2019 seniors week recognition awards program ......ellen dymphna (nell) cusack. this took nearly 20...

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Phone: (02) 4780 5000

Fax: (02) 4780 5555

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Locked Bag No 1005 Katoomba NSW 2780

Australia

Blue Mountains City Council acknowledges that the

City of the Blue Mountains is located in the tradi�onal

lands of the Darug and Gundungurra Peoples

1

2019 Seniors Week Recogni�on

Awards Celebra�on

LIVE LIFE

46

Belong Blue Mountains ,Belong Blue Mountains ,Belong Blue Mountains ,Belong Blue Mountains , Lower Mountains Neighbourhood CentreLower Mountains Neighbourhood CentreLower Mountains Neighbourhood CentreLower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers

Belong Blue Mountains, Lower Mountains Neighbour-

hood Centre, would like to nominate our team of re-

cep�on volunteers who are crucial to the opera�on of

the Centre.

Our Neighbourhood Centre would not exist without

these individuals who regularly manage the recep�on

area and perform du�es such as gree�ng community

members, answering the telephone, performing vari-

ous administra�ve du�es, assis�ng with general en-

quiries and always offering a friendly face to those who

pass through.

We would like to say a big thank you to each of these

volunteers and believe they are truly deserving of the

nomina�on.

Nominated by Peta Williams

Belong Blue Mountains

2019 Seniors Week Recogni�on Awards

Celebra�on

Organisa�on Award

3


Celebra�on

Tuesday, 26 Febr�ar� 2019

10.00am - 12.00pm

Blue Mountains Theat e and Communit� Hub Macquarie Road, Spring(ood

Blue Mountains City Council supports Seniors across the

Blue Mountains in partnership with local Community

Organisa�ons and Businesses

4

45

Playtime Playgroup Playtime Playgroup Playtime Playgroup Playtime Playgroup ---- Leura Uniting Leura Uniting Leura Uniting Leura Uniting Church Church Church Church

The play�me playgroup is a well-a*ended and valued

playgroup run by the senior volunteers of the Uni�ng

Church. Play�me not only provides the opportunity for

children, parents, carers and grandparents to meet; but

it also provides a pla-orm for the volunteers to

connect and support each other, growing friendship

through community giving. Play�me has been running

for 5 years in its current format, and has a*endance

from families up and down the mountains, from

Hazelbrook to Mt Victoria.

The volunteers are always welcoming and suppor�ve

of families, providing the opportunity for connec�ons.

They are instrumental in making the space feel like a

second home.

Nominated by Kristy Lenon


Celebra�on

Organisa�on Award

44

Blue Mountains Food ServicesBlue Mountains Food ServicesBlue Mountains Food ServicesBlue Mountains Food Services

Blue Mountains Food Services (BMFS) is a volunteer

involving organisa�on that seeks to connect all

members of the community. Whether it's nutri�ous

meals delivered to your home, a friendly chat at one of

our many community restaurants, or assistance with

daily ac�vi�es from one of their lovely volunteers,

they're all about helping you to remain independent

and socially connected in your community.

Our volunteer supported aged care services, include

running 5 community restaurants, providing one-on-

one social support ac�vi�es and the delivery of weekly

meals. Our NDIS Cook + Connect programs involve

volunteers suppor�ng expert group facilitators

developing NDIS par�cipants safety, wellbeing and

independent living skills.

Blue Mountains Food Service has over 20 years

experience in the Community Services industry.

Nominated by Mark Keller

Marke�ng Coordinator, Blue Mountains Food Services


Celebra�on

Organisa�on Award

5

Program 2019

____________________________________

10.00am - MC

Prue Hardgrove, BMCC, Aged and Disability Services

Development Officer

10.05am - Welcome to Country

Aunty Val Aurisch, Darug Elder

Aunty Sharyn Hall, Gundungurra Elder

10.10am - Official Opening

Councillor Chris Van der Kley on behalf of the Mayor of

the City of the Blue Mountains

10.15am - Speech - Ms Elizabeth Giddy

Seniors and Volunteering

10.30am - Presenta�on of 2019 Seniors Week

Individual Recogni�on Awards

Councillor Chris Van der Kley

Councillor Mick Fell

Prue Hardgrove, BMCC

10.45- Presenta�on of the 2019 Seniors Week

Organisa�on Awards

Ms Susan Templeman MP,

Member for Macquarie

Ms Trish Doyle MP,

Member for the Blue Mountains

Councillor Chris Van der Kley

Councillor Mick Fell

11.00am - Closing Words - Prue Hardgrove, BMCC

6

“Leadership is not about �tles,

posi�ons or flow charts it is

about one life guiding another”

