Awards Night 2023

Each year the Rotary Club of Balgowlah, awards members of the local community for the work they have done in promoting and exhibiting high levels of commitment in the areas of Community Service and Vocation. This can be in their role in the workplace, as employers/managers, employees, volunteers, or trainees.

An audience of 116 people attended the presentation dinner held at the Wakehurst Golf Club on Tuesday May 2, 2023.

Pres Rick van Brugge - Official Welcome

Following the opening and welcome to guests by club president, Rick van Brugge, the address by Hon. James Griffin, member for Manly focused on the importance of the exceptional work of the organisations and volunteers. Many of these people are being recognised tonight and the work they do is so important - even in the apparently affluent part of Sydney like the Northern Beaches. They are an essential part of our community and give assistance and improve the well-being of less fortunate people including homeless people, victims of domestic and family violence, people with disabilities or severe illnesses, suicide prevention and other valuable services.

 

Hon James Griffin MP

James also applauded our club for its many efforts with so many significant community projects. His support and giving time from his busy schedule to our club is greatly appreciated.

 

The awards were made in four key categories:

·      Youth and Apprentice Awards

·      Small Business

·      Pride of Workmanship

·      Community Service

 

Youth Awards:

Both primary and secondary schools are asked to nominate students for their efforts assisting in the community and/or engendering a positive learning environment. The awards were presented by Assistant District Governor, Beaches – John Campbell who provides the club valuable support at many club meetings and events.

 

Two students from local high schools together with one from a local primary school were awarded with Youth awards. Each was an incredible high achiever and both of the high school students had done incredible work for the community.

 

All the parents, relatives and teachers were justifiably proud.

 

Outstanding Apprentice Award:

Samuel Glynn – TAFE Carpentry & Building

Sam was nominated by  Don Gilhooly, Northern Beaches of TAFE and was introduced by Rotarian Robert Exner.

 

Sam is an energetic, enthusiastic and involved participant in all tasks set for him. His likeable, friendly manner allow him to work well with others and also assist those that need support and help. His received the award because of this openness to learn, his willingness to help better his community and his work ethic.

 

Further inquires with his employer, All Things Building further endorsed this nomination.
 

Rotarian Robert Exner, Awardee Samuel Glynn and ADG, Beaches, John Campbell

Small Business Award

The Small Businesses award is given to local businesses which have demonstrated high levels of customer satisfaction, are successful and which provide a safe and healthy work environment.

 

Blasini & Davis – Adam Jackson/ Brandon Jackson

Introduced by Michael Mead (Balgowlah Rotary)  and presented by John Campbell.

 

 

Brothers Adam & Brandon Jackson manage and own Blasini & Davis, Mechanical Repairs in Kenneth Rd, Balgowlah. They have been in partnership for over 7 years and the business has traded continually for over 50 years. 

 

The company was nominated by Rotarian Paul Apps who said that customer satisfaction and service seem to be a high priority with this business. He and several friends have dealt with them over the last 5 years and are impressed with their attention to detail, reasonable prices and advice.

 

Blacini & Davis have mainly used word of mouth and referrals to promote the business which operates with a staff of 4 people. Most customers are long term customers since the company priority is to keep prices affordable and reasonable and always ensure that any job is always done right.

Rotarian Michael Mead, Adam Jackson and John Campbell

Pride of Workmanship Awards

Rotary has given this award over the years and the values that encourage by Australians in their vocations. recognising and acknowledging the efforts and contributions of an employee who consistently achieves an overall high personal standard and work performance.

The Award is also made with the intention of encouraging favorable employer/employee relationships and a sense of community pride in individual achievement

 

Craig Stevens – Community Northern Beaches (CNB)

Introduced and awarded by James Griffin.

 

Craig started at CNB in 2022 and since then has worked tirelessly bringing together staff and volunteers to enable them to improve the lives of those who are homeless, victims of domestic violence, refugees in our community on the Northern Beaches. 

James Griffin said  "Craig works with all levels of Government and since meeting him I have found him to be professional and compassionate with a big heart for his clients".

 

 

Craig Stevens (left) and James Griffin

Rebecca Harris – Community Northern Beaches 

Nominated and presented by Craig Stevens (CNB)

 

Rebecca role at CNB is Homeless Outreach Worker.

Rebecca embodies compassion, empathy and hope. Rebecca has continuously shown immense resilience and determination in her work, supporting people often forgotten by society. 

Rebecca worked with a gentleman who had been homeless for 30 years, and through Rebecca’s compassionate and trauma-informed engagement, this man signed his first lease in 30 years. Rebecca never gave up hope for this man; she held hope and treated him with respect, kindness and dignity. 

Rebecca never gave up; she turned up week in and week out to where this man was sleeping rough.

Craig Stevens (left) and Rebecca Harris

Sue Ireland – Vale Medical Practice

Nominated, introduced & presented by Dr. Diana Hart (PP Rotary Balgowlah)

 

 

Sue is a receptionist at Vale Medical Practice in Brookvale. She worked face to face with many patients during Covid and consistently and diligently during all the Covid lock-downs. Despite the frequently poor attitude and bad behaviour of many patients, especially during these times, she always was working above and beyond her job and ensured that all patients were treated with respect and courtesy. Doing the best for the patient was her motto and this has always been evident with her work with efficient and prompt follow up when required.

