The winners of the 2024 Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards have been announced, with the awards recognising outstanding contributions across eight categories including the arts, environment and contributing to building an inclusive Shoalhaven.
The Australia Day Awards were held in Nowra and hosted by Jemma Tribe, Shoalhaven Business Chamber President and Mayor Amanda Findley. The ceremony also featured guest speaker Kumar Pereira who is the Shoalhaven’s Australia Day ambassador.
Cr Findley congratulated all award winners and nominees for their tireless work and valuable contribution to society.
“It’s a true honour to be able to acknowledge and celebrate the hard, and often unseen work, of our local people,” Cr Findley said.
“Through selfless dedication, our exceptional winners and nominees have made the Shoalhaven the wonderful place it is today.”
The awards night also saw 28 conferees become our newest Australian citizens in the combined citizenship ceremony.
The overall winners for each category were:
Outstanding contribution to arts and culture: Julie and Paul Fraser
An outstanding contribution to arts and culture, Julie and Paul have been critical to the success of the Albatross Musical Theatre Company and Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) thanks to their tireless passion and ongoing contribution.
Outstanding emerging artist: Aden Spencer
An outstanding contribution as an emerging artist, Aden’s life has been dedicated to entertainment and creativity. He has been deeply involved in the arts community and gives back through skilled performance and volunteer work with students.
Outstanding contribution to an inclusive Shoalhaven: Anne Dynon
An outstanding contribution to an inclusive Shoalhaven, Anne has mentored more than a thousand students as a Careers Advisor and has since devoted herself to volunteering and fundraising for causes across the Shoalhaven community.
Outstanding contribution to the environment: Gregory Thompson
An outstanding contribution to the environment, for almost 30 years Greg has been an inspirational role model for the community and the ‘go to’ person for everything involving Landcare in the Shoalhaven.
Junior sports person of the year: Che Stinson Saavedra
An outstanding contribution to sport, Che is a natural leader at home, in the community and while playing and refereeing soccer. Che takes every opportunity to better himself and others around him.
Sports person of the year: Kristin Chick
An outstanding contribution to sport, Kristin established the Mako Paddle Club with her coaching and leadership, propelling Mako to victories and making the club a beacon of success in the region.
Young citizen of the year- Shoalhaven Medal: Imogen Clarke
An outstanding contribution to the Shoalhaven, Imogen is deeply committed to local agricultural shows by promoting and encouraging youth involvement, in addition to active participation in musical theatre and volunteer work.
Citizen of the year – Shoalhaven Medal: Chance Hanlon
An outstanding contribution to the community through his volunteer work with Triple U FM for more than 8 years, Chance has demonstrated an outstanding dedication to the Shoalhaven community, connecting through radio, events and causes. Chance is renowned for serving the region and is unwavering in his dedication to local causes in the city. His passion for the Shoalhaven is second to none.
Pictured above: Mayor Amanda Findley presents Chance Hanlon with the Shoalhaven Medal.
