Robert East Award
The Robert East Memorial Award recognises the outstanding contributions made by Kiama Municipal Council's volunteers in the community. Nominees may be Council staff who volunteer outside their work with Council, or non Council employees.
The Award honours the late Councillor East who had an outstanding record of community service.
2024 Award recipient
Berbel Franse
Berbel has made a strong impact on Kiama Council as its’ first ever community engagement officer, leading or supporting significant projects such as our Growth and Housing Strategy and Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy.
Berbel’s enthusiasm and positivity extends well beyond the workplace as a longstanding volunteer for ethically based community organisations.
This especially includes her role as a dedicated volunteer at Crop Swap PK, where she passionately contributes to building a stronger local community and promoting sustainable practices.
Her efforts are focused on reducing food waste and encouraging healthier eating habits, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Berbel's commitment to this cause exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact on both the environment and people's lives, embodying the spirit of community service and sustainable living.
She is a worthy recipient of the Robert East Award.
2022 Award recipient
Lachlan Davidson
Kiama Council lifeguard Lachlan Davidson received the Robert East Community Service Award for 2022.
As well as a highly-valued member of Council’s lifeguard service, Lachlan was an outstanding record of community service through his volunteering at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Rescue 50 (Jet Boat).
He’d previously won Kiama Surf Life Saving Club’s Lifesaver of the Year and Youth Lifesaver of the Year.
In the 2021/22 season he achieved a perfect (100%) beach patrol attendance, working 118.5 patrol hours. He gained a Silver Medallion and Gold Medallion and was promoted to Patrol Captain.
As well as his beach patrols, he also served with Surf Rescue 50, dealing with flood emergencies, missing swimmers and fishermen.
As an 18-year-old Lachlan is a great role model for younger and older generations, with his hard work, care and dedication.
He is a wonderful representative of the Kiama Council lifeguard service and a very worthy winner of the Robert East Community Service Award for 2022.
Nominations
Criteria for nominees
The nomination includes requests for:
- Your contact information
- Name and contact information of the person you are nominating
- A supporting statement that outlines the reason for your nomination.
Nominations for 2024 have now closed.
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