Citizen of the Year 2025

Kevin Lee (Belrose)

Kevin Lee has been an integral member of Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 2008, contributing significantly to the Northern Beaches community. Over the past 15 years, Kevin has completed 1,490 patrol hours, averaging nearly 100 hours per season, making him one of the most dedicated members in the club’s 60-year history.

As Co-Convenor of the Narrabeen Beach Challenge Ocean Swim, Kevin devotes countless hours to planning and promoting the event, and using innovative social media strategies to reach a wider audience. He has organised numerous carnivals, including the 2023 and 2024 Sydney Northern Beaches Junior Carnival.

A passionate educator, Kevin holds multiple lifesaving qualifications and actively supports training programs for members including the Bronze Medallion, IRB Crew and Driver certifications. His time as Surf Sports Director from 2017 - 2022 saw him coordinating competitions, training and the club’s Junior Carnival, further enhancing the club’s offerings.

He also provided critical ground support during the Narrabeen floods in 2021, showcasing his dedication to the wider community.

Kevin’s contributions have been widely recognised through numerous club awards, including the President’s Award, Patrol Person of the Year and the Outstanding Service Award. His resilience in overcoming personal challenges and his inclusive approach inspires members of all ages, from young nippers to Masters competitors.

Senior Citizen of the Year 2025

Ian Hocking (Bilgola Plateau)

Ian has made remarkable contributions to the Northern Beaches community through his dedicated volunteer work with the NSW SES Warringah Pittwater unit. For one week in every four, Ian serves as Duty Officer, a role requiring significant time and responsibility. He manages emergency alerts, coordinates responses and allocates teams based on the specific requirements of each situation. His work involves direct communication with the public and team members, ensuring that each response is handled efficiently and with the appropriate skills, providing critical support during emergencies.

Ian has also demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering collaboration and skill development within the SES. He led the organisation of an Exercise Capability event, bringing together four SES units in the cluster for a large-scale training activity.

This involved designing exercises to accommodate a wide range of member skills, coordinating logistics and overseeing the event. His patience, innovation and commitment to building a cohesive and well-prepared team were instrumental in the event’s success.

As Deputy Unit Commander, Ian supports unit members in their training, offering opportunities to practice and refine their skills. He ensures that the unit is always prepared for operational responses, fostering a culture of readiness and professionalism. Ian’s leadership style is quiet but highly effective, earning the respect of his team by encouraging input, skill development and guiding discussions on best practices. His commitment to inclusivity and mentorship helps less experienced members feel confident and capable in their roles.

Ian’s selfless dedication to the SES and the Northern Beaches community has had a profound impact, ensuring that residents receive swift and effective support during emergencies.

Young Citizen of the Year 2025

Saskia Rundle Trowbridge (Mona Vale)

Saskia Rundle Trowbridge displayed exceptional courage and selflessness in rescuing three stranded youths in perilous conditions below Warriewood Headland on 21 January 2024.

Responding as a patrolling lifesaver with the Warriewood IRB crew, Saskia braved a surging ocean swell to reach the stranded youths. With remarkable composure and leadership, she assessed the hazards, provided clear instructions and donned a life vest before plunging into the dangerous waters. Saskia reached the injured youth, who suffered a head injury and possible concussion and successfully guided him to the safety of the rescue boat, despite the high-risk conditions. Her decisive actions and ability to take control of the situation played a pivotal role in the rescue’s success, ensuring all three youths were brought back safely.

Saskia’s bravery, quick thinking and teamwork epitomise the best qualities of a surf lifesaver. Her actions not only saved lives but also demonstrated leadership, resilience and a commitment to community safety. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to young people and adults alike, highlighting the importance of volunteer lifesaving work and its impact on the community. Saskia’s heroic efforts showcase strong ethical values, self discipline and a willingness to put the safety of others above her own.

Saskia’s story stands as a shining example of what young people can achieve and the vital role they play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Northern Beaches community. Her actions encourage others to consider joining Surf Life Saving Clubs, fostering a spirit of teamwork and community service.

Sportsperson of the Year 2025

Chris Turnbull (Clontarf)

In the past year, Chris Turnbull achieved a remarkable milestone in endurance sports by setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest journey on foot across Australia, from Perth to Sydney. Chris completed the 3,864 kilometre journey in 39 days, 8 hours and 1 minute, beating the previous record by 4 days. Averaging nearly 100 kilometers a day, he ran through extreme conditions, demonstrating extraordinary physical endurance and mental resilience. His preparation spanned years and included intense long-distance running, strength training and nutritional planning, often balancing training with full-time work and family responsibilities.

