Shellharbour City Council proudly recognised the 2025 Good Neighbour Award winners at a special event held at the Civic Centre tonight. Shining a spotlight on the outstanding locals who make their communities better places to live, work and thrive.
Caption: Good Neighbour of the Year 2025 Winner Gary McLeish with Mayor Chris Homer. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The 2025 award winners are:
Good Neighbour of the Year
- Winner: Gary McLeish (Albion Park)
- Runner up: Jennifer Davies (Albion Park)
- Honourable Mentions: Daniel Goodway (Albion Park), John and Mitz Perez (Shellharbour), Lyn and Peter Oldfield (Oak Flats), Ron and Margaret Godsman (Blackbutt), Sandra Cossa (Albion Park Rail), Nathan and Ally Campbell (Flinders)
Street of the Year: Stubbs Road, Albion Park
Children's Drawing Competition:
- Winner: Miah R
- Runner Up: Charlie R
- Third Place: Ariana V
- Honourable Mention: Elly H
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer reflected on the incredible acts of kindness that embody the true spirit of community. "I'm truly inspired by the acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness that so many of our neighbours show every day. People like Gary and Jennifer, along with countless others, make Shellharbour a better place simply by being there for each other."
Gary McLeish, named the 2025 Good Neighbour of the Year, was celebrated for his tireless efforts in helping others. Nominated seven times for his acts of kindness, Gary is well known as a "Great Aussie Bloke," always ready to lend a hand, whether mowing lawns, helping with carpentry or welding, or simply offering a listening ear.
"You can't buy good neighbours," said one of Gary's nominators. "You can only hope you have them."
This year's Street of the Year, Stubbs Road in Albion Park, was recognised for its incredible community spirit. Every December, the street transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with Christmas lights, music, and a Santa parade that attracts thousands of visitors. But it's not just the holidays that make Stubbs Road special - neighbours share tools, care for pets, and lend a hand whenever needed, creating a welcoming, tight-knit community year-round.
For over two decades, the Good Neighbour Awards have recognised the unsung heroes of Shellharbour, part of Relationship Australia's National Neighbour Day celebrations, held each year on the last Sunday of March. These awards highlight the immense value of kindness and community connections that make our neighbourhoods so special.
Shellharbour's Good Neighbour Awards remind us all that we can make a positive impact in our communities through small acts of kindness. As we reflect on this year's award winners, let's all strive to create, share, and grow a sense of belonging in our own neighbourhoods. Whether you're helping a neighbour, volunteering, or simply reaching out, your actions can make a lasting difference.
Council would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made this year's Good Neighbour Awards possible:
- Accounting Professionals
- The Waterfront, Shell Cove
- Warrigal
- Kmart
- IEA - Illawarra Estate Agents
- Bunnings Warehouse Australia
- Shanx Mini Golf at the Links Shell Cove
Council would also like to extend a special thanks to C9 and Edwards Mowers.
Congratulations to all this year's nominees and winners and thank you for making Shellharbour a wonderful place to call home.