43

Organisa�on Awards

42

Fay WheatleyFay WheatleyFay WheatleyFay Wheatley

Nominated by Trish Doyle MP


Celebra�on

Individual Award

7

Phil MullensPhil MullensPhil MullensPhil Mullens

Phil has been a key volunteer with Springwood

Neighbourhood Centre Co-opera�ve Ltd (SNCC) for

over 2 years. During this period he has supported

senior service enquiries within our Centre, assisted

seniors as a transport driver as well as providing a

diverse range of other ac�vi�es. Such as connec�ng

community members with SNCC’s over 65’s bus trips

and being a designated volunteer helper on these trips

for seniors.

Phil has an outstanding aAtude and willingness to help

in any way he can. Our Centre (drop in lounge) is used

by many seniors and Phil is one of our valued

volunteers who assists with their diverse enquiries.

We commend without any reserva�on Phil for a

Seniors Week Recogni�on Award.

Nominated by Lesley Lewis

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Co-opera�ve (Ltd)


Celebra�on

Individual Award

8


Celebra�on

Individual Award

Maureen Doherty Maureen Doherty Maureen Doherty Maureen Doherty

Maureen is a very passionate and dedicated volunteer.

She has been a Pallia�ve Care volunteer for the Blue

Mountains Pallia�ve Support Service for 7 years. She

has supported many pa�ents at home and has focused

in the last three years on visi�ng dying pa�ents at Blue

Mountains Anzac Memorial Hospital. Maureen has also

provided much needed respite to carers when needed.

Her wise and friendly presence has enabled many

pa�ents to discuss their spirituality and given them the

opportunity to reflect on their life. When she is not

visi�ng others in need, Maureen assists with the

training of new volunteers and has represented our

service as a guest speaker to local organiza�ons.

She has also been involved with BM Cancer Wellness as

a volunteer counsellor for 2 years and with the BM Jazz

Fes�val as a volunteer for 3 years.

Nominated by Katrina Simmons- Coordinator

Belong Blue Mountains -Blue Mountains Pallia�ve

Support Service

41

Marilla North Marilla North Marilla North Marilla North Marilla North, always an ac�vist and thinker, Marilla

has forged a strong career in the fields of wri�ng, the

arts, advocacy and public service.

Whilst trained as a teacher, Marilla has also worked in

adver�sing, marke�ng, film and television, she fund

raised for the Conservatorium and has used her skills to

promote UNICEF, to name a few of her achievements.

In 1981 she was responsible for the Interna�onal Year

of the Disabled Person (IYDP) in NSW. IYDP has leL a

long legacy of breaking down many barriers for people

with a disability.

She has also wri*en a biography of Australian author,

Ellen Dymphna (Nell) Cusack. This took nearly 20 years

and she has recently revised and updated it.

She is an advocate for social jus�ce, a member and

volunteer for the Blue Mountains Refugee Support

Group. Recently Marilla lost the love of her life, Robert.

Robert was always very proud of his talented wife. In

his memory it gives me great pleasure to nominate

Marilla for this award.

Nominated by Trish Doyle MP


Celebra�on

Individual Award

40

David ColebyDavid ColebyDavid ColebyDavid Coleby

David has greatly contributed to the conserva�on of

the mountains. He has volunteered in a number of

capabili�es over the years including:-

• Bush care volunteer for 23 years.

