Media Release
Monday, 7 December 2020
The outstanding contribution of volunteers and emergency service personnel in the Monaro has been recognised at a special awards ceremony held in Cooma.
Member for Monaro John Barilaro and local MLC Bronnie Taylor joined more than twenty-five local champions and their closest family and friends, in acknowledging their exceptional efforts during what has been an extremely challenging year.
“Drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have inflicted enormous pain across our region. 2020 has been one of the toughest years we’ve ever had to face, but what these challenges have also highlighted is how many people we have in our community who are prepared to stand up and make a difference,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Whether they served on the frontline, became a voice for their community during a time of crisis, or have devoted huge chunks of their lives volunteering over many years - we are extremely lucky to have so many amazing individuals who call the Monaro home.”
The Monaro Service Awards are designed to honour community champions for their outstanding contribution in areas including arts, environment, multiculturalism, education, health, sport, heritage and pastoral care.
Ms Taylor said it was terrific to see some of the Monaro’s finest volunteers being recognised and thanked for their selfless contribution to the community.
“Volunteers are the glue that hold our community together, and these awards are a wonderful opportunity to extend our appreciation for their leadership, dedication and commitment to helping others,” Mrs Taylor said.
A number of individuals were also recognised with a Community Service Award from the NSW Premier.
Among the recipients were James Fitzgerald, Christopher Reeks and Peter Heward.
James Darrant was recognised with a Premier’s Award for his outstanding leadership during the 2019/2020 bushfire season.
Helen Blackmore-Lee and Kirrily Gould were awarded with certificates acknowledging their inclusion on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2020, which celebrates rural women volunteers who give back to their rural communities.
Christopher Reeks was presented with a certificate recognising his 50 years of service to the community as a NSW Justice of the Peace.
Cooma Ceremony Recipients
Individuals
Samantha Tonks
Elle Thompson
Ronald Carey
Howard Charles
George Walters
Yvonne Henderson-Hug
Nadine Holland
Patricia Nichols
Michelle Corby
Robert Letts
Narelle Willems
Janette Illingworth
Leisa Caldwell
Romney Kelly
Peter Topalovic
Larry Wallace
Noel Buckland
Groups
Jindabyne Trail Stewardship
Cooma Lions Club
Nimmitabel Country Women’s Association
Adaminaby Rural Fire Brigade
NSW Community Service Awards
Christopher Reeks
Peter Heward
James Fitzgerald
NSW Premier Award
James (Jim) Darrant
NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2020
Kirrily Gould
Helen Blackmore-Lee
50 Years as a NSW Justice of the Peace
Christopher Reeks
