Australia Day Awards 2010

Last modified on 26 January 2010

Martin McCurrich - Citizen of the Year Award 2010

Citizen of the Year Award 

Martin McCurrich is a joint recipient of 2010's Citizen of the Year award. He has been a resident of Willoughby for 45 years. During this time he has been actively engaged in many local activities and civic associations. He is a past President, Vice President and Senior Captain of 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 is a past Director of the 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.

One of 2010's joint recipients of the Citizen of the Year award, Ann Barnacoat is a tireless contributor to our community. She 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 which provide support for frail and disabled people. She and her dogs have made early morning TV appearances to promote community awareness and fundraising initiatives for guide dogs.

Cultural & Community Building Award

Mr Donald McPhail is a joint recipient of the Cultural and Community Building award for 2010. He has dedicated over 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 current governors of NSW. He has obtained strong coverage for the event in the local media resulting in attendance of 300 to 400 people which is believed to be the largest church Service of Remembrance held in Sydney.

Cultural & Community Building Award

Anne Weinert is one of two joint winners of the Cultural and Community Building award for 2010. She has built the Artarmon Progress Association’s newsletter, the Artarmon Gazette, into a 'must read' publication for the local area. In her volunteer role she 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 in local issues. The Gazette has become the tool which has built links between the industrial and heritage areas of Artarmon.

Services to Young People Award

Forty years ago Joy Sweeney joined the then Willoughby Musical Society as a performer and served for many years as secretary. During this time she was instrumental in formulating many of the society’s progressive ideas, making it one of the foremost theatre companies on the North Sore. In conjunction with her husband she initiated and conducted STARSTRUCK theatre workshops for 9-15 year olds. This highly successful venture was a feature of the 2009 Spring Festival culminating in the children performing at StreetFair. As part of the Uniting Church Roseville she has provided Sunday School instruction to hundreds of children and has coached many year 12 students to great success in their HSC performance exams.