January 26, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE
Hunter’s Hill Council has today (Tuesday 26 January 2021) recognised the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in the local community through its Citizen of the Year Awards.
The awards were presented in a ceremony at Bedlam Bay in Gladesville.
The awards, which recognise those who go above and beyond for the community, were awarded in four categories.
Citizen of the Year – Philippa Clark
Philippa Clark will be forever remembered as the leader and hero of the battle to clean up a contaminated site in Nelson Parade.
Philippa established the Nelson Parade Action Group (NPAG) together with other residents affected by contamination on the former uranium smelter site in Nelson Parade, Hunters Hill.
She has led NPAG in its significant lobbying and negotiations with the NSW Government to achieve a State commitment to clean up the site and remove any remaining hazardous waste.
Young Citizen of the Year – Oliver Gardiner
At the age of 15, Oliver (Olly) already has several years of volunteering to his credit.
He is the volunteer everyone loves to call on – whether at local sporting clubs, schools or church, Olly is always willing to help out.
He can be counted on to volunteer for anything from canteen duty to setting up fields, packing away after events, filming and taking photos, playing the drums or singing, for a range of organisations such as Hunters Hill Junior Rugby Union Football Club, local junior cricket, his school (St Joseph’s College), local primary school Villa Maria, and Holy Name of Mary Parish church.
Sportsperson of the Year – James Quinn
James Quinn is a National Match Official (Referee) with Rugby Australia.
He has been recognised as a NSW Rugby Referee of the Year, as well as earning selection and appointments to officiate grand finals, championships and tournaments at the highest levels of men’s, women’s and schools’ rugby competitions.
James commenced his refereeing in 2010 as a student at St Joseph’s College, where he also now works as a Boarding Supervisor whilst completing post-graduate studies.
Community Group of the Year – Kelly’s Bush Carers
Kelly’s Bush, previously the site of a tin smelter, was famously saved from incoming development by dedicated conservationists in 1971.
This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the world’s first ‘green ban’ and the Battle for Kelly’s Bush.
Since 1995, dedicated Kelly’s Bush Carers Bushcare volunteers have carried on the legacy of the Kelly’s Bush Battlers who worked so hard to preserve this vital site for future generations.
The site now boasts a huge array of native plant species, with volunteers lovingly restoring and maintaining regenerating areas, whilst also battling weeds present elsewhere on site.
Mayor Ross Williams was delighted to welcome 11 new citizens and celebrate the contribution of so many at the ceremony he presided over.
Hunter’s Hill Council congratulates the award winners and thanks the amazing field of nominees for their community service.
The Council also welcomed new citizens to Hunters Hill in an Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
Tonight (Tuesday 26 January) also marks the culmination of a five-night Australia Bay open-air cinema festival, screening classic Aussie films on the oval at Bedlam Bay.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacqui Jones, Communications Officer. Phone: (02) 9879 9400
Email: jonesj@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
PO Box 21, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
Tel: (02) 9879 9400
E: customerservice@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
ABN: 75 570 316 011
We acknowledge that The Wallumedegal people of the Eora Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this land.