From quiet acts of kindness to extraordinary feats of endurance and advocacy, the Illawarra is home to people who continue to inspire through compassion, resilience and service. At Region, we’ve had the privilege of sharing their stories throughout 2025 — and now we’re shining a spotlight once more on those who prove that meaningful change often begins close to home.
Val Fell
At 96, Val Fell is on a mission to share new aged care reforms that put participants first
By Kellie O’Brien
Val Fell is looking for speaking opportunities to help people understand the new Aged Care Act. Photo: Supplied.
At 96, Val Fell refused to slow down, instead becoming a passionate advocate for aged care reform that puts participants first. Her determination to educate others proves that age is no barrier to leadership or change.
Luke Neven
Father and son riding high on the simple kindness of a surfing stranger
By Michele Tydd
Ali Mhalhal ready to go for a surf at North Beach. Photo: Supplied.
North Wollongong surfer Luke Neven could have walked by the man struggling to help his son ride a wave on a foam board with a wonky fin, but he didn’t. Instead, he turned a simple act of kindness into life-changing support for refugee surfers.
Barb Atkins
‘Everyone knows Barb’ – Keira’s (super) Woman of the Year launches new Illawarra charity
By Dione David
Barb Atkins has started her own charity. Photo: Region.
Barb Atkins has dedicated her life to helping others and has now launched her own charity to formalise what she’s been doing for years in supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence. Her tireless advocacy and philanthropy have created safer pathways for countless women and families.
Uncle Gee
Uncle Gee retired 20 years ago – but he hasn’t stopped working
By Zoe Cartwright
Uncle Gee (centre) surrounded by family at the opening of Uncle Gee’s Bunbara Youth Centre in Shellharbour. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Retiring didn’t slow Uncle Gee down — it gave him more time to serve Aboriginal people across the Illawarra. Two decades on, his dedication continues to strengthen culture, connection and community.
Tony Neale
Meet the man behind Kettles On Cafe whose kindness came full circle
By Kellie O’Brien
Tony Neale, who admits he’s a “bit of a larrikin”. Photos: Supplied.
Through Kettles On Café, Tony Neale quietly ensures elderly community members never go without a warm meal or human connection. His kindness came full circle when a nurse noticed a lump on his neck, saving his life and reminding us that compassion has a way of returning when it’s most needed.
Susan Wallis
Susan Wallis keeps her promise to Gracie, conquers the Kokada Trail and emerges with ‘better version of me’
By Jen White
Susan before day one of the 96 km trek … “I was terrified”. Photos: Susan Wallis.
Susan Wallis conquered the Kokoda Track to honour her late daughter and a promise she refused to break. Her journey was as much about grief and healing as it was about resilience and self-discovery.
Kate Sparks
Sparking Life: A mum’s mission to continue her daughter’s legacy with blood and organ donation
By Keeli Dyson
Kate Sparks is continuing the advocacy started by her daughter Jessica. Photo: Supplied.
Kate Sparks turned unimaginable loss into life-saving advocacy, continuing her daughter’s fierce passion for organ and blood donation. Her mission ensures her daughter’s legacy lives on through lives saved by helping start life-changing conversations.
Dot Hennessy
Service in her soul: Why Dot Hennessy has spent a lifetime saying ‘yes’
By Kellie O’Brien
Dot’s love for the Illawarra has meant a lifetime of giving to the community. Photos: Supplied.
Dot Hennessy has spent a lifetime saying “yes” to her community, contributing wherever she was needed. Her story is a testament to the quiet power of consistent service over decades – from PCYC to Rotary.
Malika Rees
Wollongong advocate, comic and treasure Malika Rees named Citizen of the Year
By Zoe Cartwright
Malika Rees offers choir and board games sessions at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, as ways for women to experience joy and community. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Malika Rees uses humour, advocacy and lived experience to amplify the voices of victim-survivors of domestic violence. Her courage and authenticity have made her a powerful agent for change and healing.
Alex Glover
‘One More Step’: Alex Glover’s 480-day walk for mental health ends where it began – in kindness
By Kellie O’Brien
Alex Glover as he arrived at the lighthouse before the Kiama Pipe Band. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
Alex Glover walked around Australia for 480 days to spark conversations about mental health. His journey showed the power of vulnerability, persistence and starting difficult conversations one step at a time.
Shoshana Dreyfus
Wollongong’s unique all-abilities playground recognised with national people’s choice award
Shoshana Dreyfus at the 2023 opening of the playground with Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes, Wollongong MP Paul Scully, former Disability Trust CEO and now Member for Whitlam Carol Berry and former Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.
Shoshana Dreyfus helped create Wollongong’s all-abilities playground, ensuring children of all capabilities can play together. Her work redefined inclusion and earned national recognition for good reason.
Graham Lancaster
Graham Lancaster receives rare honour for commitment to Illawarra’s business community
By Kellie O’Brien
Graham and Catherine Lancaster at the Illawarra Women in Business awards. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
For decades, Illawarra lawyer Graham Lancaster has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support Illawarra’s business community. His rare recognition reflects a lifetime of leadership grounded in service rather than spotlight.
Lee Murray
Illawarra boxing coach to cop world record-breaking 65,000 punches in 36 hours for suicide awareness
By Keeli Dyson
Lee Murray was looking to set a world record while raising awareness for an important cause. Photos: Supplied.
Boxing coach Lee Murray took on a world-record challenge, absorbing 65,000 punches in 36 hours to raise awareness around suicide. His effort highlighted the importance of mental health support and checking in on one another.
Dave Winner
Man who died and came back with a mission to save lives gets major boost
By Dione David
Dave Winner secured an IMB Bank Community Foundation grant, taking him closer to his goal to train one million people in CPR by 2030. Photo: IMB Bank Community Foundation.
After dying during surf lifesaving training and being brought back, Dave Winner emerged with a renewed mission to save lives. His second chance saw him launch a foundation dedicated to empowering one million Australians with lifesaving skills by 2030.
Joe Alves
Shaving his head and saving lives: Joe Alves marks 27 years supporting the Leukaemia Foundation
By Keeli Dyson
Last year Joe raised more than $18,000 for Leukaemia Foundation. Photo: Supplied.
Joe Alves shaved his head for the 27th time to support the Leukaemia Foundation. His long-running commitment shows how small, repeated acts can make a profound difference.
