Awards for local heroes

The winners of the Gosford Australia Day Community Awards were announced on Friday, January 19, at a special ceremony at Central Coast Leagues Club.

Ten "local heroes" were selected from various categories on the night and three of those awards were presented to residents of the Peninsula.

Barbara and John Hickey, Carley Chapman and Shelley Smith received awards for their achievement in their chosen field.

Mr and Mrs Hickey of Woy Woy received the Cultural Community Award for their contribution to bringing live theatre to the Peninsula for over 45 years.

The husband and wife team were "totally overwhelmed" with their award and attribute their hard work and dedication to a "love of theatre".

"We have spent a long time building the theatre to what it is today and it is all thanks to our mutual love of theatre," Mrs Hickey said.

"We could not have done it without the utmost support from the Peninsula community and theatre committee who have been along the same journey in trying to save the theatre."

Umina Beach local Carley Chapman was "ecstatic" when she received the disability award for her continued passion and achievements in sport.

Eighteen year old Carley, affected by down syndrome has not let her disability stop her from competing at the Special Olympic State titles in swimming, tennis and 10-pin bowling.

Carley's mum Jenni said she is extremely proud of what her daughter has achieved at such a young age.

"It all came as such a huge surprise, but we are just so happy and proud of what Carley has achieved in her sport and to be recognised for that is just great," said Mrs Chapman.

Also from Umina Beach, 24-year-old Shelley Smith received the young person award for her contribution to Surf Life Saving.

Shelley is club captain of Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and has been with the club for 18 years.

Shelley's dedication to Life Saving was recognised after being chosen as one of 33 people to attend the 2006 Surf Life Saving Australia National Leadership Development Camp.

Shelley said she was "totally shocked" by her nomination.

"To be nominated was such a great honour but to receive the award... it was unbelievable," Shelley said.

"I just want to thank all my friends and family for their support in what I love doing, without them I couldn't have done it."

Clare Graham, 24 Jan 2007