Small gestures make great neighbours in Shellharbour
A citizen known for going out of his way to welcome new residents and assist with everyday tasks was among many recognised in awards
A caring neighbour is a great neighbour, and it's a trait all of the Shellharbour City Council 2026 Good Neighbour Awards recipients have in common.
The awards, now in their 25th year, were held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre in March and formally recognised those who help make their communities better places to live, work and thrive.
Warilla’s Reece Childs took out the top crown for 2026 and was celebrated "for bringing people together and creating a strong sense of belonging. Reece is known for going out of his way to welcome new neighbours, hosting gatherings, sharing meals and assisting with everyday tasks."
Jack and Caeli Whitford were crowned runners-up, Jack having helped his neighbour with small things such as taking out and bringing in bins, mowing lawns and generally keeping an eye out, which meant a lot when his neighbour was sick.
Jack and Caeli were nominated by their neighbour’s daughter as a message of appreciation. Jack says he was completely taken aback when announced as the runner-up as he never expected any recognition but realised that “little gestures to him meant a lot to others”.
In a new category introduced this year, Veronica Robin was crowned most environmentally friendly neighbour. Veronica runs The Loop Kitchen – a meal delivery service that provides nutritious meals utilising sustainable packaging and reusable containers.
In addition, Veronica also organises a produce and grocery hub focusing on connection with farmers, transparent pricing and a smaller carbon footprint.
She was nominated by three of her customers and has worked hard to spread the word about sustainability and food waste. She was inspired to act when, as a care worker, she saw the food waste people generated in their homes, including plastic packaging.
Veronica set out to design a meal service for everyone including couples, singles and busy families that focused on healthy meals in reusable containers. The Loop Kitchen was born several years ago and focuses on the Shellharbour area. She says she loves that her passion has been noticed by others enough for them to mention it to council.
Mayor Chris Homer said the calibre of people recognised at the awards was something all area citizens could be proud of.
2026 award winners
Good neighbour of the year
Winner: Reece Childs (Warilla)
Runner-up: Jack and Caeli Whitford (Shellharbour)
Honourable mentions: Vasa, Tony McClelland and Stephen Cusack
Most environmentally friendly neighbour
Veronica Robin
Street of the year
Ocean Beach Drive, Shellharbour
Rock art competition
Ages 0-5: winner: Spencer, second prize: Miller, third prize: Leonard
Ages 6-12: winner: Jaylah, second prize (tied): Londyn and Bella
Ages 13-17: winner: Sophie, second prize: Declan, third prize (tied): Amalia and Layla
Ages 18+: winner: Lorraine, second prize: Chloe, third prize (tied): Lyn, Paula and Kylie