Sue Ireland (left) and Dr Diana Hart

Community Service Awards

This award is made to people who work in a community organisation that meets a community need or concern that attempt to provide some level of mitigation or a solution and improve the lives of others. In evaluating the recipient often a manager or colleague will give some valuable insight.

Chris Lake– OneMeal

Nominated by Mayor Michael Regan,  Northern Beaches Council.

Introduced and presented by Kim Williams (One Meal, Northern Beaches)

 

Chris has been a volunteer for One Meal since the early stages of COVID in 2020, providing food relief through weekly Community Meals including Gilbert Park, Manly, and a Delivery Program getting fresh hampers and cooked meals directly to people referred by social service agencies and community groups.

 

Prior his current volunteering, Chris was also an active volunteer for five years at Pioneer Clubhouse sitting on their Advisory Committee and contributed to an innovative sate, supportive and respectful space for people living with mental ill-health to meet and contribute in various activities.

 

Chris has always provided deep concern, caring and support for less fortunate members of the community.

Kim Williams (left ) and Chris Lake

Marieke Jongerius – Bear Cottage

Introduced and presented by Jo Bilous (Bear Cottage)

 

 

Bear Cottage is a children’s hospice located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. It is a special place which cares for children suffering from life-limiting conditions and their families.

Marieke, a photographer from Manly, volunteers her time to help families with memory making, a role that challenges not just her skill-set but her emotional resilience. Through her wonderful dedication and compassionate personality, she has touched the lives of many of our children and families. 

Taking a photograph of a child at this stage may sound morbid but the resulting photographs are bright and very moving and are treasured keepsakes for each family. Marieke considers her role to be about capturing a mixture of all emotions. The child is seen as a full person, not just the sickness or sadness at the end, with every parent having the opportunity to remember the full spectrum of who they were.

 

Jo Bilous (left) and Marieke Jongerius

Brigid Perrin – Bear Cottage

 Nominated, Introduced and presented by Bronwen Simmons (Bear Cottage)

 

Brigid has been a volunteer at Bear Cottage for 11 years. Brigid comes to Bear Cottage each week to help with any task needed on the day. From administration work, gardening or playing with the children – she covers it all and always with a smile and ‘can do’ attitude’. Something that is not unusual in our Bear Cottage volunteers.

This year we want to recognise Brigid for the additional support that she provided, helping to raise funds at the annual Christmas wrapping station at Warringah Mall. She does this without payment and always with a smile on her face. Brigid truly represented the spirit of Christmas through the selfless giving of her time.

The many hours that Brigid spent during this time, helped raise more than $28,000 for Bear Cottage and the impact of that is priceless.

Bronwen Simmons( left) and Brigid Perrin

Virginia Halfacree – Lifeline, Northern Beaches

Nominated, Introduced and presented by Sarah Watts-Smith ( Lifeline, Northern Beaches)

 

Virginia has been involved with many roles at Lifeline Northern Beaches for almost 10 years.

Virginia firstly volunteered but now works as a crisis supporter providing caring, empathic support.

She also works as an In Shift Support supervising crisis supporters – providing support during shift, initiating interventions by contacting emergency services when needed.

Virginia is passionate about supporting new students to achieve their potential so she volunteers as a mentor with the training team.

Virginia strives for excellence in service delivery – she has been part of the team from Lifeline Australia looking at ways to provide quality assurance to the help seekers. Virginia works as our call coach upskilling staff and ensuring the highest possible standards are maintained.

Sarah Watts-Smith (left) and Virginia Halfacree

Andrea Werner – Special Olympics

Nominated, Introduced and Awarded by Lindy Myers (Balgowlah Rotary)

 

Andrea is well known to Balgowlah Rotary with the work she devotes to Special Olympics. where she volunteers as a sports Coordinator, Special Olympics, Northern Beaches Club. 

 

Andrea has been a volunteer with Special Olympics for 14 years and explained the beginning of the organisation in the US followed by Australia and what people with an intellectual disability can achieve with the right support and opportunity.

 

Special Olympics has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years. Australia was the first country to follow USA and Special Olympics began here in 1976, at a time when many people with an intellectual disability were shut in institutions. While this is no longer the norm in Australia, Special Olympics continues to seek public support to ensure that people with an intellectual disability are not shut out and give them opportunities to play sport.

Lindy Myers ( left) and Andrea Werner

SOME MORE PHOTOS OF THE NIGHT:

 

 

In closing, President Rick in addition to thanking all for attending said to the guests, "Please remember to support at least one charity we have highlighted tonight - they form a vital part of our community; or better still give serious consideration to joining Rotary! We have a lot of fun supporting the local community and you will always get more back than you put in."

 

We would like to thank Roger Gray and his Awards team for a great evening. The planning showed and the evening went beautifully.

Also John O'Brien and Lindy Myers for all the great photos and PowerPoint, together with the Golf Club functions team for their hard work and great assistance in organising this event and preparing such a great meal.

 

Michael MEAD 

Community/Vocational Service Director