In the beginning it was all about honouring and acknowledging the ex-servicemen and women she served with in the Australian Army.
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But volunteering for the Albion Park RSL Sub Branch is now a passion for Deborah Hamilton.
Her strong advocacy for veterans and their families is one of the main reason Ms Hamilton will today be named Shellharbour City’s Citizen of the Year, during the Australia Day celebrations in Reddall Reserve.
Ms Hamilton has played a big role in the smooth day-to-day running of Albion Park RSL Sub Branch in times of increasing governance issues.
The sub branch honorary secretary has also worked tirelessly during the Centenary of ANZAC, coordinating the Anzac Day services as well as the recent Waratah re-enanctment march.
Ms Hamilton said she was nevertheless surprised to be named citizen of the year, ahead of so many other deserving nominees.
‘’There are so many other people doing wonderful things in our community so to win is a real honour,’’ she said.
‘’I love volunteering with the Albion Park RSL Sub Branch. I served in the Australian Army, my father served and my son is still serving.
‘’I feel grateful to have the opportunity to acknowledge and honour those ex-servicemen and women I served with.
‘’I’m pretty lucky to have a great team of volunteers. There is some amazing ex-servicemen and women, and some current serving members in the army, navy and air force.
‘’We are all working together to ensure the veterans are remembered, honoured and looked after.’’
Aaron Newton, Shellharbour’s Young Citizen of the Year is also making a positive difference in the community.
Those who nominated him for the award praised Mr Netwon’s volunteer work with The 2528 Project at Crew Park, Illawarra Soup, Scouting and the Relay for Life.
The chair of The 2528 project is not afraid to ruffle feathers or speak out if he believes something in the community is wrong.
‘’Aaron is a leader, mentor, a role model to those he has contact with. He is never too busy to volunteer his time, energy and efforts,’’ 1st Warilla Scout Group chairperson Lea Gollop said. ‘’Aaron is an exceptional young citizen and is truly worthy of the title of 2016 Young Citizen.’’
