Local community members and groups have been honoured today at Randwick City Council’s 2020 Australia Day Community Service Awards presented by Randwick Mayor Danny Said.

The 2020 Award winners include individual, group, youth and a Mayor’s award recognising people who have made outstanding contributions to local sporting groups, schools and community groups.

“The 2020 Australia Day Community Service award winners have each made an outstanding contribution to our community and they’ve done this selflessly for the benefit of others and for the benefit of our community.

“When we talk about Randwick City’s ‘a sense of community’ this is what it’s all about. Our community is stronger for their efforts and from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of Randwick City I say thank you,” expressed Mayor Said.

Randwick City Australia Day 2020 Community Service Award winners:

Mathew Harper (Mayor’s award)
Mathew has been a highly valued member of Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club for 15 years. He currently holds the positions of Patrol and Club Captain, Captain of Surf Rescue 30 and is an integral part of training and assessment, development camps. He was named NSW Surf Lifesaver of the Year in 2019. Earlier this year he volunteered to go to the fire-ravaged south coast as part of the SLSNSW emergency response team to assist with evacuations.

Patricia Brander (Individual award)
Patricia has been a part of the Chifley Public School community for over 40 years. Known affectionately as ‘Nanna’, she volunteers her time twice a week to assist with school reading with students. Using humour, kindness and no-nonsense approach, Patricia or ‘Nanna' has played a significant role in encouraging many generations of students to read. Patricia has made a lasting impression with her students and has created connections through active listening; encouragement and instilling self-belief.

Tony Vecellio (Individual award)
Tony has run the little athletics program at Hensley Athletics Field since 1968 producing many champions and creating an inclusive atmosphere bringing families together. All members are made to feel welcomed and treated with respect. Tony advocates for living a healthy and active lifestyle, and further encouraging all forms of achievement and accomplishments.

Marcos Molina (Individual award)
Marcos has dedicated his time to beach volleyball and has helped train and develop both children and adults over the past 25 years. He has committed himself to training and teaching skills by primarily volunteering his time on weekends and after school throughout the week. Greeted by a smile as always, Marcos is continually stopped along the Coogee promenade by parents who have had their children trained by him or adults who have been trained by Marcos themselves.

Ted Hayes & Betty Delatorre (Joint individual award)
Ted and Betty have been an integral part of the Friends of the La Perouse Museum for the past six years. They are always willing to provide their time to help committee members and the broader communities of Randwick.

Marissa Ely (Individual award)
Marissa Ely is a leading figure in the Maroubra community. Her Maroubra Community Facebook page has over 12,000 members who Marissa keeps up to date with all things happening such as: sport events, road changes, local politician updates, charity events and much more. Described by her colleagues and peers as inspirational and remarkable, Marissa excels in business, community spirit and promoting Autism awareness.

Coogee Meditation Group (Group award)
Established in 2012 the Coogee Meditation group has been offering drop in guided meditation classes twice weekly by donation. The Coogee meditation group has been able to connect a diverse range of residents amongst the Coogee and Randwick areas. Participants include parents, healthcare professionals, students, small business owners, retiree's and those who are new to the area as well as people recovering from illness.

David Lee (Youth award)
David is a volunteer and team member of the UNSW Table Tennis Club since 2017. He has demonstrated an advanced understanding of table tennis and a genuine drive to create an inclusive, safe, fair and enjoyable environment for all players. David’s highlights include umpiring and other volunteering roles at the Club, whilst fitting in study with his high school commitments.