Australia Day celebrates the reflection of our diverse community and what it means to be Australian, while acknowledging and honouring our rich history.
Each year, Georges River Council presents its Australia Day Awards to acknowledge the contributions of local Australians in the Georges River Community.
This year, Georges River Council has honoured the incredible achievements of our local citizens in the awards of, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Green Advocate of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
2022 Australia Day Award Winners
Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year – Ray Barbi
Ray has demonstrated his dedication to the St George Basketball Association and the local community through the additional activities he takes on to ensure the growth and development of all players, coaches, and officials.
Ray was awarded the Banks Volunteer of the Year from David Coleman in 2015, received a Long Service Award in Basketball from NSW Sports Federation in 2012 and Basketball NSW in 2010, and has been nominated for Basketball NSW Life Membership. Ray’s passion for basketball and the local area has ensured the ongoing stability and growth of the sport in the area, and his volunteer coaching has enabled local players to go on to be selected in Basketball NSW representative programs as well as receiving offers to attend USA colleges.
Ray Barbi has been an active member of St George Basketball Association since 2005, and has held positions as Academy Coach, Head Representative Coach as well as his current role as President. Throughout his time at St George Basketball, Ray has sought to promote the sport of basketball in the local area and encourage physical activity in the area’s youth. St George Basketball is an entirely volunteer-run organisation and Ray takes on any tasks to assist the smooth operation of the organisation, including supporting coaches, players, and managers, ensuring that anyone has the opportunity to participate and excel.
Ray is currently working with Council to secure indoor courts within the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium redevelopment to provide more community and youth programs for the community, including programs for those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with special needs.
Ray said, “I want to thank Council for the award and for the opportunity to work together to secure the upgrade of Jubilee Stadium for the benefit of all local sporting clubs across Georges River, both grassroots and professional.”
Young Citizen of the Year – Ahmed Daaboul
The Young Citizen of the Year award recognises the outstanding service to the community by a young person aged 12 – 25yrs.
In 2020, Ahmed presented the idea of a food drive to the Wellbeing Team at Hurstville Public School. Ahmed had noticed the struggles families and students were going through during the pandemic. Ahmed was able to collectively encourage students to donate non-perishable food and personal hygiene products to support those who needed a helping hand over the holiday season. This resulted in 100 hampers being donated to those most in need.
Hurstville Public School continues to donate non-perishable items towards the food program which has led to a Food Hub being established within the school throughout the year. Hurstville Public School and 3Bridges Community have named this food program Ahmed Food Drive after the young man whose inspiration created the program. This is not only providing a helping hand to those who were struggling financially but has created a chain reaction for other students to engage with 3Bridges and explore even more ideas on how to support their community.
Ahmed said, “I just did what I thought was needed during the pandemic and I am happy that my idea was able to help local people in need in our community. I am so thankful for this award.”
Sportsperson of the Year – Koda Ghassa
Koda is passionate about sport on all levels and abilities. He is the President of the Kogarah Cougars Rugby League Club and has been a life member of the club. Furthermore, Koda is working tirelessly towards the creation of a Georges River Institute of Sport. The Georges River Institute of Sport aims to bring together many grassroots sporting organisations from the St George area under a “one community, one vision” perspective. Its purpose will be to assist local sporting clubs to collaborate effectively with council, State and Federal governments.
Koda has also worked diligently over the past 10 years to promote greater female participation in both Rugby League and League Tag (OzTag), not only at the Kogarah Cougars but also across the District Junior Rugby League competition. Over this time there has been a four-fold increase in female participation.
He is passionate about getting youth involved in sport, most especially troubled kids at local schools. He was appointed Sports Ambassador at Blakehurst High School to which he assists educators with programs that help teach students the importance of “on and off” field behaviours through sport.
Koda said, “I want to thank Council for the award and for the opportunity to work together on the redevelopment of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for the benefit of all local sporting clubs across Georges River.”
Green Advocate of the Year (Environmental Award) – Annette Mayne
Annette is the founder of the Reconnect Project, a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to close the digital divide by providing refurbished devices to people in need and diverting devices from landfill.
Annette was the Westfield Local Hero in 2021 and has worked with businesses, councils and charities since 2002, designing and implementing recycling and reuse projects. She has developed interactive recycling displays with the London Science Museum, sits on the Board of a Sydney-based food rescue group and created The Bower’s ‘House to ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾’ furniture program which won the NSW Premier’s Award for Environment in 2016.
Annette is someone who puts her money where her mouth is. She is passionate about sustainability and in creating The Reconnect Project, Annette has given residents a practical way to divert devices from landfill and put them in the hands of people who need them.
Annette said, “I grow some veggies at home, I diligently recycle, I choose renewable energy for my electricity and I’ve got a couple of rainwater tanks. I just think it makes sense to use what we already have.”
The Reconnect Project has refurbished and donated more than 730 devices to organisations helping woman flee domestic violence, refugees as well as young people and families in need.
The Australia Day Award winners receive a framed certificate, commemorative pin, Australia Day Awards medallion and custom crystal award.
This year, Dr Cindy Pan was the Georges River Australia Day Ambassador, where she spoke about her passion for Australia and she presented the lapel pins to our Australia Day Award Winners, alongside Mayor, Nick Katris.
Georges River Council is proud to have Dr Cindy Pan as our ambassador to represent Australia on Australia Day.
Georges River Council would like to congratulate all award winners for their achievements.
