Citizen of the Year Nominees: Celebrating Inspiring Community Members
Published on 21 January 2025
Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to celebrate the outstanding contributions of its community members at the Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony, held on Australia Day, 26 January, in Berrima. This year, 13 individuals and groups have been nominated for their exceptional service and dedication.
The Citizen of the Year ceremony is held in conjunction with the Citizenship Ceremony where 34 new citizens will be welcomed into our community.
Wingecarribee Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick expressed gratitude for each nominee's contributions in making Wingecarribee such a wonderful place to live.
“I am incredibly proud to congratulate all our outstanding Citizen of the Year nominees. We are truly fortunate to have such inspiring members within our community,” said Cr Fitzpatrick.
Alison Duthie
Alison's commitment to the Penrose community has been instrumental in driving meaningful change and connection. A key advocate for the new Penrose Community Hall, she helped secure crucial funding to transform the project into a thriving community hub. Her vision and determination contributed to the project’s success, providing residents and visitors with a modern space for events, gatherings, and community resources. Alison's inspiring leadership has supported a vibrant foundation of community spirit, fostering resilience and hope within the Penrose community.
Anne and Shay Byrne
Anne and Shay are known for their dedication, kindness and infectious enthusiasm that inspires others to give back. They generously volunteer their time, from brightening the lives of elderly residents through their work with Senior Citizen Groups, Adult Day Centres, retirement villages, to providing steadfast support to the Irish community, and fostering cultural connection through Community Circles Wingecarribee initiatives. Their community involvement also extends to the Hill Top War Memorial Hall, the Hill Top Community Association, and local schools, leaving a positive impact on countless lives.
Dr. Vincent Roche
Dr. Roche has dedicated over four decades to serving our community and improving the well-being of others. He has delivered babies and provided palliative care within the same local families, approaching each patient with compassion and without judgment. Dr. Roche mentors young doctors, ensuring the continued strength of our healthcare system and passing on his invaluable knowledge and experience. Dr. Roche's contributions to healthcare in our community are immeasurable.
Isabella Lambert-Kenney
As the co-owner of REFCA Realty and charity, the Australian DIY Families Institute, Isabella seamlessly blends entrepreneurial success with a deep commitment to social good. The Australian DIY Families Institute assists sole-parent families and vulnerable members of the community during times of crisis. Isabella personally delivers food hampers to local families facing hardship and has donated more than $50,000 from her real estate commission to fund the charity’s initiatives. Isabella is an inspiring young leader, demonstrating that genuine change is possible through compassion, collaboration, and hard work.
James Fitzgibbons
James joins Isabella Lambert-Kenney, as the co-owner of REFCA Realty and charity, the Australian DIY Families Institute. The Australian DIY Families Institute assists sole-parent families and vulnerable members of the community during times of crisis. James coordinates the weekly distribution of fresh food and essential items to those who are isolated or lack transportation. His tireless efforts have been instrumental in the charity’s distribution of over 60,000 kilograms of food and essentials, making a significant positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Jenny Kena
Jenny was instrumental in founding the not-for-profit CTC Robertson in 2004 and has dedicated herself to the organisation since its inception. For the past 13 years, she has served as President, a driving force behind its success as a thriving community hub. The CTC provides a welcoming and vibrant space for arts, education, business, commerce, and social and cultural activities. Beyond her leadership at the CTC, Jenny actively contributes to the community through her volunteer work, including editing the Robertson News, managing the Village of Robertson website, and participating in various local community groups.
John Cummins
John is a true community champion. As the longest-serving President of the Bowral RSL Sub-Branch, he has dedicated his life to supporting veterans and their families. Through his unwavering leadership, he has fostered a strong legacy of care, advocacy, and remembrance within the community. Awarded the OAM for his exceptional service, John has transformed the Sub-Branch into a cornerstone of veteran welfare, ensuring their needs are met and their sacrifices are honoured.
Martina Drysdale
Martina is the administrator of the "Just Ask Southern Highlands" Facebook and has contributed to this online community for over a decade. The platform connects 30,000 residents with local information, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Martina diligently curates resources and promptly addresses enquiries from community members, covering a wide range of topics of life in the Highlands, from local events and traffic updates to identifying spiders and helping find lost pets.
Meredith Wakeman
With over 35 years at Gumnut Preschool, Meredith has supported generations of young minds, creating a nurturing environment where children thrive. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, with significant contributions to Restore One Charity in Cambodia, including fundraising, building schools, and mentoring educators. Locally, she has enriched the Wingecarribee Shire through her leadership at Gumnut Preschool, advocating for quality early childhood education, and supporting the broader community through her involvement in local schools.
Nathan Buckley
Nathan is the driving force behind 'Cars and Coffee Southern Highlands,' a monthly family-friendly social gathering for automotive enthusiasts in Berrima. This event brings the community together, enhances the village's atmosphere, supports local businesses and raises funds for numerous charities. It also provides a valuable platform for community members to raise awareness for their own charitable causes. Outside of his community work, Nathan is a dedicated surgeon committed to improving patient care through specialised surgical training.
Richard Lane
Richard founded the Wingecarribee Vocal Muster, a non-profit organisation providing free singing lessons to over 200 local children. Inspired by a young busker, Richard empowers children, fostering confidence, self-esteem, and a love for music. The Muster, under Richard's guidance, has not only provided valuable musical training but also supported the community through numerous performances, including fundraisers for the Rural Fire Service.
Sally Waterford
Sally is a dedicated community leader championing social justice and inclusivity. She actively participates in Community Circles, mentoring vulnerable families, and supporting individuals facing life's challenges with empathy and care. As a key supporter of the Original Reconciliation Group, Sally fosters understanding and healing within First Nations communities. Through her involvement with Creative Space Southern Highlands and the Highlands Community Centre, she promotes social connection and empowers individuals through creative expression.
Slavica Zivkiovik
Born and raised in the Southern Highlands, Slavica Zivkiovic has dedicated her life to enriching the region's arts scene. As the former Manager of Sturt Gallery for 24 years, she championed local and Indigenous artists, curated exceptional exhibitions, and inspired young creatives. Slavica's passion extends beyond Sturt, with a distinguished artistic career, extensive community involvement, and a commitment to supporting arts education locally and internationally.
For more information visit: www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/events-directory/Australia-Day-2025