Lane Cove’s Annual Citizenship Awards 2024

Lane Cove’s Annual Citizenship Awards were held on 12 June 2024 to recognise the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations within the Lane Cove community in the previous twelve months.

Citizen of the Year – Lindsay May

The Citizen of the Year Award is awarded to a Lane Cove resident who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the Lane Cove Community or who is an outstanding achiever who contributes to community identity and pride.  Lindsay May is someone who excels in both these categories.

Lindsay’s commitment to service began long ago and has impact has been felt across many community projects.

He is a Justice of the Peace and a recipient of an Order of Australia.

Since 1978, Lindsay has been a member of Lane Cove Rotary (including being a past president and district governor).  He has been involved with Rotary on Clean Up Australia Day, the Salvation Army’s Red Sheild Appeal and Rotary Youth Exchange (hosting over 20 students).

Lindsay plays a founding role in organising the Lane Cove Village Fair.

He has supported local schools, sports clubs and Scouts.

Lindsay is a fundraising specialist. He raised over $25,000 for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and completed the Kokoda Trail with his two sons in 2017 —read more about his trek here.

 

Beyond his community work, Lindsay is known for his remarkable achievements in sailing.  in 2024 he became the first person to complete 50 Sydeny to Hobart Yacht races.  He has also won international races.   Read more here about Lindsay’s involvement in the famous race.

The Sydney Morning Herald featured Lindsay in this article (it is paywalled).

The only interruption to Lindsay May’s ritual Hobart race preparation since 1973 was the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lindsay wrote to the CYCA in support of “protecting Tasmania” by cancelling the race.

So, in true ‘yachtie’s larrikin spirit’, Lindsay did his best to cheer up his sailing mates with a pre-start pose on a makeshift Boxing Day start line from his Lane Cove home at 13:00 hrs.

Fast forward to 2023, and Lindsay’s Co-Skipper navigator ride to Hobart was on the sleek Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes (Co-Skipper Owner Geoff Hill).

He gives back to the sport and has also played a crucial role in Sailablity, helping adults and children with disabilities experience the joy of sailing.

Lindsay also volunteers with the National Maritime Museum.

Tania Mace – Leadership Award

It was a big night for the May family as Lindsay May’s wife, Tania Mace, was awarded a leadership award. (see photo above)

The leadership award category recognises a Lane Cove resident who provides leadership or is a role model to others within Lane Cove.

Tania started attending Lane Cove Rotary in 2008.  She threw herself into everything immediately.  She works tirelessly on many projects, including selling raffle tickets and volunteering for the Salvation Army’s Red Sheild Appeal.

You may have seen at Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day services beautiful hand knitted crochet poppies.  Tania convinced the Lane Cove Crafters to knit the poppies, which are sold to raise money for the RSL.

Tania has been involved with Delvena’s Women’s Refuge through the Tree of Joy and sourcing linen for outreach homes.

Tania has been Lane Cove Rotary’s treasurer and President twice, in 2016 and 2022.  She has also recently been selected to become the 2024 Lane Cove Rotary President.

Tania is on the organising committee for the Rotary District Conference and a volunteer for the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic and the Lane Cove Fun Run.  She also organises the Lane Cove Rotary Australia Day BBQ and entertainment.

Tania is also one of the main organizers of the Lane Cove Rotary Fair and represents Lane Cove Rotary at the Lane Cove Council citizenship award.

Stephen Callister – Leadership Award

In 2024, Stephen was awarded an OAM for significant service to the community, particularly men’s health. He now has a Lane Cove Council leadership award to his name.

He has given remarkable service to the community in the realm of Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer.  After his own battle with prostate cancer, he wanted to raise awareness.

At the time he was awarded the OAM, Stephen told ITC the following:

“My wife and I have lived in Greenwich for the past 32 years.

I am, of course, honoured and humbled to have been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.

Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer at 54 in 2004, it is now amazing to look back and be thankful for a successful outcome.

Post my operation, I told my surgeon that if there was anything I could do to assist men and their families diagnosed with prostate cancer, let me know.

He immediately asked if I could moderate the hospital’s Prostate Cancer Support Group. This is where I started helping with the cause. There are now 130 such support groups around Australia.

Today I am National Chair of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which is the peak body for men related to prostate cancer. Its major vision is to increase awareness, provide funds for research and support men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

My involvement has been a labour of love, and I have enjoyed every minute of growing the organisation and its effectiveness and reach.

