Community Service Awards recognise inspiring and generous members of our community
- Published Date
- 26/01/2023
- News Topic
- Council, Heritage, Art & Culture, Exhibitions, Awards & Competitions, Youth
Congratulations to the local community members and groups who were honoured today at Randwick City Council’s 2023 Australia Day Community Service Awards, presented by Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick.
The Community Service Awards celebrate and recognise those members of our community who have made outstanding contributions to local groups and the lives of local residents. The 2023 Award winners include individual, group, youth and a Mayor’s award.
“It is inspiring to hear the stories of those who have gone above and beyond for others and to recognise them for their selflessness and their generosity of spirit,” said Mayor Dylan Parker.
“It takes a special person to give their time for the benefit of others and our Community Service Awards are a small way of saying thank you.”
Australia Day Community Service Award
John Wright served as the convenor of the South Maroubra Tenant Action Group for several years. Although this group no longer meets, John continues to inform and support residents with maintenance and housing issues in their DCJ Housing properties. He is viewed by his peers, neighbours, and community members as a reliable, helpful source of information. John played an integral role in connecting residents with support services such as 'My Aged Care" and supported a number of residents during the pandemic by collecting food from The Hub at Lexo and delivering it to them. John’s tireless work has made a meaningful difference to the lives of many local residents.
Australia Day Community Service Group Award
The Permabees are active members of the Randwick City community who contribute to the ongoing viability of Randwick Council's Sustainability Hub, which attracts 200,000 visitors each year. The Permabees' participation enables the Hub to continue as a centre of environmental regeneration and education, and as a socially inclusive space for all community members to belong, participate and thrive. The group is made up of a cross section of our community, with ages ranging from preschool to retirees as well as varying cultures, backgrounds and identities. Through personal generosity, Permabees have created a strong sense of community and connection to each other and to Randwick City, freely sharing their depth of experience and knowledge, which encourages others to protect the natural environment every day.
Australia Day Community Service Youth Award
Keira O'Sullivan is an active and valuable member of our community. Having once been on the receiving end of community services due to adversity and socio-economic circumstances, Keira now gives her time generously to volunteer for a number of charitable works, community volunteer services and community events. She contributes to the SHACK Youth Services tutoring program as a tutee who has a passion for learning. Keira has also been a valuable role model to other young people as a Peer Support Leader, Australian Air Force Leading Cadet, and SHACK Switch Leader. Demonstrating her perseverance in achieving incredible outcomes despite hardship, Keira is a young leader in her community and her continuous desire to strive for excellence, take on new challenges and to give back to others has inspired many of her peers to actively participate in charitable works and community services in Randwick City.
Australia Day Community Achievement Award for People with Disabilities
Marie Tesoriero, a Coogee local, was born with both intellectual and physical disabilities, including blindness in one eye, scoliosis, and a heart condition. Her innovation to create products to raise money for others, her versatility to volunteer across many different organisations and her resilience and perseverance through major medical operations and health challenges, as well as her bravery and initiative to live independently is admirable. Marie dedicates her time volunteering for many organisations including Community Services Volunteer at Holdsworth and Home Cuisine (Meals on Wheels). Marie also contributes time and energy to the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. For example, she has set up her own business making arts and crafts, with all profits donated to the Foundation. Marie is a wonderful and positive role model to all people in the community.
Mayor's Award
Tadhg Kennelly, Maroubra local and ex Sydney Swan, and David Eccles, formed a men's group called ‘WhenNo One's Watching', which focuses on using social connection and exercise to combat mental health issues. The group helps to create a place where men feel comfortable enough to take their armour off and be their authentic selves. WNOW gives men the opportunity to tackle challenges together and focus on improving their mental, physical and emotional health. The group is free to join and has more than 120 men in the group. The group meets weekly at 6am on Wednesdays at Maroubra beach where they come together, take part in a light workout and spend some time having a chat over a morning coffee.
Special Commendation Australia Day Community Service
Jack Meister is a founding member of the Sydney Jewish Museum. Along with a group of Holocaust survivors, Jack helped to create a space to share their stories and educate future generations. Now in his 90s, Jack has devoted more than 6000 hours volunteering at the museum over the last 30 years. By sharing his story of living through the Holocaust as a survivor he has affected thousands of visitors, transforming his painful memories into unforgettable lessons for all.