Local Legends Honoured At Hills Shire Australia Day Awards
Local heroes whose selfless efforts have transformed lives. They were celebrated during The Hills Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards at the Pioneer Theatre on Wednesday 22 January.
The event celebrated the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups across five categories: Community Group of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said
“I am incredibly thankful for the efforts of these exceptional individuals and groups whose selfless contributions to our community make the Shire a better place. Their remarkable efforts reflect the true essence of Australian values and the spirit of mateship. They remind us of the power of community and inspire each of us to make a meaningful difference.”
Community Group of the Year Winner: Bears of Hope
The Castle Hill organisation provides comfort, counselling, and resources for families who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy, birth, or infancy. The organisation offers fee-free face-to-face counselling, support groups, community events, and education sessions for local hospitals. They also supply bears, resources, and cuddle cots to hospitals to help grieving families.
Highly Commended: Hills Musical Theatre Company (HMTC)
HMTC’s musicals allow people to participate and enjoy theatre within the community. Their musical, Seussical, was particularly noteworthy for its accessible and inclusive approach, featuring performers of all abilities, receiving praise from theatre enthusiasts and audience members alike ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability, could participate in and enjoy live theatre.
Environmental Citizen of the Year Winner: Patrick Shirvington
Patrick is a renowned Hills’ landscape artist and multimedia creator, known for his work as an illustrator, curator, and children’s book illustrator, including Can You Find Me and Can You Find 12 Busy Bees. Passionate about the local environment, he works as a bush regenerator for the National Trust and shares his expertise through nature journalling workshops for The Hills Shire Council’s Environment Workshop program.
Young Citizen of the Year Winner: Megan Sutton
Megan is a dedicated advocate for disability awareness and a committed volunteer, known for her role as Run Director for the Rouse Hill Parkrun. Over 8 years, she has volunteered more than 130 times, ensuring the safety of participants in the weekly 5km community event. Megan lives with a disability and is passionate about advocacy including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, which helps individuals with non-visible disabilities receive understanding and support in public spaces.
Winner: Ashleen Khela
At 12 years-old, Ashleen is one of Australia’s youngest-ever female published authors. She has released her fiction book 17 Stories at just 11 years-old, with proceeds being donated to Australian charities and to support aid programs in developing nations. She self-funded the production of the book through creative efforts like recycling bottles, selling backyard plants, and using her savings.
Senior Citizen of the Year Winner: Alan Grady
Alan has been a member of Rotary for 50 years and is an active participant in the Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club and the Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church. He is also a charter member of the Hills Older Men’s Network. Always eager to contribute, Alan is quick to volunteer for many projects. For the past 20 years, Alan has worked in the Rotary Warehouse, packing donated medical and school supplies to be sent overseas.
Citizen of the Year Winner: Katherine Kirk
Katherine is a mother of five and serves as the President of the Castle High School P&C Association. She organises BBQ fundraisers, chairs meetings, and collaborates with others to ensure that teachers, staff, and students have the best possible learning environment. She holds the position of Vice President at Northmead CAPA High School, supports Baulkham Hills Hawks AFL Club, Hills Spirit FC and volunteers with the Castle Hill RSL Sub- Branch, organising events which contributed to the Castle Hill Sub-Branch winning an award at the RSL NSW Congress in 2024.
Highly Commended: Tara Gleig
Tara has been a member of the Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Committee since 2015 and has served as its secretary for the past two years. She helps facilitate the annual Parent Forum, runs the Love Bites program which reaches thousands of young people educating them about respectful relationships in collaboration with Hills Police Youth Officer Ethan West. She also volunteers with the Shining Light Foundation, which supports the homeless. To learn more about Council’s Australia Day celebrations, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Australia Day 2025’.
