Shellharbour Community Awards Winners 2023/24

Shellharbour City Council has honoured local community award winners at the Shellharbour Community Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 17 January 2024.

The ceremony, held at Shellharbour Civic Centre, provided the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who have excelled in sport, arts and outstanding services to the community during the past year.

A special thanks to Kugang Djarmbi for the smoking ceremony & traditional dance, Uncle Richard Davis for the Welcome to Country & Uncle Steve Widders (2024 Australia Day Ambassador). Additionally, we would like to acknowledge Corey Pickett (emcee), Neisha, Chantel & Nat (dance performance) & Yasmine Russell (harpist).

This event was assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

See below for our amazing winners! 

Citizen of the Year 2024 – Larry How 

Larry actively supports fellow veterans in the community as the President of the Albion Park RSL sub branch. He is also the Secretary of The Links Shell Cove golf club and has significantly contributed to the success of the facility through his support and mentorship over the past 14 years. He is the Director of New Generations for the Rotary Club of Shellharbour, responsible for youth programs including youth exchange. He has also served as the President of the Rotary Club of Shellharbour and District President and has received three prestigious Paul Harris Awards, recognising his service to the community in fundraising. 

Young Citizen of the Year 2024 - Jackson Walsh 

Jackson has been an active member of the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club for over 7 Years. He has completed over 150 hours of voluntary surf patrol and dedicates his time, passion and expertise to provide water safety for the nippers and coaches the juniors. Jackson coached the Warilla Barrack Point SLSC Pool Rescue Teams to compete at the NSW State and Australian Pool Rescue Championships, where the team successfully won medals at all levels. He has been a successful competitor at NSW Country, State and Australian Championships.  

Sports Star of the Year Award 2023 - Tayissa Buchanan

In December last year, Tayissa became an Australian junior champion with her win in the Under 18s 800m race at the Australian All Schools National Championships. In 2023, she was awarded NSW All Schools State Champion for the 17yrs 800m race, was a finalist in the Under 20s Nationals and ran Youth Commonwealth Games Qualifier.

*Award collected by Tayissa's family member.

Young Sports Star of the Year 2023 - Delta Amidsovski 

Delta is an Australian Athletics Dual Gold Champion. She won the 100m hurdles in record time at the 2023 Australian Athletics Championships and took home gold in long jump, marking the fifth consecutive year of winning both events. Delta has also represented Australia at the Youth Commonwealth Games, where she was successful in bringing home two gold medals for 100m hurdles and long jump. 

Disability Athlete of the Year 2023 - Jack Gibson 

In 2023 Jack won gold, silver and two bronze at the Australian age swimming championships, a silver and three bronze at the Australian All Schools swimming championships, two gold in the Australian All Schools Triathlon and two gold and one silver at the Australian All Schools Cross Country. Jack’s talent and commitment was awarded with the Illawarra Academy of Sport Para Athlete of the year award in 2022 and 2023. 

*Award collected by Jack's family member.

Support Superstar 2023 - Oliver Spake

Oliver, or "Olly" as most know him, has been a volunteer with Shellharbour Parkrun since it began in 2014 and is currently Event Director. He has been integral in supporting this weekly event that brings hundreds of community members together in the beautiful Killelea State Park, with almost 300 Saturday mornings volunteered.  

Coach of the Year 2023 - Ben Thurgar

Ben has coached the Shellharbour Junior Football Club’s Women’s Youth Grade for over eight years. His ongoing support, guidance and encouragement has led the team to many successes including winning the Champion of Champions Tournament in 2022 and 2023. 

Sports Team of the Year 2023 - Shellharbour JFC Women's Youth League

The Shellharbour Junior Football Club Women’s Youth League is at the top of their game, winning the Champion of Champions trophy two years in a row. Last year, their hard-work and resilience also pathed the way to win the State Cup, League Championship and Grand Final. 

Member of the Order (AM) & Medal of the Order (OAM) Recipients:

Alan Beveridge has received the Medal of the Order (OAM) for his outstanding contributions for service to surf lifesaving. Peter Brown has been recognised as a Member of the Order (AM) for his service to community and social welfare organisations. 

*Alan Beveridge recipient of Medal of the Order (OAM)

 

Last updated : Wed 1 May 2024