Bolwarra Heights teenager Lachlan Sheldon is a chip off the old block.
Just 12 months ago, his father Todd was named Maitland Citizen of the Year at an Australia Day ceremony at the East Maitland Bowling Club.
But, on Friday 26 January, it was his son’s time to shine.
Lachlan, 13, received the Young Citizen of the Year award at Maitland Town Hall for his tireless work throughout the community.
The youngster, along with Todd and mother Penny, has been instrumental in the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive since its inception in 2016, helping with delivery and distribution as well as the initiative’s promotion.
He’s also an active member of his school, Hunter Valley Grammar, and the Hunter Barbarian Rugby Club, while lending a helping hand with the East Maitland Rotary Club.
He was nominated by Maitland’s 2023 Local Woman of the Year Lyn Dark.
“As a young member of the Maitland community, Lachlan provides inspiration for other young members to be actively involved in charities and helping to make our community a better place for all, especially those in need of assistance,” she said.
“He sells raffle tickets during fundraising as well as donating his own money to buy toys and gifts.
“Lachlan is one of Maitland’s fine young citizens who puts up his hand to assist others in the community who are less fortunate.
“We know he will continue to help others in the future.”
Other winners:
Creative Arts Person of the Year – Angie Ussher
Morpeth creative Angie Ussher secured Creative Arts Person of the Year for her work in the fields of singing and teaching performing arts for nearly two decades.
She created, and currently oversees, a performing arts studio that makes music and musical theatre available and accessible to all ages and abilities,
The studio adapts both existing shows and creates original works.
Ms Ussher has held many leadership positions with Maitland Musical Society, Maitland Repertory Theatre and directed the CONDA Awards in Newcastle in 2021.
She was nominated by her husband Stuart, who said: “many of Angie’s students have gone on to follow their musical passion through additional study, writing and recording and even teaching with Angie.
“Her passion for knowledge and learning about neurodiversity has strengthened [her] love of teaching.
“She fills people with confidence and helps those see the best they have inside them.”
Sportsperson of the Year – Jack Edwards
Aberglasslyn resident Jack Edwards collected Maitland’s Sportsperson of the Year accolade for representing Australia at an international level in the field of touch football.
Jack is also a longstanding member of the Maitland Mustangs basketball team, contributing to the side’s success on the court and serving as a leader to his teammates off the court also.
Through his role as a teacher at All Saints’ College in Maitland, he coaches young athletes in the school’s basketball, touch football and rugby league programs, too.
In 2023, Jack was named New South Wales Touch Player of the Year and scored the winning try for Australia in the Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand.
For the past eight years, he’s been captain of the Beresfield men’s open touch football team and co-captain of the Hunter Western Hornets.
He has also represented the New South Wales’ State of Origin squad and the Newcastle Knights, both in touch football.
“Jack’s demonstration of outstanding sportsmanship and leadership within the community extends well beyond his achievements on the field and court,” said Ashlee Gossip when nominating him.
“His commitment to mentoring young players both within his touch football and basketball clubs, as well as in his role as a schoolteacher, exemplifies his dedication to fostering positive values and holistic development in the next generation of athletes.”
City of Maitland Service Award – Brian Coffey
East Maitland resident Brian Coffey’s role as executive member of Rotary Club of East Maitland for the past 15 years has earned him the City of Maitland Service Award.
He has been club president of East Maitland Rotary on three occasions and, prior to retirement, was a police officer with NSW Police.
“Brian is a proud Maitland resident who works tirelessly for the betterment of the community,” wrote Rotary colleague Suzanne Morgan in his nomination.
“He is often the first port of call for any community groups requiring assistance and he is instrumental in the growth of recent growth of East Maitland Rotary,” she said.
City of Maitland Medal – Rotary Club of East Maitland
In the past 12 months, Rotary Club of East Maitland has aided in fundraising nearly $25,000 for local community groups and institutions, such as Maitland Health Stays, East Maitland Women’s Shed, Maitland Family Support, Carrie’s Place and local high schools.
The organisation regularly aides in the removal of graffiti across the city, assists with the provision of support for the NSW State Emergency Service and stages an annual appreciation dinner for returned service personnel.
The club has played a key part in service support at local events, such as annual Anzac Day services, Tocal Field Days, Groovin the Moo and Morpeth’s bicentenary celebrations.
For more community stories:
- Port Stephens honours its top citizens
- Home’s where the heart is for new Lake Mac citizens
- New citizens take pledge in Newcastle’s first ceremony for 2024
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