Prime Minister and State Opposition leader visit

Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard and NSW Opposition leader Mr John Robertson paid a visit to the Peninsula during Seniors Week two weeks ago.

Joining Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill, they payed tribute to the work of local community volunteers at an Ettalong Seniors Concert held on Friday, March 23.

Ms Gillard addressed more than 200 people at the Ettalong senior citizens' centre and thanked the seniors present for their hard work during their working lives.

The Prime Minister presented five local volunteers with community service awards for their work on the Peninsula.

This year's Seniors Week concert was the first organised by Ms O'Neill who took over organisation of the event from the former state Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews.

"I am so delighted that the Prime Minister was able to accept my invitation to this wonderful community event," Ms O'Neill said.

"The Seniors Week concert is an occasion to acknowledge those who give so much to the community and make it the caring place it is."

Ms O'Neill and Ms Gillard presented flowers to two centenarians from the Peninsula Village Nursing Home, Elsie Basford and Ethel Robinson, who are both celebrating their 101st birthdays in 2012.

An award was also presented to Peninsula Community Men's Shed coordinator Mr Peter Le May.

The Peninsula Community Men's Shed has been operating for three years behind the Ettalong Baptist Church.

Mr Le May is a deacon at the church and an active volunteer over many years, including with the Central Coast Miniature Railway, the meeting was told.

Edna Fowler received an award for her work as a volunteer knitting clothing for premature babies born at Gosford Hospital.

Ms Fowler has also been active in the Save the Children Fund.

Woy Woy Little Theatre president Mr John Hickey and vice president Ms Barbara Hickey received an award for their support of young actors.

Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance chairman Mr Ivan Kinny also received an award.

Mr Kinny and his group have fought a community campaign since 2008 to have the Woy Woy Hospital Rehabilitation Unit re-opened.

Press Release, 26, March 2012 Matt Pulford, Office of Deborah O'Neill MP