WARREN RENNIE AM NAMED 2023 CRONULLA SENIOR OF THE YEAR

Patron of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and surf lifesaving servant for 65 years Warren Rennie AM has been announced as the 2023 Cronulla Senior of the Year.

After more than six decades, Warren continues to serve the community with so much passion and energy.

Warren’s enthusiasm comes from knowing that surf lifesaving is about saving lives and his unwavering commitment over such a long time is an inspiration to so many people.

He has provided strong leadership in many roles at the club and the fact that he continues to serve as a patrol member says so much about his dedication to serving others.

Warren typifies the amazing volunteer spirit we have in the Shire and I congratulate him and the other finalists who continue to make a difference for our community in their senior years.

I thank all of our local seniors for the valuable volunteer work they do for so many organisations and groups.

The 2023 Cronulla Senior of the Year was presented was part of the NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards held to coincide with the annual NSW Seniors Festival, which is the biggest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere, reaching up to 500,000 seniors each year.

Seven finalists were presented with awards at the function attended by family, friends and representatives of the organisations where they volunteer.

The other local achievement award winners were:

Laraine Lucas, Cronulla
Volunteer service to SRE (special religious education), bringing her experience as a teacher and school principal to teaching and overseeing training of SRE volunteers.

Pat Pender, Caringbah
Volunteer service to community radio 2SSR since 2006 as a regular program presenter and roles as membership services officer and program manager.

Richard Pinker, Caringbah South
Decades of volunteer service to Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club including as president, life member, committee member, in fundraising and a member on beach patrols.

Robert Short, Burraneer
Volunteer service over several decades to Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, including as president, life member, committee member, district inspector and beach patrol member.

Jan Taylor, Grays Point
Volunteer service over more than 20 years to Sutherland Shire Council Bushcare and at the Shire’s Community Nursery and as an active member of the Australian Plants Society Sutherland Group.

Ian Toll, Gymea
Volunteer service over more than 50 years as a founding and life member of Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, serving in roles including club president, current chair of the Shire district life saving council, as well as more than 55 years as a Justice of the Peace.