• Coordinator for Sublime Point Bush care Group at

Leura 23 years

• Ac�ve member of Wentworth Falls Lake 21 years

• Ac�ve member of the Australian Plants Society

Nursery at Glenbrook

• Regular volunteer for Blue Mountains Cultural

Centre since its incep�on in2013

• Volunteered at Zig Zag railway for several years

to the bush fires in 2013

Through his love of plants he has also had three

papers published in the Royal Botanical Gardens

Journal, Cunninghamia.

David is currently undertaking a further voluntary study

on the review of the distribu�on of locally endemic Cliff

Mallee Ash, Eucalyptus cunninghamii. The study is

planned to be published in the Royal Botanical Garden

Journal.

Nominated by Nathan Summers


Celebra�on

Individual Award

9


Celebra�on

Individual Award

Ann Ludbrooke Ann Ludbrooke Ann Ludbrooke Ann Ludbrooke

Anne has been a volunteer with Springwood

Neighbourhood Centre Coopera�ve Ltd (SNCC) for over

20 years! Throughout this significant period she has

con�nually supported senior service enquiries with in

our Centre. This involves a diverse range of ac�vi�es.

For example connec�ng community members with

SNCC’s over 65’s bus trips or overseeing enquiries

about becoming a client of either SNCC ’s Volunteer

Home Visitors or the Community Visitors Scheme.

Ann is also a key volunteer in back office opera�ons

she has handled Centre banking processes throughout

her tenure with SNCC. She is trusted to do this

important task each and every week. We commend

Ann’s lengthy service to our community, and she is a

worthy recipient for a Seniors Week Recogni�on Award

Nominated by Lesley Lewis


10

Kerry Rice Kerry Rice Kerry Rice Kerry Rice

Kerry is a very dedicated, compassionate and deligh-ul

volunteer. She has been a Pallia�ve Care volunteer for

the Blue Mountains Pallia�ve Support Service for 7

years. Kerry has assisted pa�ents in the mountains to

remain at home. She has provided transport, social

support, compassionate care and bereavement

support to her clients. Kerry has been on the organising

commi*ee for our ’Memorial Day ‘ program for the last

4 years and has also assisted in fundraising events for

the service.

Kerry is passionate about end of life care and she is

truly an asset to our organisa�on. Kerry has also been a

volunteer for the YAWN program for 3 years, which is a

program out of Heatherbrae Lawson, assis�ng mothers

and babies at home who don’t have local family

support in the community.

Nominated by Katrina Simmons - Coordinator

Belong Blue Mountains - Blue Mountains Pallia�ve

Support Service


Celebra�on

Individual Award

39

Bill Webster Bill Webster Bill Webster Bill Webster

Bill has been a dedicated volunteer with Popes Glen

Bush care Group for 24 years.

He has also provided 45 years of service to the SES,

including ac�ng in the role of trainer and assessor. His

skills have been highly sought aLer by many including,

assis�ng with the 1997 Thredbo landslide.

Bill has also been ac�ve in the Probus Club for many

years. He serves on the Rhododendron Society

Commi*ee in a variety of posi�ons including

membership secretary for several years. He is a long

term regular volunteer gardener of the Rhodendron

Gardens with a par�cular emphasis on safety.

Bill is involved with the HUFF (Heads Up for Fire)

program, and par�cipates in long distance rides to raise

money for chari�es.

He is truly a mainstay of the Blackheath community.

Nominated by the Bushcare Team


Celebra�on

Individual Award

38

Chris KellyChris KellyChris KellyChris Kelly

Chris has been a social support volunteer of the

Volunteer Home Visitors service for the past 5 years.

She has provided companionship to many people at

risk of becoming isolated in their community by visi�ng

them at home, taking them on local ou�ngs and

shopping trips.

Chris is a person who never stops and her energy and

enthusiasm are exemplary. She has the wonderful

ability to inspire others in order to make great things

happen in her community. It is due to her commitment

and dedica�on that the successful “Kinship at

Christmas” Founda�on now supports a Christmas lunch

in the Lower Mountains as well, bringing Christmas joy

to people in need at a challenging �me.

Chris truly is a “Can Do” person with a Heart of Gold

who is totally trustworthy and reliable and a wonderful

social support to others, young and old.

