Former ironwoman Kate Broadhurst named Citizen of the Year

FORMER ironwoman Kate Broadhurst who developed a Nippers program for children with special needs has been named 2018 Central Coast Citizen of the Year.

Kate Broadhurst is the Central Coast’s 2018 Citizen of the Year.

FORMER ironwoman Kate Broadhurst who developed a Nippers program for children with special needs has been named 2018 Central Coast Citizen of the Year.

Ms Broadhurst has been involved with surf life saving, on many levels, for more than 25 years but last year implemented the “Sharks” Nippers program which is now being used Coast-wide.

Ms Broadhurst competing in 2004 Nutri-Grain ironwoman competition. Picture: Bruce Thomas.

The special needs Nippers program is all about developing the skills of children who would never have been given the opportunity to participate in mainstream Nippers, to a point where they can integrate into the mainstream program at their local beach.

Ms Broadhurst is a former Nutri-grain and Devondale ironwoman competitor and Central Coast Surf Life Saving Branch women’s captain.

Ashleigh Beilby, Zeke Harve, Chloe Beilby and Cait Hinton at the launch of the Coast's first ever special needs Nippers program established by Kate Broadhurst.

She lives at Toowoon Bay with her husband Travis Broadhurst and two children.

Mayor Jane Smith said the judges couldn’t look past Kate’s nomination and the outstanding level of service she provides to the community.

“Kate is a great example of volunteering in our community — giving up her own time to help make the Central Coast more inclusive,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Broadhurst competing ...

And with Mayor Jane Smith.

“Shark Nippers caters for children with additional needs and provides a supportive environment in surf lifesaving.

“She has won many medals during her time with surf lifesaving, but her dedication to developing this program has to be one of the highlights with rewarding benefits.

“I would like to congratulate Kate and all our other award winners on their contribution to our community, making the Central Coast a better place to live, work and play.”

CENTRAL COAST AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS:

■ Kate Broadhurst — Citizen of the Year

■ Crystal Russom — Winner Youth of the Year

■ Kai Darwin — Highly Commended Youth of the Year

Kai Darwin at Umina Beach

■ Paul Johnson — Winner Community Volunteer of the Year

■ Leslie Smith — Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the Year

■ Colin Laing — Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the Year

Colin Laing, life member North Entrance

■ Fred Leake — Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the Year

■ Norman Harris — Winner Environmental Award

■ Tracey Howie — Highly Commended Environmental Award

Tracey Howie got an environment award.

■ John Oates — Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment Award

■ Darryl Davis — Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment Award

■ Richelle Ellis — Winner Business Connecting Communities Award

Richelle Ellis of Wyong

■ Shelly Luck — Highly Commended Business Connecting Communities Award

■ Leasha Craig — Winner Community Service and Activity Award

Leasha Craig, of Narara.

■ Margaret Smith — Highly Commended Community Service and Activity Award

■ Jemma Smith — Winner Sportsperson of the Year

Jemma Smith at Umina Beach.

■ Carley Chapman — Highly Commended Sportsperson of the Year

Carley Chapman in training.