During his run across Australia, his journey inspired a wide audience, including local running clubs, who followed and supported him along the way. He has delivered motivational talks to local groups such as the Vipers Run Club, tailoring his stories to engage and uplift listeners. Chris also volunteers to support endurance events like the Bondi to Manly Ultra, providing hands-on assistance and encouragement to other athletes.

By openly sharing his training data, GPS locations and physiological metrics during his record-breaking run, Chris created opportunities for learning and collaboration within the endurance community. His transparency and willingness to assist others underscore his belief in using sport as a platform for growth and connection.

Looking ahead, Chris plans to continue his pursuits in endurance sports, using his achievements to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. His remarkable accomplishments have earned recognition from Guinness World Records and the broader community, cementing his legacy as an inspiring figure in the world of endurance sports.

Community Group of the Year 2025

Lifeline Northern Beaches Book Fair Volunteers

The Lifeline Book Fair Volunteers are a dedicated group of 100 individuals who work tirelessly to support Lifeline’s vital mental health and crisis services on the Northern Beaches. Through their efforts, the volunteers organise and run the much-loved Lifeline Book Fairs, which provide affordable books, CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, jigsaws and board games to the local community. They manage every aspect of the fair, from sorting and pricing donations to setting up, greeting attendees and operating as cashiers, ensuring each event is a success.

This group embodies generosity, sustainability and inclusion. Their work raises essential funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches, diverts thousands of items from landfill, and offers a welcoming environment for volunteers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They also provide young people with opportunities to complete volunteer hours for programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The impact of the Lifeline Book Fair Volunteers on the Northern Beaches community is immense. By raising significant funds, they directly contribute to Lifeline’s local services, that are critical to the mental health and well-being of many residents. Their focus on sustainability also benefits the environment, while the Book Fairs themselves foster community connections and provide affordable, high-quality goods for everyone to enjoy.

The group has strong support from the community, with thousands of people attending each Book Fair and actively donating items for resale. They aim to grow their operations, raise even more funds, and continue to engage the community in their mission to support mental health, sustainability and inclusivity.

Community Event of the Year 2025

Carols by the Lake - The Link Church

Carols by the Lake is a significant community event that has been uniting the Northern Beaches for 20 years. Each year, around 10,000 locals gather to celebrate together with a diverse audience made up of families, friends, couples and singles of all ages reflecting the vibrant inclusive spirit of the region.  

Hosted at Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen, and organised by The Link Church, the event offers a night of festive celebration, community connection and charitable giving. The 2023 Carols by the Lake event, held on the 16 December was a resounding success, reaffirming its positive impact on the Northern Beaches. Throughout the evening those in attendance enjoyed gathering together with live music, sing-along carols, a visit from Santa Claus and a variety of delicious options from local food trucks. The evening celebrated the joy of Christmas while also providing opportunity to support The Link Community Care’s essential programs, including food relief and emergency support, with all donations going directly to those in need within our local community. Carols by the Lake has grown from a small gathering in 2004 to an iconic Northern Beaches community event. The event’s inclusive atmosphere bridges generations, backgrounds and cultures, creating a space for connection and shared joy. By partnering with local businesses and offering opportunities for social interaction, the event stimulates economic activity, provides a platform for local artists and strengthens the social fabric of the Northern Beaches. Carol by the Lake’s commitment to inclusivity, celebration and< giving makes it a model of community spirit, offering locals not only a night of festive fun but also a chance to contribute to meaningful causes.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Nicholas Chambers (Cromer)

Nicholas has made outstanding contributions to the Northern Beaches community over the past year, particularly through his leadership at Cromer Cricket Club. As Vice President of Junior Cricket, he has grown junior participation from fewer than 20 to nearly 100 players, establishing eight junior teams and launching Cromer’s first Junior Girls team in several years. Nicholas organised and ran 'Come & Try' events, often partnering with local schools and sporting clubs, which were instrumental in increasing junior involvement.

Nicholas has demonstrated strong community values through his coaching, where he fosters teamwork, inclusion and sportsmanship, and continues to lead innovative initiatives that positively impact the local community. Nicholas is also a strong environmental advocate and has volunteered with a range of organisations to promote environmental awareness and initiatives.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Roland Davies (North Manly)

Roland has made an outstanding contribution to the Northern Beaches community through his organisation, Emu Parade, which he founded in 2019. Dedicated to environmental conservation, Roland organises unique beach clean-up events that bring people together while making a positive impact on the local environment. In the past year alone, Roland has hosted over 60 events from Shelly Beach to Palm Beach, attracting more than 2,000 participants.

