MARK HODGES – MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL
Recently, on the 16th January, the Hills Shire Council held its Australia Day Awards Ceremony. The annual ceremony is held to recognise and honour the contributions made to the community of The Hills by selfless volunteers. What a perfect way to celebrate Australia Day, by celebrating local Australians who seek to make our community and our country a better place.
There were twenty-eight finalists across five categories: the Community Group of the Year, Citizen of the Year – Environmental Award, Citizen of the Year – Youth Award, Citizen of the Year – Senior Award, and the Citizen of the Year.
Though there could only be one winner, all nominees were well deserving of their nomination. They are shining examples of the effort and tremendous care these volunteers have for The Hills and truly represent the Australian Spirit.
Congratulations to the winners of each category:
- Community Group of the Year: Fit Kidz
- Citizen of the Year – Environmental Category: Lilly Schwartz
- Citizen of the Year – Youth Award:
- Little Helpers on the Run – Aiza, Aish, and Abdullah Khurram
- Citizen of the Year – Senior Award: James Smith
- Citizen of the Year: Ellen Kulbicki
It is this selfless act of giving, the care for our local people, that sets them above and beyond, and that makes the people of the Hills stand out. Congratulations to the nominees, and especially to the winners, and thank you for all you have done for the community of the Hills and wider Sydney communities.
I look forward to seeing the work of these amazing volunteers in the future.