Nominated by Eva Regitz

Belong Blue Mountains, Volunteer Home Visitors

Service


Celebra�on

Individual Award

11

David HobbsDavid HobbsDavid HobbsDavid Hobbs

David has been running the U3A photography group at

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre for several

years which is much loved, well a*ended and valued by

the community. The classes are always full and spoken

about with great enthusiasm by par�cipants.

David is currently involved with the Blackheath Theatre

company which is currently encouraging local authors

to submit plays to be produced by the company – a

very exci�ng new venture in the Upper Mountains.

David is also a much-valued volunteer at the

neighbourhood centre where he works on recep�on,

assis�ng the community with their enquiries.

David is kind, helpful and full of ideas to help the

neighbourhood centre and the community.

Nominated by Jo Davies

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre


Celebra�on

Individual Award

12

Robin GreenRobin GreenRobin GreenRobin Green Robin has been a volunteer at the Springwood

Neighbourhood Centre for over five years. He is a

reliable, compassionate and very caring volunteer.

Robin has introduced other volunteers to the service

and has always gone above and beyond to make

people feel welcome and valued. We are very grateful

he is part of our service.

Robin is a definite asset to the Neighbourhood Centre

and his community.

Nominated by Liz Murphy



Celebra�on

Individual Award

37

Laraine Graham Laraine Graham Laraine Graham Laraine Graham

Laraine, for many years, has been a vital and stalwart

member of the Blackheath & District Hor�cultural

Society. Accep�ng posi�ons as Hon. Secretary, Vice

President and President a posi�on she currently holds

and will take the Society thru to the 100 years

celebra�ons of the Society in 2020. Laraine has

constantly manifested a con�nued passion for the

Society as a necessary part of our lovely Blackheath

and surrounding areas, and also is a member of the

local Community Hall Commi*ee which she has over

the years maintained a very high standard. She is

currently steering the Society through the

management of a new Cons�tu�on which is needed for

the Society. This work is en�rely her own effort. It is

hoped that it will be steered thru successfully and

accepted by the Members ready for the 100 years

celebra�ons.

Nominated by Jennifer Milani


Celebra�on

Individual Award

36

Geoff HatswellGeoff HatswellGeoff HatswellGeoff Hatswell

Geoff is a volunteer driver for Great Community

Transport. Geoff has been volunteering for Great

Community Transport since August 2013.

He is always happy to help when we need him to do

extra driving. He is kind, helpful and friendly.

Geoff is a wonderful asset to our service, our clients

and the Blue Mountains community.

Nominated by Great Community Transport


Celebra�on

Individual Award

13

Lindena RobbLindena RobbLindena RobbLindena Robb

We are so fortunate to have Lindena working with us in

our community. Lindena came up with the most

wonderful idea about how to connect people in the

community about 11 years ago. This is known as The

Welcome Table (where people can come together in a

safe environment and meet others for much needed

social and physical contact), which Lindena hosts every

Friday aLernoon in Blackheath.

Not only does Lindena do a fine job facilita�ng The

Welcome Table each week, she also creates a

newsle*er and helps to keep people informed and

connected. Par�cipants of The Welcome Table have

created other fantas�c opportuni�es, which include

dinner and movie ou�ngs and a book club.

Without Lindena, this opportunity would never have

existed.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

14

Elaine ValtonElaine ValtonElaine ValtonElaine Valton

Elaine has a deep commitment to both the community

and the environment and supports these passions in a

variety of ways.

Elaine volunteers at the Blackheath Community

Garden, and for BANC’s community emergency

program (Heads Up For Fire and Other Emergencies).

She has also undertaken a large fundraising event for

the Welcome Table and volunteers with the grass roots

community group, The Big Fix.

