Community awards were presented

Two Peninsula residents were presented with NSW Community Awards recently, recognising long-standing service to the community.

The awards were presented to Gwen Morgan and Allan Maidment.

Gwen Morgan of Umina was presented with her award at a special morning tea attended by friends and family at Cooinda Village, operated by Peninsula Village, on August 10.

Peninsula Village general manager Ms Terri Parker opened the proceedings and paid tribute to Gwen's long involvement in the Peninsula community, particularly in the area of aged care.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews thanked Ms Morgan for her contribution towards Woy Woy Hospital, through her membership of the United Hospital Auxiliary, and her perseverance in advocating for more nursing home beds and dementia care facilities on the Peninsula.

Further tributes to Ms Morgan were made by Darnie Thompson, who recited his poem Thanks to Gwen, written for the occasion.

Heather McKenzie, Joan Fenton, Rev Bruce Edgell of the Umina Uniting Church, Glenva Dixon and Melva Nixon all praised and thanked Ms Morgan for her tireless efforts on behalf of others in a wide range of areas.

These included Meals on Wheels in both Auburn and Woy Woy; Girl Guides; the Uniting Church; Woy Woy Hospital; Woy Woy Community Aged Care; Hammond Care South Woy Woy; and the Palliative Care Centre, Woy Woy.

Ms Morgan was a Commissioner of the Girl Guides in the Auburn district prior to moving to the Peninsula.

An "emotional and modest" Ms Morgan thanked everyone for their attendance and the speakers for their kind remarks, Ms Andrews said.

Ms Morgan's son Ron thanked everyone for contributing to a memorable occasion for his mother.

He said that he was grateful too that his late father Eric had been acknowledged for his partnership with Ms Morgan in many of the community services, particularly Meals on Wheels.

Ms Andrews also recognised the hard work of local Umina resident Mr Allan Maidment.

Mr Maidment was presented with a NSW Community Service Award by Ms Andrews at a separate morning tea held in his honour.

"Allan is a fine example of a community-minded citizen who has dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort to others," Ms Andrews said.

Mr Maidment has long been recognised as an integral part of the Peninsula community.

"As a resident of Umina for 20 years, Alan has given of his time to sporting and community groups personally and through his work at Simplicity Funerals in Woy Woy," Ms Andrews said.

"Over the years his involvement has been with the NSW Justice Association Central Coast Branch, Neighbourhood Watch, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Australia Day committee, Umina United Soccer Club, Umina Beach Bowling Club, Woy Woy Cricket Club and the Safety House Program.

"State Members have the opportunity to nominate persons who demonstrate outstanding commitment and dedication to the community and both Allan Maidment and Gwen Morgan certainly fill that criteria."

Press release, August 15 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats