KAYE HERALD NAMED 2024 CRONULLA SENIOR OF THE YEAR

Volunteer chair and board member of Gymea Community Aid and Information Service (GCAIS) Kay Herald has been announced as the 2024 Cronulla Senior of the Year.

I was delighted to present the award to Kaye with Shadow Minister for Seniors Bronnie Taylor at a morning tea to recognise the work of 13 local volunteers nominated for the award.

Kaye is a significant contributor to our community, giving her time to lead an organisation that is making a difference to the lives of people including seniors and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

After joining the GCAIS committee in 2016, Kaye stepped up to lead its board in 2019 and has worked hard with her fellow board members and staff to grow and strengthen the organisation for the benefit of its clients and the GCAIS team.

Kaye is appreciated for her hands on and inclusive leadership as she mentors and provides direction to fellow board members, while at the same time supporting the business and taking an active interest in the services delivered.

I congratulate Kaye on her contribution to GCAIS and on being recognised for the volunteer work she does as a valued senior in our community.

It was inspiring to learn of the volunteer work being done by the 13 finalists for Cronulla Senior of the Year who are aged between 64 and 95.

I thank and congratulate these finalists for their efforts and dedication as volunteers including work for community aid and welfare, schools, Sutherland Hospital, prisons, emergency service, surf and sporting clubs, palliative care, and family support.

The finalists are a snapshot of the incredible work being done by seniors in the Shire and I thank each one of them in our community who lend their valuable time to a range of organisations and groups.

The other finalists for 2024 were:

Dianne Batty, Kirrawee
40 years of volunteer service to a range of community organisations and causes, including Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, Sutherland Hospital Kiosk, her local Community Fire Unit, and the John Franklin Christmas Luncheon.

Nick Boes, Kurnell
The founder of the Adopt our Historic Drive Campaign to beautify and maintain Captain Cook Drive in a volunteer contribution in Kurnell since 1958 including the Rural Fire Service, Kurnell Progress and Precinct residents Association, Kurnell Public School, and the Sutherland Shire Kurnell Tourism Strategy Working Party.

Sue Brannock, Caringbah
25 years of service to the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club through the Auxiliary Committee, and the Sutherland to Surf Organising Committee.

Jill Cameron, Cronulla
35 years of service to Elouera Surf Life Saving Club through surf patrols and surf awareness training, as well as in the area of administration for the Silver Salties program.

Stewart Cameron, Cronulla
60 years of service to North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, including through front line lifesaving, coaching, water safety, first aid, club maintenance and mentoring.

Catherine Carmichael, Caringbah
Volunteer service providing end of life care and support, as well as support for women with young families.

Maureen Clark, Gymea Bay
12 years of volunteer service to Dandelion Support Network, including as a volunteer team leader, advocate and fundraiser.

Tony Dedda, Cronulla
Volunteer service as board member and chair of Crossroads Prison Ministries and to Shire Presbyterian Church Cronulla.

Daphne Lee, Miranda
Volunteer service to Gymea Anglican Church through the mobile community food pantry and other church ministries.

Ron Lucas, Gymea
Decades of volunteer service to the Grays Point community including through the Kids Hope program at Grays Point Public School and local sport.

Gary Rigney, Caringbah South
Volunteer service over several decades to Gymea United Football Club, including as committee member, ground controller and coach.

Alice Tierney, Caringbah
Volunteer service through physical culture classes for girls and women in the Sutherland Shire over more than 50 years.