Wollongong’s most dedicated, selfless and community-minded citizens have been honoured with Australia Day Awards.
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Inspirational nominees, who have given back to the Wollongong community, were recognised at a Wollongong City Council ceremony on Tuesday night.
The guests which included civic leaders, business people, nominees and their families enjoyed a two-course meal and entertainment.
The high-calibre and diverse range of nominees were presented with certificates within nine categories.
A highlight of the night was listening to three speakers Belgium’s Benedicte Teteris Henry, Zimbabwe’s Alfred Chidembo and Rev Miao You from Singapore explain why they choose to live in Australia and why they love Wollongong.
The Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Dr James ‘Jim’ Turner, who retired last year as a General Practitioner at Wollongong Hospital after more than 60 years.
Dr Turner said it was the people who made him proud to work in Wollongong.
“People are no longer patients,” he said. “They are friends and that is wonderful. The community spirit is amazing in Wollongong. There are more doves than hawks and that makes people come back.”
Dr Turner’s career highlights include introducing epidural service for the labour ward, establishing the first anti-smoking campaign in Australia, founding suicide prevention group ‘Dad’s in Distress’ and being awarded an Order of Australia
North Wollongong resident Narayan Khanal was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year award.
Born in a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal where he lived for the first 12 years of his life, Mr Khanal and his family resettled in Australia.
“I was born in harsh conditions in the camp,” he said. “Many people suffered because of poor health, hygiene and education. I moved to Australia and settled in Albury in 2009.”
Mr Khanal said it was “surreal” to be recognised for his work in being an advocate for young refugees and migrants.
He is the founder of Multicultural Society of University of Wollongong, a club that aims to promote social inclusion and the sharing of cultures.
Mr Khanal’s passion for creating social inclusion for refugee people came from a desire to give back to the community.
“When I was in Albury, the volunteers who helped us settle were very supportive and welcoming,” he said. “I couldn’t speak a word of English.
“I want people who come to Australia to feel welcome and have every opportunity,” Mr Khanal said.
He also provides feedback on policies about resettling refugees, work with headspace and is the chairperson of the Youth Advisory Group for Refugee Youth Peer Mentoring Project which works to support youth within the Wollongong community.
The young achiever also went to the Global Summit of Refugees in Geneva to advocate for young people.
Later this year, Mr Khanal will travel to Japan to represent the Illawarra through an Australia government scholarship to strengthen relations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Other award winners:
The outstanding achievement award went to Andrew and Lyndell Clark, the founders of the LEGO Robotics Tournament in Wollongong, for engaging children in STEM programs.
Outstanding innovation was awarded to PlastIcs - preventing litter and stormwater trash. The group is run by Illawarra Christian School students who educate others about the impact of soft plastics on the environment.
Peter Fitzgerald was awarded the sports award. He is a founding member and president of the ‘Men of League’ charity.
The community group award winner was given to Green Connect. The organisation has advanced the employment of former refugees by providing training, support and paid work to refugees. It also aims to reduce waste going to landfill.
Dulcie Dal Molin was awarded the arts and cultural achievement award for her 50-year dedication to community groups.
Recently, she has volunteered for the Red Point Artists Association, an organisation that brings together artists, craftspeople and art students to advance the visual arts in the Illawarra and beyond.
Special award winners:
Five special awards were also presented. Joe Alves was recognised for his advocacy work in multiculturalism. Wendy Akhurst and Lynda Murphy were presented with an award for their service to Kieraview Singers.
Alfred Chidembo was recognised for his volunteer work throughout the Illawarra. Richard Tognetti was awarded for this contribution to the music industry. Rugby league player Damien Cook was recognised for this commitment to surf lifesaving and rugby league.
