Two exceptional role models, and a much-loved group, were recognised for their efforts at the Maitland City Council Australia Day awards.
With a big crowd in attendance at the East Maitland Bowling Club on 26 January, youngster Kaelyn Liddell was presented Sportsperson of the Year, Greg Queenan took home the City of Maitland Service Award and the Millers Forest Progress Association picked up the City of Maitland Medal.
Twenty-nine new citizens were welcomed too, from 16 countries, including Iraq, Egypt, Belgium and Nigeria.
Raworth teenager Miss Liddell claimed the honours for her feats in jiu jitsu.
In the past 12 months, the 14-year-old travelled to Abu Dhabi to compete at the World Youth Jiu Jitsu
Championship.
There, she won gold in her age and weight division.
She has previously competed in competitions across Australia, from Brisbane to Sydney and beyond.
Miss Liddell is also a junior coach and student at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Rutherford.
“Kaelyn’s determined to encourage and promote the sport for females in our community, helping to build confidence and resilience,” owner Karen De Crewis said.
“For this alone, she deserves recognition.
“Kaelyn displays outstanding sportsmanship everyday she steps on the blue mats and every time she attends a competition representing the Hunter Valley martial arts community.
“She is always ringside cheering on her team members and coaching them from the sideline.”
Mr Queenan boasts four decades of service with the Maitland Pipes and Drums.
The Rutherford resident is also a life member of the organisation and serves as both secretary and a tutor.
He was recognised for his role in preparation for the group’s 75th anniversary, which was celebrated during the Maitland Tattoo in July last year.
“Greg encourages teamwork, confidence, a sense of dress and discipline, fun and friendship,” his nominee Angela Osmond said.
“This all builds positive relations within our local Maitland community.
“He has a great desire to make the Maitland community better, by using his creativity, enthusiasm and energy to improve the lives of others across all age groups.”
The Millers Forest Progress Association (MFPA) first formed in July 1883 and has continuously supported the Millers Forest and Duckenfield communities ever since.
A not-for-profit, community-focused organisation, the MFPA meets monthly and is operated by volunteers who seek to forge social connection among locals in times of stress or hardship, as well as providing a sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing.
For more community stories:
- This one’s for mum, says Maitland’s top citizen Todd Sheldon
- Broke hero Mick McCardle named Singleton’s outstanding citizen
- First Nations advocate Nathan Towney named 2023 Newcastle Citizen of the Year
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
