Australia Day: Northern Beaches Council honours residents
Australia Day award recipients included an internationally recognised junior gymnast and an emergency services volunteer.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An internationally recognised junior gymnast and a Rural Fire Service volunteer are two of the residents honoured by Northern Beaches Council on Australia Day.
Mayor Michael Regan said the council was “spoiled for choice” this year, receiving a high volume of nominations.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge a number of terrific contributions from members of our community as we celebrate Australia Day,” Cr Regan said.
“It is such a privilege to meet these amazing people and on behalf of the community we thank you for your outstanding work and achievements collectively. The northern beaches is a fantastic place to live.
“A big thank you to not only our winners but the many other very deserving people who serve our community and make it even better. Congratulations and thank you to those who took the time to nominate and recognise our great achievers.”
The award winners included:
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: BEN TORY
Seaforth resident Ben Tory was nominated by Naomoi Leviton, recognised for outstanding volunteer work at St John Ambulance, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Team Rubicon Australia. Mr Tory spent six years rebuilding and growing St John Northern Beaches Division and joined the Manly Unit at the age of 18. He works as an ambulance paramedic at Mona Vale station and spends his spare time volunteering for the community.
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - HELEN HENDRY
Manly resident Helen Hendry, nominated by Eli Demeny and Jo-Ann Steeves, has been honoured for easing the end of life journey for many northern beaches residents and their families. She has been an active member of Northern Beaches Palliative and Supportive Care since 1993 and has been a volunteer at Royal North Shore and Mona Vale Hospitals. In addition, she’s also helped out through the Royal Far West Remote Reading Scheme and at Manly Sailability.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - DIA MACNAMARA
Young Terrey Hills resident Dia MacNamara was nominated by Catherine MacNamara for her commitment to a broad range of environmental and social issues. In 2019 the 11-year-old established a plastic bottle collection scheme to turn plastic lids into prosthetic limbs for amputees through Envision Hands. She also creates artwork from plastic to raise awareness of pollution. Dia regularly packages community donations for people in need and fundraises for cancer research. She’s even cutting off her hair so it can be used to create wigs for children with serious illnesses.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR - CHLOE TRISIC
Collaroy resident Chloe Trisic, nominated by Ian Hardy, has accomplished a number of goals in the sports world at the age of 15. In 2019 she competed at the Australian Classic Gymnastics Championships in the Gold Coast placing 1st as the overall Junior International champion. She was also selected on the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Junior National
Australian team in 2019 and represented Australia at gymnix in Canada in March 2019.
Chloe is an ambassador for junior sport in the region and a role model to more than 150 young female gymnasts at Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR - ART FOR WELLNESS
The ‘Art for Wellness’ event presented by Community of Calm and nominated by Mandy Loveday delivered an extensive calendar of events during Mental Health Month in October
2019. There were 500 community members who participated in low-cost events provided by over 30 local practitioners to assist with stress reduction, relaxation and social connection. Arts for Wellness has shone a light on creative and expressive arts and therapies on the Northern Beaches, and how they can contribute to emotional, physical and social wellbeing.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS - JACK BERNE
Wheeler Heights resident Jack Berne was nominated by Sascha Durdevic for drought awareness campaigns. After learning about the drought at school in 2018, Jack took action by asking his classmates to dress up as farmers and donate $5 to the cause. Numerous
schools and workplaces across the northern beaches participated in ‘Five for a Farmer’
fundraising day. The campaign was picked up through the media in 2018 and to date has raised over $1.6 million for Australian farming communities. At the age of 11, Jack visits schools and speaks on radio to ensure his message is heard.