Elaine is a very commi*ed, energe�c and serious

worker. She no�ces the accomplishments of others as

well as their needs and struggles. She is humble and

gracious and always goes the extra mile to assist

others. We are grateful for her ongoing contribu�on to

our community.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

35

Coert Hendrik Van Den Bout (Harry)Coert Hendrik Van Den Bout (Harry)Coert Hendrik Van Den Bout (Harry)Coert Hendrik Van Den Bout (Harry)

Harry has been volunteering with the Volunteer Home

Visitors service, a social support service, for over 5

years. During this �me he has contributed immensely

to the quality of life of the people he has come in

contact with. Harry has built a very suppor�ve

rela�onship with the person he visits, taking them for

walks and to our men’s social group. Through this he

has been a great support to the carer as well.

Harry has also provided transport to many people in

his community, too numerous to count. Harry has

many quali�es that have been a true asset to this

service and beyond. Harry oLen goes out of his way to

lend a hand to members of the community when no

other help is available.

The Blue Mountains community is very fortunate to

have him in their midst.

Nominated by Eva Regitz

Belong Blue Mountains, Volunteer Home Visitors


Celebra�on

Individual Award

34

Sue Beevers Sue Beevers Sue Beevers Sue Beevers

Sue is a volunteer carer for Great Community

Transport, Sue has been volunteering with Community

Transport since July 2014.

We receive lots of feedback from our clients who all

say Sue is very helpful and kind.

Sue also goes the extra mile and does research in her

own �me to make sugges�ons for our ou�ngs for

clients. She likes to ensure that they have a wonderful

�me when out on one of our social ou�ngs.

Sue is a wonderful asset to our service, our clients and

the Blue Mountains community.

Nominated by Great Community Transport


Celebra�on

Individual Award

15

Jenny DaviesJenny DaviesJenny DaviesJenny Davies

Jenny is a volunteer facilitator of the Raising Kin

Support that began in 2018. The group is supported by

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre and meets once a

month. Raising Kin supports rela�ves that have primary

care of a child that is not their own. OLen these

arrangements are due to the fact the parent is not in a

posi�on to support their child either due to drug or

alcohol issues, mental health concerns or if the parent

has sadly passed away.

Jenny has done an amazing job both in her role caring

for her granddaughter and in suppor�ng others in a

similar situa�on.

Nominated by Imelda Eames



Celebra�on

Individual Award

16

Chris WatsonChris WatsonChris WatsonChris Watson

For many years, Chris was involved with a number of

various projects with the Parish of St Thomas Aquinas

and St Thomas Aquinas Columbus Schools, including

working in natural areas.

Chris has been a long term and integral member of the

Jackson Park Bush Care Group. Chris is a friendly,

helpful and hardworking person and is always willing to

assist anyone with advice or work.

Nominated by Karen Hising

Blue Mountains Bush Care


Celebra�on

Individual Award

33

Keith Ward Keith Ward Keith Ward Keith Ward

Keith is a Commi*ee Member of the Valley Heights

Locomo�ve Museum. His posi�on there is a Publicity

Officer, in this posi�on he has gone to great lengths to

open up the Museum to the greater public, and to

introduce a variety of new events.

He has been a member for approximately 5 years,

during this �me his enthusiasm and energy for

promo�ng the museum to the wider community has

never waned.

He has also managed to successfully encourage Blue

Mountains Associa�on of Cultural Heritage

Organisa�ons to have one of their monthly mee�ngs

at the museum.

Nominated by David Grove


Celebra�on

Individual Award

32

Peg and Gerry Taylor Peg and Gerry Taylor Peg and Gerry Taylor Peg and Gerry Taylor

I feel most privileged to be able to nominate Peg and

Gerry Taylor for a Senior’s Week Recogni�on Award

this year. As a couple they have both been volunteering

with Blue Mountains Food Service for 28 years.

In 2017 when our meal deliveries format changed, Peg

and Gerry, now in their eigh�es said “We know we

can’t physically do the longer delivery runs now in

place, however we don’t want to stop volunteering.”

Since 2017 Peg and Gerry have been taking people out

in our social support program, providing friendship and

assis�ng them with their regular shopping. Peg and

Gerry con�nue today to take people out for social

support, and contribute so much to the community.

They make the Blue Mountains a richer and more

connected place to live.

I hope they will con�nue to volunteer with us into the

future.

