CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
Steve McMillan
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
Emily Kozera
Emily dedicates her time to many community organisations, including volunteering at the Armidale Private Hospital, being a blood donor, volunteering in Manibia for Earthwatch, Red Cross Doorknock appeals and much more.
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
Fran Armitage
Fran Armitage has given tirelessly to the Armidale Community for many years. She has spent ten years as a reader for Vision Australia; and seven years ago joined the Armidale Sanctuary Group which helps with the settlement and sponsorship of refugees.
COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL: (x2)
Priscilla Connor
Priscilla Connor has worked tirelessly for more than 16 years to foster integration into the Armidale Community of countless numbers of overseas students, migrants and refugee families. Priscilla established free classes of English as a second language, dedicating many hours to teaching the classes herself.
Dorothy Strahle
Dorothy has given 18 years of dedicated voluntary service to the Armidale Hospital Auxiliary and the Armidale Hospital Kiosk. During this time, Dorothy has held various positions, including an extended term as a Regional Representative to our district.
COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD FOR AN ORGANISATION:
Benevolent Society and Medicare Local
As part of a building stronger communities initiative, Benevolent Society, Medicare Local and the Minimbah School joined together to provide a homework centre at Minimbah. The goal of the centre is to encourage the children to attempt and complete their homework with positive support and guidance as well as receiving a healthy afternoon tea.
Deb Warren and Jenny Croker
Deb Warren is a blind citizen and Jenny Croker is her mobility instructor and supporter from Guide Dogs NSW & ACT. Over the last 12 months Deb, with the support of Jenny, has trained for and prepared to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Deb and Jen reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2012, and managed to raise $35,000 for Guide Dogs NSW & ACT, which will assist in training guide dogs for others.
SPORTS AWARD FOR A SENIOR INDIVIDUAL:
Jay Stone
Jay contributed to the sport of Athletics in the Armidale Community for many years.
Athletics is a part of Jay’s life and, as a result of this, he has represented Australia five times at the Oceania Games, where he was awarded the honour of Australian Flagbearer at the last games.
SPORTS AWARD FOR A JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL:
Holly Harris
Holly has made meteoric progress in the Mountain Biking world in the last 12 months.
Holly has gone from a club rider to winning a national title and racing for Australia.
SPORTS AWARD FOR AN ORGANISATION:
UNE Barbarians Rugby & Netball Clubs
The Barbarians Rugby & Netball Clubs each took out the 2012 Premiership in their sport.
The Barbarians Rugby Club claimed the 2012 New England Rugby Premiership. In 2012 the Barbets Netball Club was formed, where the A grade team went on to win the Grand Final and their first premiership against Robb College 30 -22.
CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT & RECREATION AWARD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL:
Dave Sauer
David’s dedication and commitment to the coaching and conduct of Athletics in Armidale and Northern NSW is sizable. For over 27 years he has given his afternoons and many weekends to aspiring athletes to help them achieve personal improvements.
CONTRIBUTION TO SPORTS AND RECREATION AWARD FOR A GROUP OR ORGANISATION:
New England Mountain Bike Club
The New England Mountain Bikers have made a huge leap in performance and profile on the national and local stage. The Club now boasts two national champions, six local mountain biking facilities and a 25 per cent increase in membership in the last 12 months.
CULTURAL AWARD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL:
Stella Quast
Stella is a talented young musician who has achieved national and international success this year as a composer. She attended the 2012 National Gondwana Composers school in January and was selected to attend the 2013 Gondwana composers’ school where she is one of 16 chosen from national and international applicants.
THE COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR – GROUP/ORGANIATION GOES TO:
Tour De Rocks
Tour De Rocks is an annual event which brings the community together, involving over 300 cyclists and support crew who travel from Armidale to South West Rocks, all to raise money for Cancer. In 2012, the event raised over $100,000 for the cause and in 2013, they hope to beat this amount.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR – INDIVIDUAL
Brett Cameron – MS 24hr Mega Shear
In 2012, Brett Cameron organised a MS 24-hour Mega Shear to raise money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, a cause which is close to Brett’s heart, with a family friend being diagnosed with this disease in 2011. Brett took it upon himself to organise the huge fundraising event, along with a band and, in the end, managed to raise over $30,000.
THE MAYOR’S SPECIAL AWARD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL:
Ron Sweep
Ron Sweep has given decades of service as gatekeeper for the former YCW Rugby League Club, the Armidale Rams Rugby League Club and more recently, the UNE Barbarians Rugby Club.
THE MAYOR’S SPECIAL AWARD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL:
Phil Wheaton
Phil Wheaton is a real contributor to Armidale. As Manager of the Armidale Bowling Club, he developed one of the best licensed clubs in Australia. In this position, he also supported numerous Armidale community groups, from sporting groups, through to welfare organisations. More recently, he has taken a leading role in preparing the Armidale Dumaresq Council submission for the NSW Tidy Towns: Sustainable Communities Competition, which Armidale won in 2012-2013.
THE MAYOR’S SPECIAL AWARD FOR A GROUP OR ORGANISATION GOES TO:
Sustainable Living Armidale
This organisation has been a driving force in establishing Armidale as a leading city in environmentally sustainable practices.
