Kiama Council honours outstanding citizens in new-look award ceremony

As Grace Stewart was helping her Hockeyroos beat South Africa in their first game of the Paris Olympics, she was also being named as the latest addition to Kiama Council’s sports roll of honour.

Council this year amalgamated its community awards, including the former Australia Day awards, and held its Local Government Awards during Local Government Week. The event on Tuesday (30 July) also coincided with the anniversary of the founding of the municipality.

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly presented the awards in a variety of categories.

“What we’ve done previously is presented a range of community awards, for all sorts of reasons, at different times of the year,” he said.

“Now we’ve pulled all of them together, at an appropriate time of year, to really provide an opportunity to celebrate our community, and the people who make it what it is – the best place on Earth.”

Grace, from Gerringong, is a three-time Olympian and dual Commonwealth Games athlete. She began her hockey journey in 2008 at the Pacific School Games, progressing through age groups to represent NSW and Australia.

Cr Reilly said Grace was a role model in the world of field hockey, embodying integrity, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to her sport and team.

Werri Beach’s Michael Gleeson received the Citizen of the Year Award, recognising his more than 40 years of community service for numerous council, community and sporting bodies.

He has dedicated 27 years to the Werri Beach Progress Association, where he is also a life member.

Rhonda Bailey of Gerringong has been awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for her dedication and extensive contributions to several community organisations, particularly the Children’s Medical Research Institute and Gerringong Tennis Club.

Rhonda’s dedication to the tennis club in roles as secretary and treasurer has been honoured with the naming of the Rhonda Bailey Courts, a testament to her enduring impact on local sports.

The Kiama Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association was named the Community Group of the Year, a tribute to the pivotal role members play in fundraising and providing other support for Anzac Day, Kiama High School and St Vincent De Paul.

Cr Reilly said with 35 members, including 20 actively involved, the group embodied the spirit of camaraderie and support that defined the CWA nationwide.

Tamara Cambell (aka Kiki Bittovabitsch) was added to Kiama’s Arts Honour Roll due to her contribution to the cultural landscape of Kiama for over a decade.

Tamara is a dedicated leader in the arts community of the South Coast, mentoring emerging talent and championing innovative approaches to celebrating creativity.

Cr Reilly said through her stewardship of the KISS Arts Festival, Tamara had established a beloved platform for performance unlike any other in the region, attracting talent from near and far.

Indoor Rowing World Champion Nardia Guillaumier received the Sport Achievement Award.

In her debut at the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships, Nardia secured silver and bronze medals, followed by the Pan Pacific Masters Games where she clinched multiple golds and set an Australian record.

Her determination continued with successes at the World Indoor Rowing Championships, earning silver and bronze medals.

Setting her sights on continual improvement, Nardia achieved outstanding results at the Australian Masters Games and later became the Indoor Rowing World Champion in the 2000 m event with a personal best time.

The Sports Volunteer Award was presented to Karon Dawson for her 40-plus years of service to netball.

Karon has been involved with the Kiama Netball Association since it started in 1986, serving as secretary, coach and manager as well as nurturing junior umpires.

Her commitment extends beyond Kiama, as the South Coast Secondary School Sport Netball Convenor/Manager and NSW CHS Manager.

Hallie Le Maitre received the Megan Dalley Memorial Award, recognising her outstanding performance as an IT cadet at Kiama Council.

Throughout her two years with council, Hallie has received universal praise from colleagues and customers for her exceptional customer service and problem-solving skills.

Cr Reilly said she went “above and beyond” to resolve problems with a proactive approach and positive attitude.

Council’s Community Engagement Officer Berbel Franse has received the Robert East Memorial Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sustainability-focussed community organisations.

This includes her role as a dedicated volunteer at Crop Swap PK, where she contributes to building a stronger local community and promoting sustainable practices.

Cr Reilly said her efforts were focused on reducing food waste and encouraging healthier eating habits, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.