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Hills Citizens of the Year

There is not one, but two Hills Shire Citizens of the Year.

Congratulations to Karen O’Neill from Riding for the Disabled, Tall Timbers at Box Hill and Steve Wickman from the Hills Barbarians Cricket Club who were named joint 2019 Hills Citizens of the Year at the Australia Day celebrations at Bella Vista Farm on Saturday.

Young Hills Citizen of the Year (24 and under) is Hannah Stack who is helping drive the Sydney Hills Business Chamber’s new YoHu (Young and Hungry) initiative. Hills Senior Citizen of the Year is Graham Rawstron, President of the Friends of Bella Vista Farm.

In a crowded field for Community Group of the Year the winners were Baulkham Hills Cricket Club and the Children Medical Research Instutute’s Hills Fundraising Committee. Hills Shire Mayor , Dr Michelle Byrne said the awards recognised personal achievements that go beyond the ordinary. “These award recipients and finalists have made a positive contribution to the lives of others, without asking for anything in return.

“Their work helps make us be mindful of what a great region we live in, and of the generous spirit amongst our residents.”

There were 26 finalists in the annual awards.

The Winners

Karen O’Neill from Riding for the Disabled – Tall Timbers started volunteering at RDA (NSW) Tall Timbers Centre in 1982, and over the course of 36 years has worked her way up to become a senior coach, an assessor for RDA (NSW) and was the honorary President for the Tall Timbers Committee for more than 10 years. Karen is involved in fundraising events and working bees and is always thinking of clever ways to improve the service and property for the riders, volunteers and staff. She has won numerous awards for her dedicated volunteering and was awarded Life Membership for Tall Timbers in 2006.

started volunteering at RDA (NSW) Tall Timbers Centre in 1982, and over the course of 36 years has worked her way up to become a senior coach, an assessor for RDA (NSW) and was the honorary President for the Tall Timbers Committee for more than 10 years. Karen is involved in fundraising events and working bees and is always thinking of clever ways to improve the service and property for the riders, volunteers and staff. She has won numerous awards for her dedicated volunteering and was awarded Life Membership for Tall Timbers in 2006.

Steve Wickman has played with the Hills Barbarians Cricket Club since he was 15-years-old and is an integral part of the Club’s A grade team. He has coached junior cricket for 28 years. He was Club President for 15 years and has been the Club’s Modified Programs Coordinator since its inception 20-years ago. During the past 28 years, Steve has been helping young cricketers to find their footing on-and- off the field. He has been a great advocate of teaching life skills through sport and teamwork, including leadership, communication, confidence and sportsmanship. He was the recent recipient of the Sydney Thunder HomeWorld Community Hero Award.

Hannah Stack is at the forefront of the Sydney Hills Business Chamber’s new YoHu initiative which is aimed at 17-30 year olds on their journey from leaving school to tertiary education and employment through to starting their own business as an entrepreneur. As a volunteer Hannah has shown exceptional drive, leadership and passion to get the initiative off the ground. Hannah is very active in both the local business community and community as a whole.

Graham Rawstron has been President of the Friends of Bella Vista Farm Park since August 2015. He is passionate about the enhancement of Bella Vista Farm which is considered to be “the Jewel of The Hills Shire”. Graham has gained the respect and admiration of all the members of the Friends Committee and is constantly on hand when required. At the monthly Open Days and various special events at The Farm, he is always available to converse with community members and visitors who may have questions about The Farm or other matters. Graham is also a member of the Bella Vista Farm Bushcare Group and is currently the Secretary of the Norwest Community Association.

Baulkham Hills Cricket Club: During the 2018/19 cricket season Baulkham Hills Cricket club celebrated its 100th anniversary. For a century, the Club has diligently fulfilled its role, not only as a sporting club, but as a social outlet, a support base and above all, a great competitive cricket club. Baulkham Hill Cricket Club is now one of the largest clubs in the Parramatta District Cricket Association with more than 200 registered juniors and 130 seniors.

Children’s Medical Research Institute Hills Fundraising Committee: In the last 12 months this group of 14 dedicated women have volunteered their time to raise more than $100,000 for vital medical research which will benefit, not only local residents, but those all across Australia. They have organised a barefoot bowls family day, a Spring Luncheon, and their biggest event is their Mothers Luncheon – attended by hundreds of people. · Children’s Medical Research Institute Hills Fundraising Committee: In the last 12 months this group of 14 dedicated women have volunteered their time to raise more than $100,000 for vital medical research which will benefit, not only local residents, but those all across Australia. They have organised a barefoot bowls family day, a Spring Luncheon, and their biggest event is their Mothers Luncheon – attended by hundreds of people.

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