An esteemed public health physician, a young entrepreneur and a revered cliff diver were among those honoured at the Lake Macquarie City Council awards on Saturday night.
Dr David Durrheim was named Lake Mac Ambassador for 2022 for his outstanding efforts keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Equally impressive, Xavier Neil collected the Young Citizen of the Year plaudit while five-time world champion Rhiannan Iffland took home Sports Star of the Year.
The ceremony, at Belmont 16s, recognised the city’s high achievers in many fields.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser said Dr Durrheim was a “more-than-worthy winner” of this year’s award.
“David’s presence throughout the pandemic – his level-headed advice, his consistent messaging and his heartfelt pleas for people to take precautions – undoubtedly helped minimise the impact of COVID over the past two years,” she explained.
“More generally, he has been a leading light in promoting public health both in Australia and internationally for many years, driving towards a world with more equitable and accessible public health services for everyone.
“He’s a true pillar of our community, an inspiration for us all, and will be a wonderful ambassador for our city.”
Dr Durrheim, who described himself as “a rusted-on Lake Mac local”, said he was humbled to take the night’s top prize.
“As a community we’ve tackled this colossal challenge of COVID together,” he stated.
“Sometimes my focus has been very health-focused but to actually see how people across the spectrum have muscled in and made their contribution is really inspiring – it’s something that has got my heart very warm.”
The announcement capped a stellar night in which winners were announced across 13 categories.
Former world champion trampoline gymnast Brett Austine secured the Lake Mac Sports Leader crown for his decades of dedication to the sport.
Swimmer Victoria Robinson picked up Lake Mac Sports Star With Disability after qualifying in nationals for the past two years.
Whitebridge 11-year-old Xavier Neil was praised for his incredible work raising more than $70,000 for local cancer charities.
His “Good X Karma” products are stocked in more than 25 businesses, with all profits going to support patients with the insidious disease.
Lake Mac charity Hope in a Suitcase was named Community Group of the Year for its effort providing suitcases full of necessities for children in the foster care system.
Mexico-born street artist Goya Torres snared Lake Mac Artist and Creator.
Now living in Macquarie Hills, she’s painted murals in various locations across the city and has exhibited her works in Toronto.
OzHarvest volunteer June Butler claimed the Volunteer of the Year title for her work teaching life skills to at-risk young people; and helping prepare thousands of food hampers and hot meals for distribution across the Hunter region.
Cr Fraser congratulated this year’s 90-plus nominees, finalists and winners.
“Each year I’m struck by the diversity of people and organisations doing amazing things in our city,” she said.
“To all of you, I want to say thank you on behalf of Lake Macquarie.
“You help make our city what it is today.”
Lake Mac Awards 2022 winners
- Lake Mac Ambassador: Dr David Durrheim
- Lake Mac Young Citizen of the Year: Xavier Neil
- Lake Mac Senior of the Year: Janice McKay
- Lake Mac Sports Star: Rhiannan Iffland
- Lake Mac Young Sports Star: Tom March
- Lake Mac Sports Star with Disability: Victoria Robinson
- Lake Mac Sports Leader: Brett Austine
- Lake Mac Artist and Creator: Goya Torres
- Lake Mac Arts Leader: Ulanda and Caroli de Villiers – Kwas Studio
- Lake Mac Community Group of the Year: Hope in a Suitcase
- Lake Mac COVID-19 Hero: Gateway Care
- Lake Mac Environmental Leader: Swansea Community Cottage Inc
- Lake Mac Volunteer of the Year: June Butler – OzHarvest
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