Peninsula residents awarded medals

Peninsula residents have been awarded Centenary Medals for their contribution to Australian government and society during a presentation at Erina Fair on Friday, May 9.

From 56 recipients of the medal, 22 were residents from the Peninsula.

The awards recognised voluntary and paid service by the local community made up to and during the Centenary year.

Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd praised the works of the recipients saying they were local community heroes.

"Without volunteers, Australia wouldn't be the country that it is today.

"Every one of these people has given a lifetime of service," he said.

Despite it being two years since the Centenary of Federation, Mr Lloyd said that the medals were awarded for work done in the year of the centenary and prior to it.

"These things took a little longer than was planned but it was to celebrate 100 years.

"We were hoping the medals would be presented in 2002 but the logistics of minting so many medals and organising it actually delayed the event," he said.

The ceremony was held at Erina Fair to allow the public to see the good works of the community, Mr Lloyd said.

"I wanted this to be a public recognition of the awards because all these people do so much for the community.

"None of them really want these awards. They're all very humble people.

"I wanted the community to know some of the services and what more public of a place than Erina Fair."

In addition to a commemorative medal, the recipients were also presented with a certificate signed by the Prime Minister and the Governor-General.

Vicki Brown of Woy Woy received a medal for her service to the Centenary of Federation celebrations, which included a street parade in Gosford.

"I was on the committee, promoted and helped organise the street parade, the multi-cultural festival and the day of activities in November 2001," she said.

Cecily Prentice of Umina, was awarded for her many volunteering efforts including to Meals on Wheels, The Red Cross, senior citizens and Veterans.

"I've been volunteering since I was 16,"

"I feel very proud and honoured. It's a shame that we don't know who our sponsor was so that we can thank them," she said.

Stephen Clarke of St Huberts Island has been the town crier for Gosford City for 13 years. He was awarded the medal for his ceremonial work over the years.

"I'm really excited. It's a real surprise. You just do the work. You get in there and do the job, whatever is required. It's a thrill, a real honour," he said.

The number of people from the Peninsula who received awards also impressed Mr. Clarke.

"Its good to know that the Peninsula has got so many people that are doing stuff in the community," he said.

The Federal Member of Parliament, Gosford Council and the community nominated the awardees.

Those awarded the Centenary Medal for service to the Centenary of Federation celebrations included Ann Dillion of Pretty Beach, Lynette Holt of Bensville, Chris King of Horsfield Bay, and Gwen Perrie of Pretty Beach.

For service to the community, Jack James of Koolewong, Coral Pantlin of Bensville and Kerri Sullivan of Umina received a Centenary Medal.

Warren Boyd of Umina Beach was awarded for his work for Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Professor William Foley of Horsfield Bay received a medal for his services to Australian society and the humanities in linguistics and philology.

Herbert Leake of Blackwall and Janet Smith of Woy Woy were both recognised for their service to the community through Meals on Wheels

Bryce Matthews of Umina Beach received a medal for his service to the veteran's community in New South Wales

David Phillips of Wagstaffe gained an award for service to the Australian society in writing for screen and radio.

Edith Preston of Woy Woy was awarded for her service to the community through United hospital auxiliaries.

Anne Shires and Antony Shires OAM of Wagstaffe were recognised for their long service to the development of technical services for the disabled.

Margaret Thomas of Umina Beach was recognised for her service to the community through Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association Inc.

Norma and Stephen Turner of Umina Beach were awarded a medal for their service to the community through Woy Woy amateur swimming club.

Alison Branley, May 9