Each year in the run up to National Volunteers Week Council call's for nominations for the annual Local Hero Award. Nominations have now closed and the nominees are listed below.
This annual award recognises residents who make outstanding contributions to the Eurobodalla community; people who give up their own time for the benefit of others and for the community as a whole.
The Mayor has advised each of those nominated saying "Your nomination is a testament to your incredible work in our community. People recognise your work, the value of what you do and want to see you acknowledged for your extraordinary contributions to Eurobodalla. Your tireless commitment and dedication to the community makes Eurobodalla an even better place to live. People like you are the reason our shire, our place, truly shines.
"Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we are unable to host a presentation ceremony to
congratulate you in person. The winner of the Local Hero Award will be announced via
media release, on Council’s Facebook page and on the Council website on 20th May 2020. The winner will also be contacted via phone."
2020 Nominations
Anthony Bellette
Anthony has gone above and beyond on many occasions as a Surf Lifesaving Member at Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club through regular weekend patrols, emergency call outs, new initiatives and training. Anthony was also the driving force in the organisation and operation of the unofficial evacuation centre at Batemans Bay Surf Club during the New Year’s Eve bushfires.
Blaise Madden
Blaise retired to Tuross Head in 2010 and joined the Tuross Marine Rescue Unit. He was Unit Commander for six years and continues to be an active volunteer and trainer to this day. Prior to this, Blaise volunteered in New Guinea for three years in the 1970’s and achieved a life membership of Apex Australia.
Bridie Young
Bridie has been a volunteer for the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club Special Nippers program for six years and has since taken on a role to help coordinate the program. Having been a Rotary Youth Exchange student herself, Bridie now volunteers as a local liaison officer with the Moruya Rotary Club by checking on the welfare of exchange students and their host families.
Darren McPartland
Darren is involved with Broulee Surf Life Saving Club and supports local sports such as cricket, swimming and football. Darren is also the Principal of St Peter’s Anglican College and has gone above and beyond this role to support the community since the New Year’s Eve bushfires. He protected the school during the fires and has worked almost every day since to rebuild the College.
Jim Scully
Jim is the owner and manager of IGA Batehaven and lost his home during the New Year’s Eve bushfires. Despite his loss, Jim opened his store as soon as possible to provide an essential service to the community in a time of need. Jim has also been a long-time supporter of local sporting clubs, schools and community events.
John Tilbrook
John is the voluntary Secretary of the Tuross Head Progress Association. He throws himself into his community duties with enthusiasm and determination. John, through his role as Secretary, has assisted with various projects in the Tuross Head area and is always looking for ways to improve the village for the community.
Jonathon Chivers
Jonathon is a NSW Ambulance Paramedic who has been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. After losing his home during the New Year’s Eve bushfires, Jonathon he has been a voluntary worker for the Nerrigundah fire recovery effort and has privately delivered water cubes to affected people in the region.
Kathryn Maxwell
Kathryn is the coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla’s (SAGE) ‘Veggies For All’ program where she assists with training sessions and the installation of raised garden beds for welfare recipients. Kathryn is also the Chair of the South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance where she focuses on actions to mitigate climate change for Eurobodalla.
Leanne Manning
Leanne is an active member of the Eurobodalla RSPCA and demonstrates real commitment to the welfare of animals in Eurobodalla. During the December/January bushfires, Leanne managed the care of a significant number of animals, including dogs, cats and birds, at the Moruya Evacuation Centre from dawn until dusk.
Lei Parker
Lei is the owner, editor and director of the Beagle weekly news. During the bushfire emergency, Lei spent long hours sharing crucial information with the community through the online newspaper and the Beagle facebook page and more recently regarding Covid-19. Lei also established the popular South Coast Travel Guide website.
Lisa Cornthwaite
Lisa is a local businesswoman who specialises in renewable energy and she has been instrumental in driving positive change in terms of sustainable energy generation in Eurobodalla. Lisa is also an active member of the Bodalla Rural Fire Service and played an important role in responding to the December/January bushfire emergency.
Mathew Hatcher
Mathew was the founder of the South Coast Donations Logistics team who is supporting the community during the bushfire recovery in Eurobodalla as well as the Tathra bushfires. Mathew volunteered on the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber, Sculpture on Clyde, Cultivate Space and often donates to various charities and initiatives.
Rebecca Thorley
Rebecca assisted in the set up of the Greater Mogo Fire Recovery Team (GMFR) following the bushfire emergency. Rebecca and volunteers assisted in delivering items such as generators, fuel and basic tools to the area following the bushfires. Rebecca and her team now assists with welfare checks for residents and maintains the GMFR website.
