Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart recognised the achievements of a Macquarie Room full of dedicated people at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday afternoon.
Before introducing NSW Premier Chris Minns, to hand out the awards, Ms Stuart told her constituents she was proud to celebrate the communities, individuals and organisations of Heathcote.
“We live in a beautiful place surrounded by Australia's oldest national park, our beautiful oceans and waterways, and we live in communities that are caring and selfless,” she said.
“So I have the best job in the world in being able to recognise you all through what's called a Community Recognition Statement, which we submit in the New South Wales parliament in the lower house, called the Legislative Assembly. This statement will stay on records about you forever and a day.
“So today, this is an opportunity to celebrate you. Today is about sharing your success and your stories.”
Those honoured included public servants, fundraisers, teachers, academics, advocates for the arts, music and dance, champions of social justice, young sportspeople, surf life savers and firefighters.
Captain Roslyn Thomas accepted a certificate on behalf of Fire and Rescue’s Station 325 Helensburgh, which recently celebrated its 50th birthday.
Coalcliff SLSC’s Dave Winner – the club trainer whose life was saved when one of his former students gave him CPR after an accident in the surf in 2021 – was awarded for his work in founding the Winner Foundation. Its goal: to help one million Australians learn to save lives through free CPR training by 2030.
Michelle Maxwell, the artistic director of AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre, was acknowledged for her work in helping young contemporary dancers build their skills and confidence to launch their careers. Last year the 15-year-old company found its first permanent home at Coalcliff Community Hall, which thanks to help from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund, now has a new sprung floor, ready to support dance, yoga and Pilates classes.
Local artists were honoured, including Barracks Art Studios Thirroul representatives Judy Bourke – whose diverse art practice takes inspiration from a multitude of things, from women's achievements to climate change – and Lyndon Keene, known for his nature and my landscape-based abstracts. Also recognised for her achievements in art was speed painter Sarah Rowan, creator of the Saya and Kai Sakakibara mural in the Helensburgh, as well as the new sporting scenes on the water tanks at Rex Jackson Oval.
Ms Stuart paid tribute RSL sub-branch members, including representatives from Coledale, Woonona-Bulli and Helensburgh; a justice of the peace who has been serving the community for over 50 years; teachers who mentors and champion young people, and students working on social justice issues.
And your own community magazine, The Illawarra Flame, received a certificate too.
“What makes the Illawarra Flame so special is its connection to the people it serves,” Maryanne Stuart wrote. “With contributions from locals, the magazine celebrates community. It is informative, uplifting and a joy to read. It reminds us of who we are and what we can achieve when we tell our own stories because, just like the magazine’s motto, 'everyone has a story'."
