Wollongong council has selected public relations consultant Vicki Tiegs as the city’s 2018 citizen of the year.
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At its annual awards dinner, held on Tuesday night, the city also recognised doctors, dancers and jazz musicians, as well as two community groups helping to tackle homelessness and mental illness.
Ms Tiegs was recognised for her role in co-founding the Illawarra International Women’s Day committee in 2005, which has in 12 years raised $250,000 for charity.
The Waples Marketing director is also a founding member of the local Legacy Business and Community Support Committee and, the council said, helped to establish the Orange Sky Laundry van in 2016.
In the senior citizen of the year category, the council honoured two people: scouting veteran David North and long-time northern suburbs GP Dr Annette Beaufils.
The young citizen of the year was dance teacher Ebony Austin.
The University of Wollongong Motorsport team, which each year designs and builds an open-wheeled race car to compete in national and international competitions, was given the city’s innovation award.
In 2017, the team designed and built two cars, an internal combustion car and an electric vehicle. The team also has developed an electric race car to compete internationally.
Conservatorium of Music teacher Eric Dunan received the council’s arts and cultural award, commended for his ongoing commitment to bringing jazz music and education to Wollongong.
In the sports achievement category, the Bulli Surf Life Saving Club’s open men’s George Bass surf boat marathon crew got the nod for being undefeated. In this year’s race, which finished on January 6, the crew won every leg over seven days.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery praised the winners for the “selfless work they do in the community each and every day”.
“Every person and organisation who received an award makes an amazing contribution to our community,” he said.
“Once again the awards are presented to people from all areas of life and the city. They highlight the diversity of people, their passions and their work in our community.”
Special recognition for community contributors
Two community groups, Headspace Wollongong Reference Group and the Wollongong Homeless Hub received special recognition at the city’s annual awards.
The Headspace reference group, made up of 20 people aged between 16 and 25, was given the community award.
The group ensures the mental health service is on the right track, and according to council, “led to an increase of public discussions around mental health and wellbeing, not just for young people, but for the wider community across our city”.
The Homeless Hub, which provides a space where homeless people can visit, enjoy a hot breakfast, a shower and speak to a community worker, received the Lord Mayor’s Special Award.
“The Hub offers a safe, non-judgemental place where [people] can come and be related with dignity, honesty and respect,” the council said.