Eight individuals and community groups from across Randwick City were recognised today as part of Randwick City Council’s prestigious Community Service Awards.

The recipients include people who have volunteered their lives in fields such as netball, Scouts and the environment; as well as community groups who have connected people at risk of social isolation and provided emotional support for mothers.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch commended all the award recipients.

“Thank you to all of you for being a part of – and for helping to create – such a rich, diverse, and beautiful community.

“These outstanding community members and groups have dedicated countless hours and tireless energy to improving the lives of the people around them and Randwick City.

“Some of them have overcome great challenges – and all have shown great leadership, hard work, and compassion – to give back and make our community a better place,” Mayor Veitch said.

The 2024 Randwick City Council Community Service Award winners are:

Jenny Morrissey
Australia Day Community Service Award
For more than 40 years Jenny has contributed to the wider netball community as a volunteer and developed programs for male participation, pathways for First Nations players and skills programs for young players.

Mum for Mum
Australia Day Community Service Group Award
This program is run by 220 trained volunteers who work directly with local mothers providing in-home emotional support during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first year of the baby's life. The group directly impacts and improves the lives of vulnerable and at-risk community members.

Noah Hockey
Australia Day Community Service Youth Award
Noah stepped in as a leader following the retirement of a Cub leader and the sad passing of another leader at the 1st Little Bay Scout Group. Under Noah’s guidance, he took the children on a day camp, rock climbing and inspired and motivated a passion for the outdoors and helping the local community.

Aaron Lowman
Australia Day Community Achievement Award for a Person with a Disability
Aaron is a sportsman and dedicated volunteer working with six organisations including St Canice’s Kitchen which supports homeless and other vulnerable people. He raises money for charities including Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Legacy, is a passionate bush educator and has won gold, silver and bronze in the Special Olympics.

Lynda Newnam
Mayor’s Award
For more than 20 years Lynda has volunteered for the Randwick community and beyond fighting for the environment, citizens’ rights and social justice. She has been involved in Precincts, Coastcare and Citizen Science Partnership. Lynda is committed to strong and ongoing advocacy around environmental pollution and contamination affecting Botany Bay from industry and developments. Her valuable contribution supports the protection, maintenance, and restoration of fragile ecosystems for us and future generations.

Special commendation awards were also presented to Kensington Park Local Residents Seniors Group, Nehal Nafcy for his work building connections at UNSW and Tsz Yung Chu, JP (Kevin) for his volunteer JP work at Lionel Bowen Library and the Junction Neighbourhood Centre.

Media contact
Joshua Hay 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au