His approach is distinctive: participants are rewarded with free coffee from his mobile barista truck, 'Trish', a repurposed firetruck powered by used cooking oil. These events not only clean up the beaches but also foster a sense of community, connection and belonging, as participants engage in meaningful conversations about environmental issues while enjoying a well-deserved coffee. Roland’s work has greatly contributed to the Northern Beaches’ environmental efforts by reducing pollution, educating the community, and creating a ripple effect of care and awareness.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Bruce Davis (Curl Curl)

Bruce Moffat Davis has made exceptional contributions to the Northern Beaches community, through his leadership at Manly Yacht Club (MYC). Over the past year, he has played a key role in upgrading club infrastructure, coordinating the junior sailing program and working to reestablish a community boating facility in North Harbour. Bruce revitalised MYC’s junior program, growing it from a small activity to a thriving program with over 40 juniors.

His past work includes significant involvement with Sailability as Race Officer providing opportunities for sailors with disability, measurer at the 2000 Olympics, member of the organising committee for the World Youths, maintaining club infrastructure, and for 14 years as Commodore. Bruce’s efforts have also benefited the local boating community, offering essential services through his business. His long-term vision and dedication have fostered a vibrant sailing community.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Vipul Jajal (Dee Why)

Vipul has made significant contributions to the Northern Beaches community by offering free volunteer-led meditation sessions and full-day events. Vipul is a Meditation Trainer and over the past year has facilitated approximately 100 weekly in-person group sessions and 250 online meditation sessions, all at no charge to participants. Vipul’s efforts have fostered a growing and inclusive community focused on mental health, stress reduction and holistic wellness.

Vipul’s dedication to service, kindness and promoting peace is evident through his consistent commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all. He is always looking forward to welcoming everyone to experience meditation, learning the language of heart in silence. His future plans include expanding Heartfulness meditation throughout the Northern Beaches and empowering others to become trainers, as well as exploring opportunities to integrate meditation into medical settings.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Laurelei Moore (Dee Why) and Gaye McLindin (Dee Why)

Identical twins, Laurelei and Gaye have made an outstanding contribution to the Northern Beaches community through their daily volunteer work at Dee Why Beach, where they have collected tons of rubbish over the past 15 and 11 years, respectively. Starting at 6 am each day, they clear the beachfront of dangerous refuse like needles, plastic, fishing lines and food scraps, ensuring a safer environment for beachgoers and local wildlife.

They also volunteer with the Northern Beaches Easy Link Community Transport Bus Service, assisting elderly passengers and helping them stay connected and independent. Laurelei and Gaye are also instrumental in running the St. John’s Anglican Church Op Shop in Dee Why. This initiative provides an essential resource for the local community, offering affordable goods to those in need. Their combined efforts have greatly improved the Northern Beaches and set a shining example of community leadership, inspiring others to contribute to the wellbeing of their community.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Leanne Shanahan (Warriewood)

Leanne has made an outstanding contribution to the Northern Beaches community by providing a critical support network for parents and siblings who have lost a child. Since 2018, Leanne has facilitated a monthly support group at the Tramshed Arts & Community Centre, Narrabeen, specifically for bereaved families on the Northern Beaches. In addition to the group meetings, she offers one-on-one support, both in person and by phone, ensuring that grieving families have access to ongoing care. Leanne’s dedication to enhancing her skills through additional training and workshops has allowed her to introduce new activities, such as art therapy sessions and guest speakers, to provide greater support for those in need.

Leanne’s commitment to her cause is unwavering. Her ability to empathise with others, having tragically lost her own child in 2015, makes her uniquely qualified to offer support and comfort to those experiencing the unimaginable. Through her efforts, Leanne has created a space where families can grieve together, find solace and gain hope for the future.

Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025

Mel Thomas (Clontarf)

As the founder of KYUP! Project, Mel has made a significant impact on the Northern Beaches community by working with local groups to empower women and youth through self-defence and personal safety programs. Passionate about preventing domestic violence, she has delivered initiatives such as the Mums and Daughters workshops in Dee Why, which attracted over 100 participants.

In 2023, Mel raised $100,000 to provide free self-defence workshops in local schools, equipping young people with vital skills to stay safe and build confidence. Her dedication to fostering safer environments has inspired countless individuals across the Northern Beaches, particularly women and girls.