David McKenna is Wollongong’s 2011 Citizen of the Year. He was presented the award at last night’s Australia Day Awards Dinner for his significant involvement in areas of community development and support in the region.
David is a hard-working, and dedicated member of the Wollongong community who has volunteered many hours to organisations including the Lions Club International, the Navy Cadets, the Justices Association of New South Wales and Junior Chamber International.
While working full time, David still finds time to serve as a Convenor for the Unanderra Neighbourhood Forum and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.
Council’s General Manager, David Farmer, said that the Citizen Awards are an opportunity for the hard working and selfless members of the community to be recognised.
“David has made an invaluable contribution to the community through his volunteering and charitable work, volunteering over 4000 hours over the past three years,” said Mr Farmer.
“It’s an honour to recognise David’s work by announcing him as our 2011 Wollongong Citizen of the year.”
At last night’s dinner the 2011 Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Gracia Tshibanda Ngoy for her work with young people in the City of Wollongong.
Gracia started a double degree at the University of Wollongong in 2010 and works with SCARF in her spare time to educate, support and motivate young people from all backgrounds throughout Wollongong.
David Farmer said that Gracia had used her own inspirational life story to help make a difference to the young people in our community.
“Gracia’s commitment and social awareness not just to our community but the world, is a great achievement for anyone, let alone a nineteen year old,” Mr Farmer added.
The 2011 Cultural Award was given to Tanya Phillips, the Orchestra Manager for the BlueScope Steel Youth Orchestra. Tanya has organised opportunities for the region’s talented young musicians to play in the strings sections and support them on tour.
“For more than 15 years, Tanya has worked hard to provide a showcase for the talent and creativity in our community. She puts in many hours of her own time and is very deserving of this award,” said the General Manager.
Kids Fund Disability Trust received the Community Award for their commitment to the region’s children with special needs and significant disabilities.
“Kids Fund is a great organisation that provides essential care and assistance to children and families in our region who need that added support. It is an unfunded service that provides aid and equipment for children with special needs or a disability,” said Mr Farmer.
“These awards provide us with an opportunity to recognise and thank some of the wonderful people who selflessly give their time to make Wollongong a better place.”