They were Mr Peter Springett, Ms Judith Hoste, Ms Madeline Stephenson, Mr Ian Johnson, Ms Kerrie Eddy and Mr Darrel Eddy, Ms Annette Johnstone, Mr Dennis O'Rourke, and Ms Sonnie Hopkins.

The recipients were invited to a morning tea where Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch presented the awards.

"It was an honour to present the awards and host the morning tea," she said.

"These recipients each in their own right are so deserving of these awards.

"Each individual has invested their heart and soul into our community, making it a better place for all of us and spreading joy to many.

"Our seniors are under appreciated and under recognised.

"It is often their hard work and unyielding passion which sets up worthwhile programs and support structures for all of us, from children, to students, to parents, to those living with a disability and seniors themselves.

"A morning tea and an award is the very least they deserve," she said.

Ms Tesch said: "Peter Springett was recognised for his can-do attitude and always reaching out a helping hand wherever and whenever it is needed.

"He looks out for others and is a dedicated member of the Umina Community Group, volunteering for many projects including the dunecare program to ensure our community and our beaches are looked after."

"Judith Hoste was recognised for her unyielding advocacy for the arts on the Central Coast, her talent as an award-winning watercolour artist, teaching the next generation of artists for the last 17 years and her role as the President of the Central Coast Art Society for six years. "Judith is a vital member of the artistic community in the Coast and continues to encourage community members to express themselves through art.

"Madeline Stephenson was recognised as a successful business woman from Stephenson Real Estate, as well as a community champion, teaching dancing lessons to seniors, brining joy to residents in nursing homes and teaching those living with a disability as well.

"She looks out for the elderly, helping senior tenants access government departments.

"And between all of this, Madeline is also a valued member of Country Women's Association Umina.

"Ian Johnson was awarded for his role at the Gosford Men's Shed, going above and beyond to help anyone and everyone, all the while pushing through battles of his own.

"Ian dedicates his time to several organisations including Rotary Umina and Probus and is always putting up his hand to help out and looking out for the less fortunate.

"He is the very emblem of our community spirit.

"Kerrie and Darrel Eddy are the masterminds behind and operators of Scenic Horizon Tours which has been a coach touring company at Ettalong for 23 years.

"Mr and Ms Eddy have tapped into a market which is often left out. That is a coach tour that aims to assist the elderly or those with a disability and provide an enjoyable tour for all abilities.

"Their client-centric approach and hard-working, honest and ethical business has led them to be a successful business.

"Annette Johnstone was awarded for her role as regional president of the Broken Bay Central Coast St Vincent de Paul Society, where she has used her role to advocate for social and affordable housing and to look out for the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

"She has also been a key voice for seniors who are concerned about Central Coast Council's attempt to change the responsibility and management structures of the Gosford Over 55s Leisure and Learning Centre.

"Dennis O'Rourke who was recognised for his role as St Vincent de Paul Society Central Coast Social Justice Representative, in particular for his push for policy change for social and affordable housing.

"Denis is a key voice for those who do not have a voice in our community, and it is his undeniable passion to invoke change that shines through in all of his work.

"Sonnie Hopkins was awarded for her initiation, establishment and commitment to the Central Coast Campus Friends Inc, a not-for-profit organisation that has facilitated and awarded scholarships to local students at the University of Newcastle, TAFE and Community College.

"She has encouraged Central Coast learning and success and has made a tangible difference in many lives."

SOURCE:

Media release, 22 Apr 2022

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

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