The Kingborough Community Awards Ceremony was held on 7 January to honour the many dedicated community members who volunteered in 2022.
Kingborough Mayor, Paula Wriedt said the awards were important because they celebrated the community members who helped make Kingborough a better place to live.
“Today’s awards are Council’s opportunity to recognise not only those who are receiving community awards, but to thank all volunteers in Kingborough,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Three Certificates of Appreciation have been awarded.
“Julia Ridgers is recognised with a Certificate of Appreciation for her outstanding community help.
“Operating the popular Brookfield Shed in Margate, Ms Ridgers’ business is much more than a commercial space, hosting regular charity fundraisers as well as a community garden.
“Julia has been recognised for providing nourishing meals through Kingborough Helping Hands, at Christmas time through Colony 47, through the Lions Club, and for helping Vietnam veterans.
“Wendy and Mick Bailie are also recipients of a Certificate of Appreciation for their enthusiasm and volunteering on Bruny Island.
“A dynamic team committed to generously catering for events for the Bruny Bowls Club, CWA and the Bruny Island Community Association to name a few.
“Our third Certificate of Appreciation winner is the South Channel Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc (SCRRA).
“The SCRRA began in 1976 and for 47 years has coordinated projects and activities to benefit Kingborough, including a Bushfire Memorial in Middleton, BBQ enclosure, historical walk and has assisted the local volunteer fire brigade.
“This year, our Community Group of the Year award goes to Meals on Wheels Kingborough.
“Meals on Wheels supports over 120 clients across Kingborough and makes an enormous difference to the lives of many people relying on them for all their cooked meals and social company.
“The dedicated team deliver over 90 meals a day throughout Kingborough and provide meaningful connections and wellbeing checks to many in our community.
The Young Citizen of the Year is awarded to Lucian Beattie who has been chosen for his passionate voice for climate and advocacy on youth issues.
“As part of the Youth Action Kingborough team, Lucian has worked passionately to improve youth involvement in democracy with a team at Taroona High School.
“Lucian is recognised as a keen advocate for promoting ideas on behalf of young people and his voice has helped promote action on climate change in Kingborough.
“Finally, Citizen of the Year is awarded to Charles Courtney who has freely given his time to many community boards and groups such as the Blackmans Bay Primary School, Scouts, Kingston High and many more.
“His dedication to school communities has been invaluable and he has provided advice, guidance and technical support to many volunteers in the community.
“Charles is recognised for all his work at school Quiz nights, Triathlon BBQs, for his support for the Scouts and for his role in school boards.
“His volunteerism has always been aimed towards enabling children to have the best opportunities.
“Our volunteers are amazing and the contributions they make to the Kingborough community are invaluable.
“I thank all the volunteers and those who nominated them for their commitment and dedication to making a Kingborough a better place to live.”