Having been lucky to be diagnosed at an early stage and make a full recovery, I thought it important to try and give back.

I feel very proud to have been recognised for my part in the developments in prostate cancer research over the past 19 years. But I am more proud to have been involved with many others helping the cause and accept the honour in some part as a recognition of the many other volunteers.”

Stephen’s achievements include:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia National Chair, since 2018.
• National Deputy Chair, 2015-2018.
• Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee, 2009.
• Member, National Support and Advocacy Committee.

Other

• Member, Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre NSW, Garvin Centre, current.
• Convenor, St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Support Group, 2005.

Professional

Managing Director, Paragold Distributors, current.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

• 70 Australian men are diagnosed each day with prostate cancer.
• 10 Australian men will die each day from the disease.
• 250,000 Australian men are alive today after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
• Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a 95% chance of surviving for five years
• compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
• Between 1982–1987 and 2012–2016, five-year relative survival for prostate cancer improved from 58% to 95%.

There are two proven risk factors that may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer:

Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in 6 men.

Family history: You have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer if you have a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The risk increases again if more than one close relative has prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose relatives were diagnosed when young. A family history of other cancers, like breast and ovarian cancers, may also increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.

Find out more about prostate cancer here.

Feng Emily Lizzio, Young Achiever

This award is awarded to a Lane Cove resident between the ages of 12 and 25 for achievement in any facet of life.

Emily’s passion for community impact has driven her to participate in diverse activities and to take on a range of leadership roles.

At Macquarie University, she ran the University Business Society, represented her school at the National Student Law Society, and was honoured as one of Australia’s top 100 future leaders in the law category in 2023. She has also completed a summer internship at KPMG while maintaining her distinction average while studying law and finance.

She is also a three-time international figure skating representative.

She has also been a Girls Guide mentor.

Olivia Sidhu, Access and Disability

This Award is presented to an individual, business or organisation that has made a significant contribution to addressing access concerns in the community or improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting high standards of access.

Olivia has represented Down Syndrome Australia at the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, showcasing her dedication to accessibility and inclusion.  Read ITC’s article about Olivia here.

Olivia has made a significant impact as a Health Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia, emphasising the importance of communication and equal access to information. Her work with organisations like Inclusion International and Down Syndrome International highlights her commitment to these crucial issues.

At the United Nations General Assembly, Olivia advocated for collaboration between healthcare professionals and individuals with intellectual disabilities, striving for a more inclusive healthcare system in discussions about their health.

Olivia’s unwavering dedication to the rights of individuals with disabilities and her ability to advocate for inclusivity makes her a deserving recipient of this award. She exemplifies the power of self-advocacy in creating a more inclusive society for all.

Madeline Caspers Young Sporting Achiever of the Year

This award is given to a young Lane Cove resident who, as an athlete, coach, or administrator, has made a significant contribution to sport in the community or achieved significant success in their field.

Madeline was named in the CommBank Junior Matildas during the AFC Under 17’s Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

She recently signed on with Sydney FC Women’s Liberty A-League squad and earned a nomination for the 2023/2024 Liberty A-League Young Footballer of the Year.

She was also part of the bronze medal-winning Under 20’s Women’s Asian Cup.

Kurt Ludke – Sports Person of the Year

This award is presented to a Lane Cove Resident who has made significant contributions to a team sport or had significant achievement in their field.

Kurt Ludke is a local veteran who completed at the 2023 Invictus Games, representing Australia in Wheelchair Rugby, Powerlifting and Seated Volleyball.

Read more about Kurt here.

 

Tracey Marsh – Individual Sportsperson of the Year Award

Tracy Marsh (nee Bluett) from Lane Cove North was awarded the Lane Cove Council Individual Sportsperson Award.

From 1991 to 2005 Tracey competed at the highest level, participating in five world championships and four junior world championships.

She also won the Australian Championships twice in the long distance and once in the middle distance.  Tracey has dedicated herself to mentoring young athletes and sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport.

In 2023, Tracey was inducted into the Orienteering Australia Hall of Fame Inductee.

Orienteering NSW posted the following on their Facebook page:

Tracy’s outstanding international orienteering career has extended over a remarkable fourteen years (1991 – 2005), with breaks for the HSC and for her first child. She was, and is, a role model for female orienteers and continues to compete and to contribute to the sport (most recently as a member of Orienteering Australia’s Senior Selection Panel).

