A former Maroubra Surf Lifesaving Club president, a bushcare volunteer, a representative of elderly residents and the organiser of the Seaside Scavenge have all been honoured as part of Randwick City Council’s Australia Day Community Service Awards, presented today, Friday 26 January 2018.

These award recipients make Randwick a truly wonderful place to live, said Deputy Mayor Alexandra Luxford.

“I could not be more proud of the way our residents look out for each other,” said Clr Luxford. “The women and men we honour today have made it their life’s work to ensure that all members of our community are cared for in a variety of ways, and that we restore and protect our environment for future generations.”

Deputy Mayor Luxford 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.

Australia Day Community Service Award

Sandra Quayle       

Sandra devotes her time to helping the elderly tenants within the Soldiers Settlement estate. Over the last 10 years she has represented elderly tenants at meetings with the Department of Housing. Sandra also helps keep the estate in order, looking after the community room and maintaining the garden with fellow tenants.  

Stella Calpis            

Stella was a foundation member of a group of residents who provided comments on the proposal to refurbish the former Kensington Bowling Club building and grounds. Stella realised that considerable community benefit could be achieved by providing a venue that fosters social interaction among residents. Her effort has been a great success bringing people together. 

Kerry Gordon

Over the last 10 years Kerry has worked tirelessly and passionately to restore native bushland in and around Malabar and Maroubra as part of volunteer bush care teams. Kerry has a vast knowledge of indigenous plants and their habitats and has worked to improve areas around Malabar Beach, Maroubra Headland and Little Bay Beach.

Nadene Alhadeff

For the past five years Nadene has been co-ordinating the MUM FOR MUM National Council of Jewish Women Australia program. This unique program provides emotional support for vulnerable and isolated mothers who often have no support network around them, and are at risk of developing Post Natal Depression. Nadene trains, matches and supervises volunteers and provides ongoing in-service supervision, learning through guest lectures, hospital visits and teachings.

Gail Tring                 

Gail has been engaged in community services for more than three decades. Since 2003 she has been an active member of the Friends of Laperouse Museum. She has been active as a member of the Australia Day Botany Bay Regatta Committee and several official organisations including Southern Cross Rainbow for Girls, the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter, Malabar Brownies and Girl Guides, Little Bay Cubs and the La Perouse Peninsula Society. Gail is an inspirational role model and has made a difference to the community.

Peter Macintosh    

Peter has been an active member of Maroubra Surf Lifesaving Club for over 50 years. He is a former Club Captain (1967-1970), Club President (1971-1976) and Honour Blazer recipient (1974-1975). Peter achieved a 10 year patrol efficiency award and has coached and trained young people in surf lifesaving for over 40 years. His dedication to serve surf lifesaving and winter swimming for over 50 years demonstrates his commitment to our community.

Wally Benington

Wally is a dedicated, motivated community member who goes out of his way to help others. He is involved with the local RSL and leads the way at the Malabar Anzac Commemoration. Wally also assists a number of elderly and less mobile members in his neighbourhood and serves as a Justice of the Peace. Wally displays the utmost dedication to improving the community, tirelessly working to make the area safer for residents.

Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award

Anna Jane Linke               

Anna is the instigator of ‘Seaside Scavenge’, a waterway clean-up and clothes swap event. Anna has hosted 23 Seaside Scavenge events, seven of which were in the local Randwick area. The Seaside Scavenge events have a great impact on reducing waste. On average each event collects 114kgs of litter from beaches and surrounds. This also results in many benefits for marine flora and fauna. Anna has run the first 21 events on a voluntary basis, putting in more than 1500 hours of unpaid time to get the events up and running.

Maurice Longbottom                    

Maurice is an inspiration for young people in the Randwick City area due to his outstanding sporting skills, modest nature and his commitment to working hard. He works with young Aboriginal rugby players from across Australia with the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, an organisation that uses sport to encourage Aboriginal students to finish high school and make smart life choices.

Mayor’s Award

Mark Windon OAM

Mark Windon is a well-known and highly respected member of the Maroubra community. Since becoming President of the South Maroubra Board Riders more than 25 years ago Mark has worked tirelessly to help young surfers follow their dreams to become professional surfers.