Nominated by Celia Lotus

Volunteer Coordinator Blue Mountains Food Services


Celebra�on

Individual Award

17

Larry HowardLarry HowardLarry HowardLarry Howard

Larry began his voluntary work in the mountains as

junior coach, district coach and president of Blackheath

Soccer Club.

In 1999 Larry joined Blackheath/Mt Victoria Rural Fire

Brigade. He became Captain in 2004 and held that

posi�on un�l 2018. He is currently Senior Deputy of the

brigade. Larry has a*ended many emergency events

including interstate fires and has been suppor�ve of

the development of community engagement ac�vi�es

in Blackheath and Mt Victoria. He was recently made a

life member of the brigade.

Larry is also a member of the Rotary Club of Blackheath

where he has held many posi�ons on the board, is

currently serving his second term as President, and

holds a Paul Harris Fellow Award, he is also a

commi*ee member of Mt Victoria Community

Associa�on.

Thank you Larry for all that you do.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

18

Andrina MacGinleyAndrina MacGinleyAndrina MacGinleyAndrina MacGinley

Andrina has been a volunteer at Winmalee

Neighbourhood Centre for over 5 years and has been a

valuable asset in her many roles.

On Mondays Andrina volunteers at the Winmalee

Community Kitchen in many capaci�es. She also

coordinates the food pickups from La Montagne Café

and Donut King. Nothing is too much trouble for

Adrina, without her dedica�on to assis�ng others in

need the lunches would not run smoothly.

Thank you Andrina you are invaluable to our workings

at the Neighbourhood centre .

Nominated by Morna Colbran

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc.


Celebra�on

Individual Award

31

Jeffrey Alexander Jeffrey Alexander Jeffrey Alexander Jeffrey Alexander

Jeffrey volunteers most Tuesdays at our thriving Blue

Mountains Food Services Blaxland Community

Restaurant. For the past 6 years Jeffrey has been an

integral part of the kitchen prep team, peeling spuds,

cuAng up carrots, s�rring pots, and generally helping

to ensure the food is well prepared and nicely

presented. Jeffrey is a really kind soul who genuinely

cares about others, he also enjoys a good joke. Jeffrey

is well liked by everyone and is a really fun person to

have in the kitchen prep team. He does whatever is

tasked to him with a smile, he is adap�ve, flexible and

dedicated to his volunteering role. Jeffrey is always

open to helping more, doing extra shiLs where needed

and I know has a special place in the hearts of others

who volunteer alongside him.

We hope he will con�nue volunteering with us for

many more years to come.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

30

June BonnJune BonnJune BonnJune Bonn

June has been volunteering with Blue Mountains Food

Services since her professional re�rement in 2013, in

this �me she has been on our board of management,

assisted with training volunteers and has been

declared the best coffee maker in the office!

Each Tuesday she arrives in our main office at 9am and

helps out with administra�on tasks, talks to our meal

clients, takes orders and helps with preparing the meal

delivery runs. In her previous life June had been

involved in the Community Sector for many years so

this has been an ideal transi�on from work to

volunteering for June and has meant our organisa�on

has had the benefit of all her years of experience

walking alongside vulnerable members of our

community. June really understands others and

genuinely cares, she has a refreshing sense of humour,

very wi*y and funny; quite simply her energy is a joy to

be around. We are very fortunate to have June

volunteering in our organisa�on. BMFS is proud to

nominate June for an award this year.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

19

Mike Mike Mike Mike Doolan Doolan Doolan Doolan

Mike joined Blackheath/Mount Victoria Rural Fire

Brigade when he moved to Blackheath in 2012. He had

been a member of Milton RFS brigade for 10 years

before that.

Mike has held posi�ons of Senior Deputy and Deputy, a

posi�on he holds currently. Mike spends many hours of

his personal �me training and mentoring other brigade

members and is keen to assist poten�al crew leaders to

obtain their qualifica�ons.

Mike is an ac�ve fire fighter and responds at all �mes

of the day and night to incident calls. He maintains the

vehicles and equipment making sure they are always

ready for any emergency response. He also maintains

the grounds at both sta�ons.

