Tireless community worker is citizen of the year

Wyong Mayor, Brenton Pavier and Australia Day ambassador, Ray Price, are shown with the winners of the Council's 2005 Australia Day Awards

A man who has become the official 'voice' of many Central Coast community events has been named Wyong Shire's Citizen of the Year.

Graham Jackson, of Kanwal, is the compere of numerous charity and funding raising activities; a announcer on community radio; and the man behind the microphone at many sporting events.

As well as using his dulcet tones to support his community, Graham is a stalwart of Little Athletics on the Central Coast; is involved with the Manly Rugby League Club; prominent in local service clubs; and a tireless worker for a myriad of organisation such as Toukley Blue Light Disco and the Child Flight rescue service.

Graham's outstanding service for the community, in the past, has earned him the Centenary Medal and selection to carry the Olympic Torch on its way to Athens.

His choice as Citizen of the Year was announced at a function in Wyong to celebrate Australia Day 2005.

The award for Wyong Shire Youth of the Year went to 16 year old Air League officer and community worker, Natasha Jones of Blue Haven.

A Sergeant in the Doyalson squadron of the Australian Air League, Natasha has worked for several years to support community service schemes and projects such as 'Clean Up Australia Day'; the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal; Planet Ark 's National Tree Day; the Premier's Concerts for the Aged; and the NSW Cancer Council's Relay For Life.

Robert Thomas, a driving force behind the innovative community program, Sports-in-the-Neighbourhood , was named Sports Person of the Year; the environmental award went to Vicky Gear, a co-ordinator of the San Remo Community Garden; and Christie Lee, of The Entrance, was named the Business Person of 2005.

Christie has just celebrated 15 years in business at The Entrance where she is the operator of The Great Australian Ice Creamery. Originally from Malaysia, she has contributed professionally and socially to the promotion of The Entrance and Wyong Shire as a whole.

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Page last updated: 21/01/2005