Community Recognition Morning Tea - Feb 2025

Thursday, 27 February 2025

LOCAL CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED AT COMMUNITY RECOGNITION MORNING TEA

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, said he was incredibly proud to host another successful community recognition morning tea last Friday.

The event, which was hosted at Club Rivers in Riverwood, saw 22 community groups, businesses and individuals receive recognition for outstanding service to the local community.

“Each member of Parliament is given the opportunity to recognise individuals, businesses and community groups from their local communities in the NSW Parliament, delivering a ‘Community Recognition Statement’ to thank and congratulate those who make a difference in their local area,” Mr Coure said.

“These statements are permanently recorded in Parliament’s Hansard, which means that your contributions are on record for all to see. Decades later - twenty, fifty, even one hundred years on, your name and achievements will be enshrined in Parliament’s records!"

From students who are changing the STEM field to fantastic local businesses who have operated in the area for more than 60 years, the event saw a number of individuals and groups from a variety of fields recognised for their invaluable contributions and achievements.

“Our local community truly is home to some of the most talented, hard-working and inspiring people that you are ever likely to meet. It is always a pleasure to recognise their achievements and work in the NSW Parliament.”

“As a life-long resident of our community, I am always thrilled to hear about those amongst us that are shining bright and I look forward to recognising even more outstanding achievements throughout the year.”

If you know an individual, small business or community group that is deserving of recognition in the local area, please reach out with further details to oatley@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Among those recognised were:

• Amir Salem – Promoting harmony in Egyptian-Australian communities.
• CanRevive – Hosting a charity dinner to support cancer patients.
• Dalovia Auyang & CASS Volunteers – Service to the local community.
• Michael Christodolou – Hosting the Community Language Schools Spectacular.
• Annikka Burge – Researching crowd safety dynamics at UNSW.
• James Forrester – Serving the community through the Mulga Road Bookshop.
• John Veage –40 years as a photographer for St George & Sutherland Shire Leader.
• Kathmandu Butchery – Outstanding local business.
• Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre – Hosting their Festa Della Repubblica Event.
• Kogarah Community Services – Commitment to providing social services.
• Michaela Loukas – Excelling in STEM at Marist Catholic College Penshurst.
• Advance Diversity Services & St George Multicultural Network – Hosting a Migrant Information Day and celebrating multicultural contributions.
• Riverwood Community Centre – Opening the Yarning Circle and 50+ years of community service.
• Riverwood Hornets – Representing Australia at the Normandy commemorative services.
• Rotary Club of Hurstville – Hosting Rotary’s 85th Anniversary Dinner.
• James Moule & St George Brass Band – Finalists in the Strike a Chord chamber music competition.
• Oatley RSL Sub-Branch – 80 years of supporting local veterans.
• Dr. Tanima Banerjee – 2024 Southern Sydney Volunteer of the Year for health and well-being advocacy.
• Tahlia Coulton – Achieving international success in competitive gymnastics.
• Georges River Life Care – Providing care to the vulnerable in our community.
• Galluzzo’s Chemist Riverwood – 67 years of service and community outreach.
• Professor Kate Moore – Outstanding contributions to St George Hospital and Australian medicine.