Mike’s sense of humour oLen dissipates tense

situa�ons and he is a valued and excellent role model

for all members of the brigade.

Nominated by Mina Howard , Blackheath Area

Neighbourhood Centre


Celebra�on

Individual Award

20

Sandra ArrellSandra ArrellSandra ArrellSandra Arrell

Sandy joined the Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre in

late 2011 and has contributed to all programs held.

Sandy is not only the Volunteer Coordinator but also

par�cipates at the Winmalee Community Lunch,

volunteers on recep�on on Thursdays and now is

trained to fill in on a casual basis on the No Interest

Loans State Referral Informa�on Line.

Despite now being busy caring for her grandchildren

she s�ll finds �me to teach kniAng and crochet at the

Centre every month as the ‘Wool Gatherers’.

Thank you Sandy you’re a gem.

Nominated by Morna Colbran

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc.


Celebra�on

Individual Award

29

Aaron ThornAaron ThornAaron ThornAaron Thorn

Aaron has been a commi*ed volunteer for the Belong

Blue Mountains Film Club.

Aaron has been instrumental with the coordina�on of

the films for the Film Club, enabling seniors and the

many other film club members enjoy the movies on

offer. His assistance with seAng up for each movie

event and helping Club members a*end the event has

been a huge help.

Aaron has also contributed to film sessions with his

wonderful knowledge about the films.

Nominated by Korey Gunnis

Coordinator, Blue Mountains Movie Club


Celebra�on

Individual Award

28

Ruth HendersonRuth HendersonRuth HendersonRuth Henderson

Ruth came on board with Blue Mountains Food

Services in late 2016 as a Community Restaurant

Volunteer, in this �me she has regularly helped at our

Katoomba, Lawson and Blackheath restaurants,

some�mes up to three �mes a week. Ruth is well liked

by all the volunteers and clients, she is a great team

player, has refreshing style and flair and is a genuinely

happy and conversa�onal person. Ruth is always willing

to jump in at a moments no�ce to cover at another

restaurant, and has been relied on at many �mes at

very short no�ce. Ruth will do whatever is asked of her,

she is as happy in the kitchen as she is in front of

house.

Ruth is a genuinely nice person, she is a real asset to

our organisa�on and is more than deserving of being

acknowledged this year for her generosity of spirit

toward others in the community.


Volunteer Coordinator, Blue Mountains Food Services


Celebra�on

Individual Award

21

Cheryl CorderyCheryl CorderyCheryl CorderyCheryl Cordery

Cheryl is a Blackheath HUFF (Heads Up For Fire and any

emergency) Facilitator and in this role she facilitates

connec�ons between neighbours in prepara�on for an

emergency event. Cheryl was carrying out this role long

before the HUFF Project was officially set up proving

herself to be a self-mo�vated caring and concerned

neighbour.

In her role as facilitator Cheryl passes on informa�on to

her neighbours regarding emergency prepara�on and

steps in when the more vulnerable and elderly

neighbours need a champion. She checks that

everyone is okay during and aLer emergency events, a

role that promotes confidence and a feeling of

connectedness for those who are living on their own or

less able to deal with these situa�ons independently.

Cheryl is to be commended for maintaining a selfless

and caring aAtude towards her neighbours and

epitomises the HUFF mo*o ‘Looking Out, Linking In’.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

22

Stephen CorriganStephen CorriganStephen CorriganStephen Corrigan

Stephen has volunteered in various roles at Valley

Heights Rail Museum for 17 years. He freely gives �me

and effort onsite developing strong bonds with his

fellow seniors and at home, where his spreadsheet

skills benefit his colleagues.

Stephen also volunteers at a Chris�an evangelis�c

organisa�on providing audio visual material to many

li*le known language groups around the world. He

regularly drives members of the church to medical

appointments, and manages the audio visuals at

Sunday Services. His compassion and support for the

frail and elderly is well regarded amongst his

community.

Stephen’s humble unassuming manner makes him a

true pillar of society.