‘Tracy’s sporting career aptly shows that orienteering is a sport for people of all ages and life stages’ says Orienteering NSW President Robyn Pallas.

Orienteering has a global footprint (over 80 countries compete at elite level, predominantly in Scandinavia and Northern Europe). Every year, the best orienteers in the world fight for the World Champion titles.

Tracy competed in five World Championships and four Junior World Championships. She competed at the elite level in many Australian Championships, achieving elite champion twice in the Long Distance and once in the Middle Distance.

The Orienteering Australia Hall of Fame recognises and promotes the outstanding sporting achievements of athletes and officials to acknowledge the rich sporting heritage of Australian orienteering. It is an illustrious group of Australia’s most respected and celebrated orienteers that span the test of time. They are the best of the best, who, through their achievements, have made a significant contribution to Australian orienteering sporting history and have inspired others to achieve their potential in both sport and life.

Tracy comes from an enthusiastic and talented orienteering family. She joins her brother Grant Bluett in a small select group of elite Australian orienteers in the Hall of Fame.

Photo: Tracy Bluett competing at the 2005 World Orienteering Championships in Japan.

 

Julie Ring, Community Sportsperson of the Year Award

This award recognises that excellence in sport really depends on volunteers.

Julie Ring is the head coach at Lane Cove Netball and has been coaching at the club since 2011. She has coached hundreds of local netballers. What distinguishes Julie is her passion and coaching focus on helping kids find their own desire to grow, achieve, and experience the rewards of self-confidence when they do.

During COVID, when community sport was suspended, Julie voluntarily provided individual coaching to players who asked for her help despite being a busy Lane Cove business owner at ProHealth Physio. The difference she made in these young players’ lives is evident, as despite the pandemic restrictions, their skills continue to develop, and now some are rep players.

Paul Fenech – Music, Art and Culture

This award is presented to a Lane Cove resident who, as an artist, has made a significant contribution to the community or had significant achievements in his field.

Paul Fenech has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication throughout his career. He showcases a deep connection to celebrating and exploring the stories of migrant communities.

His documentary, More than Legends, showed his ability to highlight Aboriginal Culture.

Paul’s comedies include Fat Pizza, Swift and Swift Couriers, and the Logie Award-winning Housos.

Terry Eakin – Community Services

Community Service awards are presented to Lane Cove locals who, as volunteers or administrators, make a significant contribution to the community or have made significant achievements in their field.

For the past 24 years, Terry has been the caretaker of Carisbrook Historic House. He has volunteered countless hours to support the work of the Lane Cove Historical Society and written a history of the society, which is an invaluable resource for local historians.

His green thumb has transformed the courtyard’s gardens.  He also helps with setting up events and activations at Carrisbrook Historic House.

Anne Furey – Community Service

Anne’s commitment to volunteering and community involvement spans back to 1968 when she began dedicating herself to various causes in the Lane Cove community.  She has volunteered for Meals on Wheels and regularly visits the sick and elderly at Kamilaroi Aged Care Centre.

She has also been involved with St Michael’s Parish for over 25 years, leading sacrament programmes and serving as a catechist. She is also a past secretary for the St Michael’s Parents and Friends Association.

Lorna Baker – Community Service

Over the past eight years, Lorna has been actively involved in a wide range of services at Lane Cove Public School, including managing the school canteen and uniform shop and being an active member of the P and F, demonstrating both leadership and volunteerism.

She is also an active member and supporter of community sports.  She is the equipment coordinator for the Lane Cove Netball Club and an advocate for the development of women’s sports.

She is also a key volunteer at the Lane Cove Swim Club.  Lorna serves as race secretary for the club.

Dr Paul Hine Workplace General Award

This award is presented to anyone who works in the Lane Cove Council area, whether as an employer or employee and has made a considerable contribution to the community or has significant achievements in their field.

Dr Hine is the retiring Principal of St Ignatius College Riverview. Throughout his 12-year tenure, Dr Hein has worked hard to improve the school’s programmes and admissions to become more inclusive and diverse, reflecting a deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

His efforts to strengthen the First Nations programmes have been particularly noteworthy.  This culminated in a memorandum of understanding between Lane Cove Council and the College in 2012, which has developed relationships and supported local work and mentoring opportunities in Lane Cove.

He has held leadership roles in the Australian Council for Human Rights Education and serves on the board of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia.

