Senior residents who tirelessly give back to the community were recognised during the opening of the Tweed Seniors Festival recently.
Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry commended this year’s 12 nominees for Local Achievement Awards for their dedication and service to the community, as did Tweed MP, Geoff Provest, who handed out the awards.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Mandy Nolan, signalled the beginning of this year’s Tweed Seniors Festival, a 12-day celebration of the contribution older people make to our community.
The festival, which attracted hundreds of participants across more than 40 events, is an annual NSW Government event supported by Tweed Shire Council for local seniors to enjoy.
Congratulating all of the award winners, Cr Cherry said it was important to recognise the significant contribution made by Tweed seniors to the community.
“Data taken from the 2021 Census shows seniors make up a significant portion of the Tweed population, with 34.3% of the Shire’s population aged 60 years and older,” Cr Cherry said.
“This compares with the State average of 21.4% and 29.1% for regional NSW – showing just how important this section of the community is here in the Tweed.
“We are so grateful to all of this year’s Local Achievement Award winners for all they do in their local communities. It is people like this who make the Tweed such an incredible place to live.”
2023 Local Achievement Award winners include:
Brenda Blunden – recognised for volunteering, particularly with Fingal Head Coast Care.
Veronese Burgess – recognised for tireless work with local elders and community.
Julie Cummings – recognised for service to Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Carol Edwards – recognised for volunteering and fundraising efforts for local charities including Wedgetail Retreat and Murwillumbah Flood Relief.
Jeannette Horne – recognised for volunteering to run weekly trivia nights at South Tweed Sports Club.
Judy and Mark Eglington – recognised for almost 65 years voluntary service as members of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Margaret Hulbert – recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall and local community.
Denis Kinzett – recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall.
Louise Muir – recognised for creation of a much-loved local garden in Banora Point.
Alan Rogers – recognised for years volunteering at Murwillumbah Hospital coffee shop and Murwillumbah Theatre Company.
Alan Vincent – recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall.
Tweed Seniors Festival runs annually as part of NSW Seniors Festival – the biggest event for people aged over 60 in the Southern Hemisphere.
Guests were treated to performances by the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir and Coolangatta Ukulele Players and a mouth-watering morning tea provided by the Murwillumbah Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association.
