Local legends recognised for making a difference across the St George

A total of 31 individuals, businesses and community groups from across the St George area and beyond were acknowledged at a Community Recognition Morning Tea last Friday, hosted by Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP.

Held quarterly, the event celebrates those who have been acknowledged through a Community Recognition Statement (CRS) delivered by Mark in the NSW Parliament.

These statements publicly recognise the work of local community organisations, small businesses and notable individuals, with each tribute permanently recorded in Hansard.

“Community Recognition Statements allow me to publicly recognise the people who work quietly behind the scenes to support others in our community,” Mr Coure said.

“Best of all, they are recorded in Hansard, the official transcript of Parliament. That means your contribution will still be on the record five, 50 or even 100 years from now.”

This latest event, held at Club Rivers in Riverwood, brought together people from different walks of life, including faith leaders, sporting club volunteers and local businesses.

“Each recipient also has the chance to say a few words and share the incredible work they’re doing. It’s a reminder of just how lucky we are to live in such a generous and community-minded part of Sydney,” Mr Coure said.

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:

• Karen Power from Georges River Life Care – Hosting the Sleeping Rough event in Riverwood.

• Shirley Chan from the Australian Chinese Community Association (ACCA) – Celebrating 50 years of providing culturally appropriate care.

• Andy and Kim from the Australian Chinese Soccer Association – Promoting football and multicultural connection for 30 years.

• Azka Ishfaq from Beverly Hills Girls High School – Literary excellence and academic leadership.

• Tica and Molly from CASS – Hosting a Volunteer Thanksgiving Luncheon.

• Paul Sedrak and the team from the Christian Alliance Council of NSW – Hosting Celebrate Jesus – Together in Unity.

• Dan Simpson – Fifty years of legal service and community support.

• Elie Akouri OAM – Over 50 years promoting Lebanese culture through dance, sport and multiculturalism.

• Filippo and Sal Navarra – Building successful local hospitality businesses and supporting the community.

• Huss and Calista Saad from Oat House – Opening a welcoming local café in Oatley West.

• Pastor Timothy from the Body of Christ Mission Centre – Supporting the community through the iCare ministry.

• John Tyler – Decades of volunteer service with St John Ambulance.

• Karen Tam – Appointment to the Elder Law Advisory Committee.

• Major Justine Denton – Thirty-five years of Australian Army service and support for local veterans.

• Marion Smith – Over 40 years of volunteer service and community leadership.

• Ernie Friedlander OAM – Hosting the Harmony Day Prizegiving at NSW Parliament.

• Mortdale Eyecare – Hosting a student art competition showcasing local talent.

• Adrian and Greg from the Mortdale Men’s Shed – Creative community projects and senior connection.

• Brendan Taylor from the Mortdale RSL Sub-Branch – Hosting a commemorative Remembrance Day luncheon.

• Anil Pokhrel from the Non-Resident Nepali Association – Supporting new arrivals and community welfare.

• Former Deputy Mayor Councillor Nancy Liu – Promoting multiculturalism and cultural heritage.

• Pastor Ang and Christine Clausen – Forty years of community connection through Narwee Creative Craft.

• Paul McGrath – Twenty years as a much-loved announcer on 90.1 NBC FM.

• Keith and Rose from Penshurst RSL Sub-Branch – Hosting a Remembrance Day service at the Bridge Street memorial.

• Mia and Nader Farag from The Pinnacle South Hurstville RSL Club – Award-winning bistro food and service.

• Captain Chris Bailey – Youth leadership through the Riverwood Hornets Australia Cadet Unit.

• Reverend Mat Yeo – Over 22 years of service to St Aidan’s and St Paul’s Anglican Church.

• Simon Chan – Appointment as ongoing Chair of Multicultural NSW.

• Ray, Luther and Angelo – Representing the St George Saints Youth League Men’s Basketball Team.

• Thomas Kolokas – Winner of a VET Excellence Award in the Entertainment Industry.

• Sian and Rhys, on behalf of their late father Thomas Keith Ware – Honouring more than 12 years of volunteer service with St George Community.

ENDS