Lane Cove Council Workplace Award – Briony Moore

Briony Moore is Lane Cove Council’s Youth Programmes Officer.

She has led the way in developing and implementing Lane Cove Council’s Child Safe programmes.  She has a commitment to inclusivity, creativity and cross-organisational collaboration.

She has played a pivotal role in developing successful youth programmes and engaging hard to reach residents.  She established the Council’s Youth Advisory Committee and enabled a youth led Battle of the Bands.

Lane Cove Council Workplace Award – Luke Arnol

Luke is the assistant gardener who takes care of Blackman Park playing fields and surrounding areas.  Many residents have taken note of his work and commented, and there have even been recommendations on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews.

He also helps out other team members and recently helped transform the gardens at Tantallon Oval.

Lane Cove Council Workplace Award – Stephen Goulding

Stephen is Lane Cove Council’s General Manager of governance and risk and is responsible for a wide portfolio of functions and services, including integrated planning and reporting, policy management, records maintenance, risk management, insurance and claims management, work, health and safety management, purchasing and procurement, and a range of services to support Councillors.

His council colleagues speak highly of his integrity, tenacity, resilience and time to listen to others, including Councillors, members of the community and other key council stakeholders.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Stephen is always learning ways to improve his skillset and impart his knowledge and experience for the benefit of others.

 

Sustainable Citizen – Richard Wakefield

This award is presented to a Lane Cove Resident who has made a significant contribution to or achieved significant achievement in economic, social, cultural, or environmental sustainability.

Richard is a dedicated and hardworking volunteer involved in the Council’s bushland programmes.  He has been involved in the Gore Creek and Manns Point bush care team for ten years.  Richard is 90 years old.

Prior to this, he managed the Lane Cove Co-op, a non-profit bush regeneration group that literally spent thousands of hours conserving Lane Cove’s bushland.

Sustainable Organisation – Lane Cove Theatre Company

Council’s Sustainable Organisation Award is presented to an organisation, such as a business, school, or community group in the Lane Cove area, that has made a significant contribution or achieved significant achievement in economic, social, or environmental sustainability.

For the last 28 years, Lane Cove Theatre Company has contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of Lane Cove. It has presented over 80 productions to the community and entertained audiences of over 50,000 patrons from the local and wider community.

Lane Cove Theatre Company is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that provides four full-scale productions to the community each year. In addition, their programs, such as Open Mic and Cabaret Showcases, foster new talent within the community.

After a three-year absence due to COVID, Lane Cove Theatre Company re-established itself as a powerhouse platform for local talent. For their productions, such as Violet and Constellations, they were nominated for 14 Broadway Australia Awards across multiple platforms. Their innovation in theatre is remarkable. The In a Nutshell performance delivered Lane Cove’s very own original short play festival, which enjoyed a sell-out season. The Christmas Musicals and children’s productions like Hercules smash their box office records.

Lane Cove Theatre Company relies heavily on its membership and audiences for their support. The dedicated volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve outstanding productions that all attendees praise.

Sustaining a theatre company is challenging. We value your role in our cultural sector and recognise the economic value of what you do, creating reasons to visit Lane Cove every year.

Outstanding Business of the Year – Burns Bay Bookery

The criteria for this award are excellence in business and a significant contribution to the community.

Burns Bay Bookery has been an integral part of the Lane Cove community for years, and they have played a significant role in promoting literacy and enriching the lives of residents.

Council are well aware of their role in this through their ongoing support for author talks at the library. They provide residents with valuable opportunities to engage with acclaimed writers and thought leaders, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning within the community. They also sponsor the Literary Awards of Lane Cove, which have had a significant impact on the writing community. Attracting attention and support for authors, poets and writers and providing career development opportunities for emerging creatives.

Burns Bay Bookery’s commitment to community partnerships and philanthropy is equally inspiring. Recently, they supported local organisations and initiatives such as the Toy Library’s establishment in the area, and they regularly support our local schools with programs.

Burns Bay Bookery is not just a bookstore; it is a beloved community institution that embodies the values of inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural enrichment.

Their participation in the Zero Barriers program ensures quality literature is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical constraints. Through this program, they have fostered a more inclusive community that values education and knowledge.

Burns Bay Bookery is a wonderful example of a business giving back to the Lane Cove Community and of local corporate social responsibility. Congratulations…

The ceremony also included the Neighbour Day award, which we will publish an article about soon.

 

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