Lifesavers win Citizen awards

A Peninsula life saving coach and his student has received the title of Citizen of the Year and the Young Citizen of the Year at this year's Australia Day Community Awards.

Umina Surf Life Saving Club treasurer Mr Bill Cook received the 2008 Citizen of the Year award for his work with Umina Surf Club, Woy Woy Rotary Club and Ettalong Pelican Swimming Club.

Umina Surf Club member Ms Kimberly Pratt won the 2008 Young Citizen of the Year award.

Gosford Council's Australia Day Community Awards were presented at a special ceremony at Central Coast Leagues Club on Friday, January 18.

Ninety-nine people were nominated for the awards, with over 380 people attending the presentation night.

Gosford mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen and 2007 Citizen of the Year Ms Margaret Hardy presented Mr Cook and Ms Pratt with their awards.

Cr Macfadyen said the two awards were the highest civic award that a Gosford City resident can receive at a local level.

Mr Cook, 62, is an active member of Umina Surf Club, serving on several of the club's committees and volunteering a significant amount of time to the planning, development and construction of the brand new clubhouse.

Mr Cook regularly competes for the club and has won branch titles over the past 15 years.

As well as his commitments to the club, Mr Cook is also president of the Ettalong Pelican Swimming Club and has been a member of Woy Woy Rotary Club since 1985.

Mr Cook raised more than $100,000 for local youth charities through his role as key organiser for Rotary's fundraising car rallies.

He also trains the Master's competition swimming squad.

"Mr Cook is a thoroughly involved community member.

"He is an outstanding, positive role model for all our citizens," Gosford Council media officer Ms Kate Carragher said.

"The amount of time, energy and commitment he puts into everything he undertakes is second to none".

Ms Pratt, 16, received the 2008 Young Citizen of the Year award for her involvement in Umina Surf Club and her commitment to helping others after being awarded the title of Miss Charity Queen at last year's Brisbane Water Oyster Festival.

She is co-manager of the surf club's under-6 nippers, helping organise and run activities for over 40 children every Sunday morning in summer.

In recent years, Ms Pratt has been awarded the junior club person of the year title and inducted into the rookie wall of fame at the club.

Through her charity efforts, Ms Pratt raised more than $9,800 for NSW Cancer Council's Breast Cancer challenge at last year's oyster festival.

"She is a wonderful role model not only to her nippers' squad, but also to all her peers and those that come into contact with her," Ms Carragher said.

Press release, Jan 19 2008 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council