Australia Day Awards 2012
Last modified on 26 January 2012
Citizen of the Year Award
Marie Cherote has demonstrated a total commitment to The Northern Suburbs Netball Association and the Northbridge Netball club over many years.
Marie is a dedicated volunteer, and undertaken roles as Secretary and Club Convenor and has streamlined and improved the Northern Suburbs Netball Association, especially in regard to Risk Management and Child Protection.
Marie has also organised events for Northern Suburbs Netball Association such as Carnivals, Pink Ribbon Netball Day, Cure for Cancer Days and has worked closely with Willoughby City Council to enhance community netball for over 4,800 members.
Cultural & Community Building Award
Betty Doggett has been a continuous member of the Willoughby District Historical Society since 1981.
She took a position with the Management Committee of the Society, and accepted the challenge of curating two successive displays.They were the history of Brick Works in Artarmon and St Leonard’s – which operated from 1928 – 1959. And the history of Tanneries in Willoughby - which operated from 1869 – 1992. The curating of the exhibitions involved research into these industries, assessing records, and interviews with owners, managers, staff and various businesses. As well as understanding the manufacturing processes involved. Betty then interpreted and presented these excellent displays at the museum, which remained on public display for up to two years.
In later years she coordinated and hosted the Society’s meetings and organised guest speakers. She held the role of host for 5 years, and this role provided significant cultural benefits to the Society and has promoted Willoughby to a wider public across Sydney. She was awarded with life Membership of the Willoughby District Historical Society in 2006, in recognition to her service, in 2010 she was presented with a certificate of recognition at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Cultural & Community Building Award
Mariana La Grassa has been President of the MOSAIC Italian Social Group since it’s inception 10 Years ago. Prior to this she was the President of the ACLI Italian Group, Chatswood for Six years. She has also been a member of the MOSAIC Advisory group for 11 years, volunteering her time for many MOSAIC, Council events and community projects.
Services to Young People Award
Kevin Ahern has been a Cub Scout & Scout Leader at Chatswood Scout Group since 2004. He has led a motivating youth program with original and exciting outdoor programs for Cubs 8 - 11 years old and Scouts 11 -16 years old. Without his commitment the 60 year old Chatswood Scout Group would have closed. His love of outdoor activities has provided an excellent platform to challenge, and to foster young people’s qualities and strengths. His work with children from differing physical, intellectual and social development levels is amazing and is clearly focussed on, abilities not disabilities.