Kiama Council
Long-serving Jamberoo volunteer Vivienne Marris was named Citizen of the Year at the Kiama Municipal Council Local Government Week Awards at The Pavilion on Tuesday night.
Awards were handed out in seven categories by Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, recognising individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, either during the previous 12 months or over many years of service.
More than 100 guests attended the ceremony which also included awards for Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Sports Achievement and the Arts Honour Roll, as well as the Robert East Award and Megan Dalley Memorial Award.
"We had an amazing array of nominees for these awards and the winners are all thoroughly deserving of recognition for their tireless efforts for our community," Mayor McDonald said.
"Whether through generosity, innovation, service, community spirit or simply by making our community a better place to live, work and visit, these award recipients are vital to the fabric of our local government area."
Vivienne has dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to enriching community life across the Kiama Municipality while running a full-time business.
Citizen of the Year Vivienne Marris with Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald.
For many years, she has provided leadership and support to numerous local organisations, including the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association, Jamberoo Community Youth Hall, Jamberoo Village Markets, the Country Women's Association, Red Cross, Kiama Garden Club, and the Salvation Army Christmas Giving Tree and Food Drive.
"I think what we all need to remember, especially with volunteering, is we all give of our best," she said in her acceptance speech.
"Life is what you make it but it's much better if you make it better for somebody else."
KCR's Glenn Shepherd with Cameron McDonald.
Anne Doorn was announced as Senior Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contribution through 25 years of dedicated service as Director of Nursing at Blue Haven. Her commitment extended beyond retirement as she became the primary carer for her husband. Her legacy of kindness, innovation, and selfless service has left an enduring mark on aged care in Kiama.
The Community Group Award went to Kiama Community Radio, which has become an invaluable community resource, connecting residents through local stories and information, run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Allan Swan and Nardia Guillaumier collectively received the Sports Achievement Award for the creation of Kiama's Ultra Challenge. They completed a gruelling 200km indoor bike ride and 100km indoor row to raise almost $65,000 for the Australian Amyloidosis Network, Leukaemia Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia, and Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.
Claire Foxton with Cameron McDonald.
The Megan Dalley Award recognises outstanding performance by a Council trainee, apprentice or cadet with Jacob McIntyre, from the planning team, getting the nod ahead of IT duo Aeesha Bello and Quinn Schutz.
The Robert East Memorial Award recognises the contributions made by Kiama Municipal Council's volunteers in the community with Cathie Bax named this year's winner for her commitment to teamwork, participation, and community connection in council initiatives including pickleball, tennis, social activities and local organisations.
Claire Foxton was the recipient of the Arts Honour Roll for her exceptional ability to transform public spaces through inspiring, community-focused mural art that blend realism with abstract elements to create works rich in emotion, storytelling, and a strong sense of place.
Jennifer Drummond representing the East family, Cathie Bax and Cameron McDonald.
Roz Dalley, Jacob McIntyre and Cameron McDonald.
Allan Swan and Nardia Guillaumier with Cameron McDonald.
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