Community Service Awards are:

Charles Abela

Charles has been a long standing and active community member.  Charles has volunteered his services in the role of Vice President for the Friends of La Perouse Museum and Vice President of Chifley Public School.  Charles is a strong advocate for the community's needs and a mentor to many.

Tanya Arathooon

Tanya has made an outstanding contribution to the Holy Trinity Church for the last 25 years including serving simultaneously as Church Secretary and Church Warden for 12 years. In addition Tanya is a founding member of the EastCoast Dolphins Women's Hockey Club.  She has been the Manager & Secretary for 24 years and has coached many hockey teams. 

Linda Caporusso

Linda has supported the operations of the Malabar Public School P&C which has successfully raised over $225,000 over the past three years.  This tremendous effort has enabled the school to enhance its educational programs for the benefit of the students.  Linda has demonstrated great leadership and is a tireless worker.

Carmen Cavell

Carmen has been a dedicated volunteer at Ronald McDonald House in Randwick since 2007 and a volunteer for the Children's Cancer Institute Ladies Committee for the past three years.  Carmen volunteers over 300 hours per year at Ronald McDonald house and her caring personality and professionalism is a great support to staff, other volunteers and families using the service.    

Allen Cooper

Allen has demonstrated commitment to his role as Police Volunteer for the past five years in the Eastern Beaches Local Area Command. Allen is a retired Police Officer who uses his extensive knowledge and understanding of the area and issues in his role as Police Volunteer.    Allen works tirelessly even on public holidays and has totaled over 400 hours of volunteer work in the last 12 months alone. 

Ian Cox

Ian volunteers his time at the Prince of Wales Hospital Volunteer Service and has done so for the past 8 years.  He works tirelessly and is always helpful, going beyond the call of duty to assist people and always the first to put up his hand to help. 

David Haugh

David has been a dedicated and tireless member of the Veged Out volunteer team at Kooloora Community Centre for the past seven years. He assists with unpacking the large amount of fruit, vegetables and bread for the program, welcomes new families, and is always there to lend a helping hand. 

Doug Hawkins

Doug has volunteered with Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club for over 14 years and has shown ongoing commitment and dedication to the club.  Doug serves as Nipper Chairperson and was awarded the Surf Life Saving Sydney Volunteer of the Year in 2006.  Doug created the Dads Army, a Parents only Bronze training group and developed the Coogee Blueys 15-18 years retention and engagement program which has seen the largest youth contingent of any surf club in Australia.  In 2001-2012 Doug was awarded the NSW Government Sydney Volunteer of the Year.

Kay Ireland

Kay has shown outstanding commitment to the work of Kooloora Community Centre for over 18 years through participation in the Management Committee and representing the South Maroubra Tenant Action group.  Kay is a strong advocate and lobbyist for residents in the surrounding area including Housing NSW tenants.

Rosemary Mackenzie

Rosemary is an active member of the Kensington West Kingsford Precinct Committee and is committed to improving outcomes for the local community and ensuring that the community's views are heard.

Joanna O'Brien

Joanna has used her experience and knowledge as a teacher to build the Platinum Preschool business.  Since 2010 the Preschool has raised $80,000 for the Ronald McDonald Randwick House.  The Preschool has also supported families attending McDonald House through inclusion in its preschool program, providing respite for families or allowing them to attend health appointments.

Sue Pazmino

Sue is a staff member of Champagnat College where she provides support to Years 10, 11 and 12 students with the greatest challenges to learning. She puts in extra hours to secure the best outcomes for young people with additional needs and is a committed professional focused on supporting her students to become independent and feel confident to engage in their social and work environment.

Nadia Sandona

Nadia has demonstrated her commitment to Kooloora Community Centre and the residents in surrounding areas over the past five years since her retirement.  Nadia is an active Management Committee Member and played a key role in the establishment and running of community garden at Kooloora.  Nadia also volunteers her time and skills to run pottery and tie-dying workshops for local residents in the South Ward area.

Edna Shaw

Edna has spent over 60 years volunteering in her community and with not-for-profit organisations.  Edna was one of the founding members of the Coogee Synagogue and has volunteered with distinction for a number of organisations in different ways.  Although she is now 86 years old, Edna continues to assist with worthy charity organisations such as the St Vincents Hospital Little Shop, and the Jewish Care Friendship Club that provides refreshments and social support to the elderly.  Edna also continues to serve lunches at commemorative events and assist in fund raising activities for the NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women.

Helen Williams

Helen is a dedicated Intensive Care Nurse for sick newborn babies at Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick.  In 2010 Helen and her team of nurses planned and held the Bubbles for Babies Ball, a fundraising event for essential lifesaving equipment for newborns and critically sick infants.  The Bubbles for Babies Ball is now an annual event and has raised over $150,000 over the past four years and brings together a community of parents, health care professionals and community leaders.

In addition to the Community Service Awards, Keith McCraw was recognised with a Mayor's Award for outstanding community contribution to sporting, youth and cultural development in the City of Randwick. Keith has provided ongoing support to all facets of the community, through his role as President of Souths Juniors; on the CDSE committee, and as a local resident who provided much support to the community affected by the 2002 Bali Bombings.

Mayor Ted Seng and Councillor Murray Matson were also presented with a brand new award – the Simeon Pearce Award – in recognition of their longstanding service to the community, having each served the City of Randwick for 20 years.

Ray Brownlee

Randwick City Council's General Manager Ray Brownlee was awarded an Australia Day Honour Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in NSW.

Ray has had a long and successful career in local government working for Penrith, Leichhardt, North Sydney, and Auburn Councils before being appointed General Manager of Randwick Council in 2004. 

Under Mr Brownlee's leadership, Randwick Council is in a strong financial position having operated debt free for more than 10 years, generated operating surpluses and solid capital works programs. During his tenure, Ray has also led the Council in extending the Coastal Walkway, led collaborations with police, local businesses and the community and worked with local institutions such as UNSW and the Australian Turf Club to help secure an extension of light rail to Randwick City.

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Last Updated: 1 March 2022
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