Citizens honoured on Australia Day

Hunter’s Hill Council recognised outstanding achievements and welcomed new citizens in a ceremony at Bedlam Bay today (26 January, 2023).

Individuals and groups nominated by the community received Australia Day Awards, while nine others took part in an Australian Citizenship Ceremony.

View the photo gallery below

John Reading was named Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year.

A senior leader in education, he is well-known for his more than 40 years’ association with St Joseph’s College, as a teacher, sports coach, referee and administrator in rugby and rowing, and as a boarding master.

He is also a founding member of the Hunters Hill Good Guys cycling group.

“I’ve lived in Hunters Hill for almost 60 years and I know there are so many extraordinary, talented, kind and compassionate Hunters Hill residents, so to be singled out in that company is certainly a very great honour,” John said.

“I’m also very proud to accept the honour to represent the teaching profession and represent the many teachers who live or work in Hunters Hill.”

Rohan Stannage was named Young Citizen of the Year.

A competitive sailor and qualified instructor who works and volunteers in the sailing program at Hunters Hill Sailing Club, he has been involved in rescues and recoveries to shore.

While in year 12, Rohan volunteered in support of the Hunters Hill High School learn to sail programs, and has coached young competition sailing squads.

Rohan said that the honour was a surprise and he was happy to be a part of the awards.

Sam Newton was named Sportsperson of the Year.

Sam is a home-grown talent whose sailing career has included winning seven 18-foot skiff world championships, back-to-back SailGP championships with the Australian SailGP team, and Sydney to Hobart line honours onboard Black Jack in 2021, as well as an America’s Cup in 2013 with Oracle Team USA.

He is in training for his 2nd Etchells world championship and with his SailGP team is involved in environmental education with young sailors and students.

“I’m honoured to receive this award,” he said.

“I’m very proud of the achievements my teams and I have accomplished over the past year.

“I love living, working an being a part of the Hunters Hill community.”

Hunters Hill Rugby Union Football Club was named Community Group of the Year.

Formed in 1892 it caters for a playing group ranging in age from 6 to 60, for men, women, juniors and ‘golden oldies’, of all abilities, with skill levels ranging from novices to internationals

The club has a well-established referee training program, and has successfully promoted a strong supporter and volunteering base, contributing to numerous off-field community events and charity fundraisers.

“It’s a great recognition of the work that’s done by hundreds of volunteers, the thousands of hours that are put in each year,” the club’s Vice-President Peter McFarlane said.

A Citizenship Ceremony was also conducted as part of the Australia Day event.

Nine people, with origins in Iran, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, Morocco, Taiwan and Hong Kong, took a pledge of commitment to become Australia citizens.

For today’s event, Hunter’s Hill Council was assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jacqui Jones, Manager Communications and Events. Phone: (02) 9879 9400

Email: jonesj@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

 

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