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Kingborough award winners announced

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Kingborough Council hosted its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, January 11 at the Kingborough Community Hub in Kingston, to recognise and celebrate residents who have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the Kingborough community.

The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter presented the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and a Certificate of Appreciation on the day.

“These awards are Council’s opportunity to recognise not only those who are receiving awards but to send a message to all volunteers who, through their own efforts, help create the community we are so proud of,” Mayor Winter said.

Chair of the Kingborough Awards Committee, Cr Paula Wriedt said it was very difficult to judge the nominations.

“The nominations we received are outstanding and it is always very hard to select one person over another for the awards,” said Cr Wriedt.

“This year was particularly difficult so the committee selected two Citizens of the Year for 2020.

“They are all very different but are equally instrumental to the well-being of their communities.”

The two recipients for Citizen of the Year are Brian Williams and Anna Burgess.

Brian Williams has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Scouts and his inspirational leadership to young scouts for over 50 years.

A highly respected member of the Kingborough community, Brian’s leadership has helped the Blackmans Bay Scout Group become one of the largest and most successful groups in Tasmania.

“When I was invested as a cub 65 years ago, I made a promise to help other people,” Mr Williams said.

“I have done my best to live up to this promise and in helping others in the community, particularly young people.

“I am truly honoured to be recognised in this way.”

Anna Burgess from Coningham has been recognised for her focus on developing connections and bringing people together at the local neighbourhood level.

A valued member of the community, Ms Burgess has a strong commitment to working with and advocating for local residents and issues.

Kingborough’s Young Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Emelia Howell for her outstanding commitment and leadership to young women through sport.

As one of Kingborough’s youngest coaches, she encourages junior female soccer players to believe that they can be their best and through teamwork, can achieve great things.

Ms Howell’s supportive and positive leadership style reinforces this ambition, on and off the field.

“It is very rewarding to see the girls’ progress,” Ms Howell said, adding that she wants to keep coaching as long as she can.

“We have a lot of fun along the way and enjoy building the team together.

“All the coaches are good here and it is great to be part of the team,” concluded Ms Howell.

The Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade was presented with the Community Group of the Year Award.

The Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade has made an extraordinary contribution to the community of Kingborough.

They possess a strong commitment to protect life and property from fire and emergency, as well as play leading roles in the community through their volunteer work to raise money for people in need.

“On behalf of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade I would like to thank the Kingborough community for our nomination,” said Andrew Stott, Brigade Chief.

“We are proud to be recognised for the volunteer work we diligently perform for the Kingborough community and are humbled in winning the Community Group of the Year award for 2020,” finished Mr Stott.

A Certificate of Appreciation to recognise significant service to the Kingborough community was also presented to Jill Sward.

Jill has made an outstanding contribution to Kingborough through her involvement with the Rotary Club of Kingston.

A well-known community member, Jill has been a great advocate for young people and is involved with a number of programs.

The Kingborough Awards presentation ceremony is now held on or after January 6, in celebration of the anniversary of the first Kingborough Council meeting, which was held on this date in 1908. Council felt this date was more appropriate than the original Australia Day occurrence for recognising community members who have made significant contributions and positive impacts in the municipality.

Pictured above: Citizen of the Year recipient Brian Williams has recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Scouts and his inspirational leadership to young scouts for over 50 years at the Kingborough Awards on Saturday, January 11.

Brian Williams was first invested as a cub 65 years ago and has been an active and committed Scout ever since. Blackmans Bay Scout group, where he is a leader, remains one of the largest and most successful groups in Tasmania. Brian has held many senior positions in the Scouts, mentoring future leaders and organised the first ever international/national Venturer activity held in Tasmania. Brian is a highly respected leader and mentor to thousands of young people and his commitment to the Kingborough community has been outstanding for nearly 50 years. (PS)

The Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade possess a strong commitment to protect life and property from fire and emergency, as well as play leading roles in the community through their volunteer work to raise money for people in need. The brigade also mentor young volunteers through their junior brigade program. Each member of the Brigade is committed to their community, responding to hundreds of calls through the year. The greatest strength they have is the heart and soul of their members, who go beyond the call of duty. (PS)

A kind, patient and generous positive role model, Emelia Howell is an outstanding youth leader. Emelia has coached an under-8 and subsequently an under-9 girls’ soccer team, as well as being involved with junior ‘come and try’ days and holiday programs for the Kingborough Lions Soccer Club. Emelia encourages the girls she coaches to take a lead in their own development and to participate in and form positive relationships, outside of their usual groups. She also volunteers at the Women’s Soccer League, which is the highest level of competition soccer in Tasmania. (PS)

Jill Sward’s tireless commitment and energy have ensured excellent outcomes for the programs she supports in an outstanding contribution to Kingborough. Jill has been the Rotary Community Services Director for a number of years and is one of the only three members to have held the office of Club President twice. Every week Jill helps children who have learning and reading difficulties through a reading program at Kingston Primary School and is also a key contributor on the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment. Jill also volunteers with Kingborough’s Helping Hands and is an active member of Legacy. (PS)


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