Nominated by Keith Ward

Valley Heights Railway Museum


Celebra�on

Individual Award

27

Gino BaudoGino BaudoGino BaudoGino Baudo Gino is a valuable volunteer for the Belong Blue

Mountains Film Club, a social group coordinated by

Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre that meets monthly

on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at the

Palais Royale, where you can watch and talk about

your favourite movie with others.

Gino has assisted in a number of ways to help the film

sessions run smoothly and help make the sessions safe

and enjoyable. He has helped specifically with seAng

and packing up at each event, helping film club

members with a*ending the ma�nee film event, and

assis�ng members on social ou�ngs.

Gino has also contributed with his excellent technical

knowledge about hardware requirements for the

projection work at film club sessions.

Nominated by Korey Gunnis

Coordinator, Blue Mountains Movie Club


Celebra�on

Individual Award

26

Captain Chris CampbellCaptain Chris CampbellCaptain Chris CampbellCaptain Chris Campbell

Chris is the current Captain (Sta�on Commander) at

Lawson Fire Sta�on. He manages the Lawson Fire

Sta�on and its crew to train for and respond to fire and

other emergencies in Lawson and surrounding

communi�es. Chris is also responsible for organising

community educa�on programs delivered to all

sec�ons of the community from children (Fire Ed

programs to infants) through to conduc�ng Home Fire

Safety Checks and installing smoke alarm ba*eries for

elderly residents who are unable to carry out their own

ba*ery replacements.

Nominated by Selwyn Mathias

New South Wales Fire and Rescue


Celebra�on

Individual Award

23

Carole Lee Carole Lee Carole Lee Carole Lee

Carol has been volunteering with Blue Mountains Food

Services for seven years, originally Carole was

delivering daily meals to older people in the upper

mountains, however more recently Carole has joined

our expanding pool of social support volunteers

providing companionship to others who are socially

isolated. This is such a great role for Carole as it allows

her to express her kind, caring and giving nature in a

very responsive and interac�ve way. Carole is a great

communicator and is always thinking up different ways

she can engage the person she spends �me with. I

know Carole will think she does not need to be

recognised and not to make a fuss however it is people

like Carole who are the backbone of communi�es,

providing much needed companionship to others in

need. Carole has a heart of gold, she is sincere,

a*en�ve and engaged in volunteering and is most

worthy of being recognised for her contribu�on to the

community.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

24

Pamela Gardiner Pamela Gardiner Pamela Gardiner Pamela Gardiner

Pamela wears many hats, she has been involved with

the local valley heights Church including Sunday School

and the Parish Council. She has been a member of the

Blaxland Gem and Mineral Club for over 40 years,

whilst at the Mineral Club she held regular roles.

A member of the Valley Heights Progress Associa�on

for over 30 years, she is currently the secretary and

also coordinates the annual raffle to raise funds for the

Associa�on.

When she is not dedica�ng �me to the Sunday School,

Mineral Club or Progress Associa�on, she cares for our

local wildlife, having over 30 years experience with

Wires. She is oLen asked to speak at Probus and Rotary

mee�ngs regarding her work with Wires.

She is also the founding member of the Benoit PARK

Bushcare Group of which she has given 13 years service

Nominated by Jane Anderson


Celebra�on

Individual Award

25

Trish Brown Trish Brown Trish Brown Trish Brown

For the past 5 years, Trish has been volunteering each

Tuesday at our Blue Mountains Food Services (BMFS)

Community Restaurant at Blaxland. Trish is a quiet

achiever, hardworking and open to help wherever she

is needed. Trish pays great a*en�on to detail and is a

dedicated and commi*ed member of the restaurant

team. Trish enjoys playful banter in the kitchen with

her fellow volunteers, she is a happy and open being

who always has a smile on her face and �me for others.

Trish’s quiet yet up beat energy is a real asset to our

organisa�on and makes her well liked by all who spend

�me with her. We are most fortunate to have Trish

volunteering with us and BMFS is honoured to

nominate her for a Seniors Week Recogni�on Award

this year.




Celebra�on

Individual Award

2019 seniors week recognition awards program ......ellen dymphna (nell) cusack. this took nearly 20...

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