The winners of the 2023 Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards have been announced, with the awards recognising outstanding contributions across eight categories including the arts, environment and contributing to building an inclusive Shoalhaven.
The awards ceremony, held in Ulladulla, was hosted by Shoalhaven City Mayor Amanda Findley and featured guest speaker Peter Dover from Salt Ministeries.
Cr Findley congratulated all award winners and nominees for their terrific work over the past year.
"This year's Award recipients are dedicated, selfless and community-minded individuals. Their contributions have helped to make Shoalhaven an even better place to work, play and live", Cr Findley said.
The overall winners for each category were:
- Outstanding contribution to arts and culture: Dora Rognvaldsdottir
An outstanding contribution to arts and culture, Dora has transformed people's lives through community art. Amongst her many achievements, she brought the community together to create Ulladulla's Gateway sculpture which rises up as symbol of resilience after the Black Summer bushfires. For more than 30 years Dora has inspired thousands of people and made art make art accessible to everyone.
- Outstanding emerging artist: India Slaughter
An outstanding contribution as an emerging artist, India has overcome living with a chronic disease to channel her creativity into art. She has provided a platform for others to share their health journeys and their stories through this outlet. India has also turned her talent and passion into a successful commission-based business.
- Outstanding contribution to an inclusive Shoalhaven: Alex Paton
An outstanding contribution to the Shoalhaven, Alex has been a leader in the scouting community for more than 40 years. He's also a founding member and played pivotal roles in the Bay & Basin and Sanctuary Point Men's Sheds. Passionate about the ongoing welfare of our community, Alex remains a tireless advocate for veteran causes.
- Outstanding contribution to the environment: Julie McQuarters
An outstanding ambassador, Julie has dedicated herself to generations of Girl Guides in the Shoalhaven. Teaching valuable life skills, Julie is known for creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments for our young people. She has imparted her wisdom about wildlife, recycling, and the Australian bush to create the next wave of environmental custodians.
- Junior sports person of the year: Jessica Kann
An outstanding contribution to sport, Jessica is a hard-working and inspirational member of the Milton Ulladulla Athletics club. Jessica's impressive long-distance running achievements have made her a well-respected member of the community. Her tireless training and athleticism has paid off with a long list of cross-country and championship wins in 2022.
- Sports person of the year: David Eddington
An outstanding contribution to sport, David is an international medal winner, coach and role model for the Shoalhaven Rowing Club. It's David's unwavering passion for the sport, and ability to encourage and promote rowing that makes him so remarkable. He also organises the yearly Head of the River to showcase the mighty Shoalhaven River.
- Young citizen of the year- Shoalhaven Medal: Bridget Raftery
An outstanding contribution to the Shoalhaven, there's literally nothing Bridget can't do. She's an outstanding sportswoman, a youth campaigner and a volunteer worker who uses her skills and passion to fundraise, raise awareness, and create a better world. From her 10-years' service medal from Jervis Bay Netball Club to campaigning again bullying and prejudice, Bridget's achievements are far-reaching and remarkable.
- Citizen of the year – Shoalhaven Medal: Frederick Campbell
An outstanding contribution to the community through his veteran advocacy. Fred served our country for more than 35 years and has been a tireless fundraiser and ambassador for veterans and their families. With a focus on creating awareness around veteran health and wellbeing, Fred has changed and saved lives through his career and volunteer work.
The Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards are held annually.
[Photo: Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley with Citizen of the year – Shoalhaven Medal winner, Frederick Campbell]
