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Judging by the Wollongong Australia Day Awards and ceremony then the city is in very safe hands.
The awards were announced at a fantastic ceremony at the City Beach Function Centre on Thursday night.
Outside of the awards, there were some great highlights of the evening – without doubt the highlight being the “Why Australia? Why Wollongong?” presentation.
It involved three local residents who had found their way here from other countries telling their stories of how they came to live and work in wollongong.
They each spoke passionately of what they loved about the region.
You could have heard a pin drop in the room during their speeches.
As usual, Lord Mayor Gordon Bradberry spoke eloquently about his passion for Australia Day and Stuart Barnes was a perfect host, making an already good night better.
Yet the main reason of the night was to celebrate and recognise some significant contributions to the local community by some individuals and organisations.
IRT chief executive Nieves Murray was named as the citizen of year for her work with charities and the local business community.
Woonona life saver Madeline Bow was awarded the young citizen of the year award while former TAFE director Raymond Tolhurst was named senior citizen of the year.
For his work establishing the Illawarra Science Centre and Planetarium, Glen Moore was given the outstanding achievement or innovation award while music festival director Ben Tillman was recognised for his contributions to arts and culture.
Brother and sister duo Kai and Saya Sakakibara (pictured) were awarded the sports awards for their achievements on the world stage in BMX riding.
It’s incredible to think of the talented people we have in our midst.
Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre and Corrimal’s Chamber of Commerce were named joint winners of the community award.
All very worth winners and all were clearly delighted with the honour.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Well done to the Wollongong City Council and their Australia Day committee for staging such a fantastic event.
We will bring you the news of the Shellharbour City Council awards next week.