Aboriginal worker receives award

Peninsula resident Ms Dianne O'Brien has received a community award for outstanding service to the community in Gosford Council's Citizen of the Year awards.

Ms O'Brien is a member of the "Stolen Generation", deputy chair of the Mingaletta Aboriginal Corporation and has worked on a variety of Aboriginal community issues on the Peninsula.

Ms O'Brien is employed as an Aboriginal sexual health educator for North Sydney Central Coast Health.

Ms O'Brien is writing a book about her life which, when published, will be called "On My Own".

Gosford's Citizen of the Year was Anne Berry of Kariong

Other winners of Community Awards included Senior citizen of the year Ms Jeanette Chapman of Niagara Park, Disability service (disabled person or service to the disabled) recipient Ms Rachel Horler of Saratoga, Young citizen of the year Ms April Long of Narara, Sports achievement recipient Mr Timothy Schofield of Narara, Volunteered service to the community recipient Ms Thelma Clarke of Wyoming, Cultural achievement recipient Mr Chris King of Gosford and Business person of the year Ms Deborah Warwick.

Community event of the Year was awarded to the Australian Springtime Flora Festival.

The name of Citizen of the Year, as well as nine residents receiving Gosford City Council Community Awards for their outstanding achievements within their community or chosen field, was announced on January 20.

The awards were made at a Community Awards presentation ceremony at the Dwyer Pavillion at Gosford Showgrounds attended by 240 people.

Press release, January 20 Marion Newall, Gosford Council