2010 Media Releases
Australia Day Awards Winners Announced
27 January 2010
The recipients of Willoughby’s Australia Day Awards will be announced at the City of Willoughby’s Australia Day celebrations, 9am, Tuesday 26 January, Flag Court, Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.
The awards recognise citizens who either live, work or give voluntary time and effort within the community. The 2010 awards will congratulate the contributions of community members across the categories of Citizen of the Year, Services to Young People and Cultural and Community Builders.
Joy Sweeney will receive the award for Services to Young People. Mrs Sweeney has worked tirelessly in the Willoughby community for more than 40 years to engage, educate and inspire Willoughby’s youth in the performing arts. Mrs Sweeney was instrumental in formulating many of the former Willoughby Musical Society’s progressive ideas, making it one of the foremost theatre companies on the North Shore. She has also been involved in initiating and conducting theatre workshops for nine to 15 year olds and has coached many year 12 students to high success in their HSC performance exams.
This year, the Cultural and Community Building award will be presented to two worthy recipients.
The first recipient is Mr Donald McPhail, who has dedicated more than 20 years to enthusiastically promoting the ANZAC Service of Remembrance held annually at St Stephens Church, Willoughby. His efforts have secured Federal, State and Local Government representation at the service as well as the attendance of many prominent guests including past, and the current Governor of NSW. More than 3 400 people attend the service, believed to be the largest church Service of Remembrance held in Sydney.
The second recipient, Anne Weinert, has built the Artarmon Progress Association’s newsletter the Artarmon Gazette into a must read publication for the local area. In her voluntary role, Anne has coordinated contributors, edited, sub-edited, proofread and managed the print process. Through this work she has encouraged and built community spirit and promoted the active engagement of Artarmon residents.
The Citizen of the Year honour will also be awarded to two recipients.
Award winner, Mr Martin McCurrich has been a resident of Willoughby for 45 years and during this time has been actively engaged in many local activities and civic associations. He is a past President, Vice President and Senior Captain of the Northbridge Swimming Club and his efforts in this role saw much needed improvements to the facility. He established the Laser Fleet at Northbridge Sailing Club, improving and encouraging the younger members of the club in their appreciation of sailing. He a past Director of Rotary Club of Northbridge, served for nine years as a Councillor for the Sailors Bay Ward and served for 13 years as Director of Chatswood Community Nursing Home where his efforts greatly benefited both staff and residents.
The second Citizen of the Year is Mrs Ann Barnacoat. Mrs Barnacoat has been a volunteer for Willoughby Meals on Wheels for the past 14 years and has been active in the Chatswood Red Cross as the Trauma Teddy convenor. She has been on the Committee for Australian Support Dogs since 2002 and in her role as puppy raiser has trained many guide dogs and dogs that provide support for frail and disabled people.
“I would like to congratulate all our awards recipients, and all those nominated for awards. We truly appreciate the tireless efforts of individuals who contribute wholeheartedly to our community and make Willoughby a better place to live, work and enjoy,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.
For more information, phone Willoughby City Council on 9777 1000.
Media Contact
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Phone: 9777 7703
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Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au