Kingborough Council hosted its annual awards ceremony on Saturday 11 January 2020 at the Kingborough Community Hub in Kingston to recognise and celebrate residents who have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the Kingborough community.
The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter presented the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and a Certificate of Appreciation. He said, “These awards are Council’s opportunity to recognise not only those who are receiving awards, but to send a message to all volunteers, who, through their own efforts help create the community we are so proud of.”
Chair of the Kingborough Awards Committee, Cr Paula Wriedt said it was very difficult to judge the nominations. “The nominations we received are outstanding and it is always very hard to select one person over another for the awards,” said Cr Wriedt.
“This year was particularly difficult so the Committee selected two Citizens of the Year for 2020. They are all very different but are equally instrumental to the well-being of their communities.”
The two recipients for Citizen of the Year are Brian Williams and Anna Burgess.
Brian Williams was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Scouts, and his inspirational leadership to young scouts for over 50 years. A highly respected member of the Kingborough community, Brian’s leadership has helped the Blackmans Bay Scout Group become one of the largest and most successful groups in Tasmania.
Brian said “When I was invested as a cub 65 years ago, I made a promise to help other people. I have done my best to live up to this promised and in helping others in the community, particularly young people. I am truly honoured to be recognised in this way.”
Anna Burgess from Coningham was the joint recipient, and she has been recognised for her focus on developing connections and bringing people together at the local neighbourhood level. A valued member of the community, Anna has a strong commitment to working with and advocating for local residents and issues.
Kingborough’s Young Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Emelia Howell for her outstanding commitment and leadership to young women through sport. As one of Kingborough’s youngest coaches, she encourages junior female soccer players to believe that they can be their best, and through teamwork, can achieve great things. Her supportive and positive leadership style reinforces this ambition, on and off the field.
Emelia said, “It is very rewarding to see the girls’ progress. We have a lot of fun along the way and enjoy building the team together. I want to keep coaching as long as I can. All the coaches are good here and it is great to be part of the team.”
The Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade was presented with the Community Group of the Year Award. The Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade has made an extraordinary contribution to the community of Kingborough. They possess a strong commitment to protect life and property from fire and emergency, as well as play leading roles in the community through their volunteer work to raise money for people in need.
“On behalf of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade I would like to thank the Kingborough community for our nomination,” said Andrew Stott, Brigade Chief.
“We are proud to be recognised for the volunteer work we diligently perform for the Kingborough community and are humbled in winning the Community Group of the Year award for 2020.”
A Certificate of Appreciation to recognise significant service to the Kingborough community was also presented to Jill Sward. Jill has made an outstanding contribution to Kingborough through her involvement with the Rotary Club of Kingston. A well-known community member, Jill has been a great advocate for young people and is involved with a number of programs.
The Kingborough Awards presentation ceremony was changed from Australia Day. They are now held on or after the 6 January, in celebration of the anniversary of the first Kingborough Council meeting, which was held on this date in 1908. Council felt this date was more appropriate in recognising community members who have made significant contributions and positive impacts in the municipality.
Brian Williams, Kingborough Citizen of the Year 2020
Anna Burgess, Kingborough Citizen of the Year 2020
Emelia Howell, Kingborough Young Citizen of the Year 2020
Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade, Community Group of the Year 2020
Jill Sward, Certificate of Appreciation 2020