Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM acknowledged the outstanding achievements of more than 40 local residents and organisations at a Recognition Reception held at Wollongong Art Gallery on Thursday, September 28. 

The Lord Mayor presented certificates to national Roll of Honour recipients, scientists, sportspeople, charity workers and others who have contributed to building a safer, kinder, more informed and inclusive community.

In a time of volunteer drought, when everyone from the Rural Fire Service to Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid is calling out for helpers, the ceremony featured many familiar faces, the dedicated multitaskers of the community service sector.

Helensburgh’s Jim Powell, retired captain of Fire & Rescue's 325 Station, was honoured for his role on the Australia Day Committee. Jim is also president of Helensburgh and District Historical Society, a member of the International Camellia Society, honorary member of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC and Life Member of Helensburgh Thistles Soccer Club. Between Jim and his partner, Jenny Donohoe, the couple fill seven of the key roles at Camellias Australia.

Jeremy Lasek, currently supporting the Yes23 campaign and one of the organisers of the Vax the Illawarra initiative during the Covid pandemic, was awarded for his service on the Australia Day Committee. Former councillor Kerrie Anne Christian – a U3A program coordinator and lecturer, director at the Fellowship of First Fleeters and president of Bulli's Black Diamond Heritage Centre Museum – was recognised for her service on the Senior’s Day Committee. Warwick Erwin, long-serving convenor of Neighbourhood Forum 1, was awarded for his service as an Australia Day and New Year's Eve volunteer and champion of the accessible viewing area. 

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our community – see the full list of recipients below.

Member of the order of Australia Recognition

• Dr Charles Roger Badham AM for service to science as a meteorologist.
• Professor Robert Brander AM for significant service to coastal science and to the community, through beach safety research and education.
• Mr John Stubbs AM for significant service to community health, particularly to people with cancer.

Order of Australia Medal recipient Recognition

• Mr Arthur Raymond Booth OAM for service to the community of Wollongong.
• Ms Giovanna Cardamone OAM for service to the Italian community of the Illawarra region.
• Mr Allan Nelson Leaver OAM for service to railway heritage. 
• Mr Craig Geoffrey Osbourne OAM for service to the community of the Illawarra region. 
• Mrs Judith Oyston OAM for service to horticulture.
• Mr Geoffrey Gordon Phillips OAM for service to the broadcast media, and to the community.
• Mrs Valmai Loomes OAM for service to athletics.
• Mrs Judith Anne Fyfe OAM for service to the community, particularly to youth.
• Mr David Berry Swan OAM for service to the community through a range of roles.

Australia Day Awards Recognition

• Sally Stevenson AM for service to the community through the Illawarra Women's Health Centre.
• Nyan Thit Tieu for contribution to the community through the Sisters' Cancer Support Group.
• Judy Skiller for service to the community through the Helensburgh Netball Club.
• Jack Khan for contribution to the community through raising awareness and funds to prevent the bullying of young vulnerable people in our community.
• Wollongong Conservatorium of Music for 50 years of teaching those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to live music.
• Flynn Ogilvie for outstanding achievements and representing the community on the national and international hockey field.
• Sandra Pires for service to the community through Yesterday Stories, capturing the rich history of migrants, the indigenous community and industry in Wollongong.
• Jonathan Goerlach for service to mentoring young people with disabilities and for contribution to the Wollongong Paralympic wall.

Supporters and Contributors Recognition

• CRAM Foundation for support of the City of Wollongong's NYE 2022 and Australia Day 2023 community events.

Committee Members Recognition

For service on the Australia Day Committee:

• Andrew Horne
• Glen Moore
• Jeremy Lasek
• Jim Powell
• Robyn Hampton

For service on the Senior’s Day Committee:

• Marzia Zochil
• Kerrie Anne Christian

For service on the Bikers Toy Run Giving Tree Committee:

• Rhonda Maher
• Erica Jones
• Cherie Rice
• Jeff Rice
• Mick Bradica
• Daniel Zgela

Event Volunteer Recognition:

• Warwick Erwin for service to the community as an Australia Day and New Years Eve volunteer and champion of the accessible viewing area.

Community service Recognition:

• Cilla Aslanidis for service to the community through voluntary charity and theatre work.
• Colin Wilson for service to the community through contribution to public displays and living collections at Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
• Melahat Kaymak for contribution to the Sisters Cancer Support Group and  work in cancer education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Freyja Jorgensen for contribution to training refugees, reducing waste and supporting the local community.
• Maria Di Carlo for service to the community through work at Berkeley Community Centre, expanding their services.
• Sue Dignan for dedication to assisting refugees and newly arrived migrants.
• Legacy Wollongong for 100 years of Legacy and hosting a successful Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 City of Wollongong Awards