Local Government Awards 2024 announced

Michael Gleeson has been an integral part of the Kiama community for over four decades.

A Werri Beach resident, he is renowned for his extensive involvement in various clubs and associations.

For 19 years, Michael served as treasurer of the Gerringong Golf Club, of which he is a life member, demonstrating his commitment to both the sport and community stewardship.

He has also dedicated 27 years to the Werri Beach Progress Association, where he is also a life member.

His civic service includes acting as President of the Gerringong Apexicon, as well as member of the Gerringong/Gerroa Sewerage Committee, Werri Beach Lagoon Management Committee and Kiama Council Environmental Committee.

Michael's environmental advocacy includes roles in the Shoalhaven Land Care Group and Friends of Minnamurra Rainforest.

Through this work he has propagated and planted thousands of native trees across our Municipality, through a dedication to environmental sustainability and community enrichment.

Rhonda Bailey is a cherished figure in Gerringong, celebrated for her unwavering dedication and extensive contributions to several community organisations.

As a Life Member of both the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) Gerringong Committee and the Gerringong Tennis Club, Rhonda's legacy of service spans decades.

Since joining the CMRI Gerringong Committee in 1987, Rhonda has held pivotal roles such as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, demonstrating her commitment through meticulous record-keeping and steadfast leadership.

Her efforts have been instrumental in the committee's fundraising success, which has surpassed $2.3 million over 65 years.

Rhonda's stewardship extends to community events like the National Jeans for Genes Campaign, which she has coordinated in Gerringong since its inception 31 years ago.

Her organisational expertise shines in orchestrating the campaign's logistics, from merchandise distribution to fundraising events like the annual Jeans for Genes Trivia Night.

At the Gerringong Tennis Club, Rhonda's tenure as Secretary and Treasurer underscore her role in shaping its operations over the years.

Her contributions were further honoured with the naming of the Rhonda Bailey Courts, a testament to her enduring impact on local sports.

Rhonda Bailey's exemplary service and dedication make her a deserving nominee for Senior Citizen of the Year.

The Kiama Evening Branch (KEB) of The Country Women's Association (CWA) is a vibrant and compassionate group dedicated to making a difference in the Kiama community.

With 35 members, including 20 actively involved, KEB embodies the spirit of camaraderie and support that defines the CWA nationwide.

Beyond their regular meetings, members are deeply engaged in various community initiatives.

They play a pivotal role in fund raising at events such as ANZAC Day, knitting 630 poppy pins and baking 700 ANZAC biscuits.

Their commitment extends to supporting Kiama High School, donating $3,000 annually for educational enrichment.

They also contribute Easter hampers to families in need through St. Vincent De Paul and support the Mayor's Christmas Giving Tree.

KEB fosters a warm and inclusive environment, offering social events and cultural activities that enrich the lives of members and help to combat social isolation.

Through their dedication and community spirit, KEB continues to make a positive impact, embodying values of friendship, inclusion, creativity, and kindness that resonate throughout Kiama.

Tamara Cambell (aka Kiki Bitovavich) has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of Kiama for over a decade.

Her comedic talents have left audiences in stitches, blending high energy with engaging performances that resonate locally and globally.

Beyond her talent on stage, Tamara is a dedicated leader in the arts community of the South Coast.

She mentors emerging talent and champions innovative approaches to celebrating creativity.

 Through her stewardship of the KISS Arts Festival, Tamara has established a beloved platform for performance unlike any other in the region, attracting talent from near and far.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamara offered vital business coaching to fellow creatives, underscoring her commitment to nurturing the arts ecosystem.

As a guest speaker and MC, she generously shares her creative wisdom, advocating for the transformative power of storytelling and artistic expression.

Tamara Cambell is a passionate advocate for the arts, ensuring that Kiama and its communities continue to thrive with vibrant and authentic creative experiences.

Grace Stewart is a distinguished athlete renowned for her exceptional career in field hockey.

Making her mark from a young age, Grace began her hockey journey in 2008 at the Pacific School Games, steadily progressing through various age groups to represent New South Wales and Australia.

As a dual Olympian and dual Commonwealth Games athlete, Grace has consistently shown her talent and leadership as a member of the Hockeyroos team since 2016.

Her international career includes the 2020 Tokyo and 2016 Rio Olympic Games, as well as 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2018 World Cup and multiple World Hockey League and Oceania Cup tournaments.

Grace's achievements include her leadership in the sport as Hockey NSW Senior Player of the Year and as a key figure in the leadership group of Hockeyroos Australia.

Grace Stewart remains a role model in the world of field hockey, embodying integrity, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to her sport and team.

Nardia Guillaumier is a dedicated athlete whose journey into competitive indoor rowing began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially training in strength and conditioning, her passion for rowing ignited when she was allowed to take a rower home.

Under the guidance of Alan Swan, Nardia honed her skills, leading to notable achievements at various championships.

In her debut at the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships, Nardia secured silver and bronze medals, followed by a remarkable performance at the Pan Pacific Masters Games where she clinched multiple golds and set an Australian record.

Her determination continued with successes at the World Indoor Rowing Championships, earning silver and bronze medals.

Setting her sights on continual improvement, Nardia achieved outstanding results at the Australian Masters Games and later became the Indoor Rowing World Champion in the 2000m event with a personal best time.

Beyond competition, she focuses on breaking records and fundraising for causes like Mental Health Fitness and Dress For Success.

Nardia remains committed to pushing her limits and inspiring others through her exceptional achievements in rowing.

Karon Dawson stands as a pillar of dedication and service within the Kiama community, particularly in the realm of netball, where her influence spans nearly four decades.

Since its start in 1986 Karon has been deeply involved with the Kiama Netball Association, serving secretary, coach, manager as well as nurturing junior umpires.

Her commitment extends beyond Kiama, as the South Coast Secondary School Sport Netball Convenor/Manager and NSW CHS Manager.

These roles allowed her to foster the development of numerous talented netballers who have gone on to national and international success.

She also holds prestigious life memberships and awards from various netball bodies, recognizing her exceptional service and leadership.

Karon’s contributions transcend sport, volunteering at Blue Haven Care and Ronald McDonald House, providing support to the elderly and families during challenging times.

In every endeavour Karon exemplifies selflessness and compassion. Her efforts make her a deserving recipient of the Kiama Sports Achievement Award.

Hallie Le Maitre personifies dedication and proficiency in her roles at Kiama Council.

This began in Customer Service, where her knack for troubleshooting IT issues quickly became evident.

Provided the opportunity as an IT Cadet Hallie has turned her natural IT abilities into a promising career in Information Technology.

Throughout her two-years at Kiama Council, Hallie has received universal praise from colleagues and customers for her exceptional customer service and problem-solving skills.

She goes above and beyond to resolve problems with a proactive approach and positive attitude.

Hallie not only excels in her own work but actively shares her knowledge with her colleagues, underscoring a selfless commitment to excellence.

Hallie’s workplace achievements come while also managing full-time university studies, where she also demonstrates her pursuit of excellence.

Her diligence, eagerness to learn, and 'can-do' attitude make her a valuable asset to her IT team, her other colleagues and our community members that rely on Council’s IT and Customer Services.

She is a deserving recipient of the Megan Dalley Award.

Berbel Franse 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.