Hawkesbury Council Honors Australia Day Award Winners

Hawkesbury City Council has congratulated the seven winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards at a ceremony at the Council's chambers in Windsor today.

The winners are:

Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather said the award winners were all terrific examples of the best of our community.

"We are so pleased to be recognising the important and ongoing impact the award winners are delivering in our community. Whether it's by inspiring others, helping others or by sharing knowledge. It is a recognition of being a person or group of people that commits time and skill to the improvement and wellbeing of our community," Mayor Sheather said.

"This is an opportunity to thank them for what they do, and to acknowledge and encourage them to keep going."

2025 Hawkesbury Australia Day Award winners

Citizen of the Year - Sarah Cassim

This award is given to a person who has contributed significantly to the Hawkesbury.

As a local business consultant and founder of Hawkesbury Women in Business, Sarah Cassim not only helps businesspeople to be more successful, but she fosters meaningful connections, leadership and professional and personal growth among local women in business.

Hawkesbury Women in Business group now has over 1000 members, having started with just a handful of members. Sarah's award nominee said she would not be in business today without Sarah's support.

But her impact on the community goes far beyond the local economy. Sarah is also deeply committed to a number of causes to which she provides her support and time, to create long-term, sustainable change.

These include mental health, through the Hope4U foundation, and the prevention of suicide and domestic violence.

As we know, issues such as this can impact both our personal and professional lives, so Sarah's work has made a profound impact on countless lives, offering hope, guidance, and support to those in the most vulnerable situations.

She fosters a network where women can find solidarity, strength, and empowerment. Sarah's commitment to the well-being of her community has left an indelible mark, making her a true leader and a beacon of hope for those in need.

Young Citizen of the Year Award - Andrew Scarsbrook

This award is given to a person, 25 and under, who has contributed significantly to the Hawkesbury and has demonstrated selflessness, commitment, and involvement in activities in the Hawkesbury.

Andrew is passionate about agriculture and has developed tremendous expertise in cattle judging. He was last year named the 2024 Hawkesbury Rural Ambassador at the Hawkesbury Show, and he has also been awarded for his work as a champion senior cattle judge and grand champion judge. Through his work and passion for agriculture, Andrew is sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with other young leaders in agriculture. He promotes the benefits of rural industries, as well as the importance of agriculture and food production.

Community Organisation of the Year - The Jeremiah Project

The Jeremiah Project feeds homeless and vulnerable people in the Hawkesbury, serving Saturday and Sundays from its community kitchen. They also provide food at Richmond Oval and help the homeless with camping equipment, personal hygiene, food and distributing over 100 hampers to the needy in the Hawkesbury. Founder Jacky Turano takes the homeless to appointments and helps them to navigate through life. Jeremiah Project also goes above and beyond, offering a bus pickup from Windsor station to take people to church.

Sportsperson of the Year Award - Indy Aquilina

Indy is a talented and committed young student who excels in multiple sports, from soccer, to futsal, athletics and boxing. Among her many achievements, Indy represented Australia in the UK for futsal in 2023, her team being undefeated for the tournament. She took gold in the 38kg Australian Amateur Boxing League titles in Tasmania and bronze in the 44.5kg. She has competed at cross country State championships, and late last year, she made the NSW team for the School Sport Australia 12 years and under championships in Perth. She has been accepted into the Westfield Sports High Talented Soccer Program and the Future Wanderer Woman Program of the Western Sydney Wanderers. Indy trains every day and hopes to be in contention for the junior Matildas in coming years.

Local Hero of the Year Award (two recipients) - Warren Doyle and Chris Underwood

Warren Doyle

Warren's dedication to the Hawkesbury community through his extensive volunteer work with the Hope4U Foundation and the Richmond Lions Club is unparalleled. He balances full-time employment with significant volunteer responsibilities.

Warren's involvement with the Hope4U Foundation has been crucial in supporting founder Di Russell in organising charity events such as Walks and the Hawkesbury Wellness Support Day. These events are vital for raising awareness and funds for mental health initiatives, providing much-needed support to individuals and families affected by these issues. At the Richmond Lions Club, Warren's contributions are equally impressive. He initiated the Hawkesbury's first-ever winter sleep-out, a groundbreaking event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and suicide prevention.

Chris Underwood

Chris's volunteer efforts in the local community are also being recognised with this Local Hero Award. Chris has demonstrated dedication, loyalty and consistency as an individual caring for the community for many years and supporting the safety of children who cross busy Bells Line of Road to get to school at Kurmond.

Environmental Award - Chris Underwood

Chris works tirelessly in the community assisting children to cross busy Bells Line of Road at Kurmond Public School. As part of this volunteer service, he is committed to keeping the roadside free of litter and in pristine condition. He has taken it upon himself to do mowing, edging, and clean up discarded mess and rubbish tossed from cars. Through his individual commitment, Chris demonstrates a commendably positive approach to our environment.

Arts and Culture Award - Richmond Players

The oldest amateur dramatic society in the country, having been in operation for 72 years, the Richmond Players not only entertain us, but showcase the amazing talents of residents in the district. Their dedication to high standards of performance is always evident.

They encourage young people to develop their skills and confidence in performance, as well as backstage work, front-of-house and hospitality, often supporting HSC courses. The players - there are 82 members in total - provide a valuable social outlet for the Hawkesbury and perform interesting and challenging works.