Making the announcement at Australia Day celebrations in Raymond Terrace this morning, Mayor Ryan Palmer said the awards recognise outstanding members of the local community.

“This year’s winners are leaders and role models for our community — they have achieved great things, given generously to others and made Port Stephens an even better place to live, work and play.

“These people don’t do what they do for the credit — they do it because they love our community and they love what they do. So it’s wonderful to be able to recognise them formally for their contribution to Port Stephens.

“I also want to acknowledge each of our nominees, who have all gone above and beyond for our community. Thank you.”

The 2018 Port Stephens Annual Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year — Ben Niland

Ben Niland is the 2018 Citizen of the Year for his significant contribution to the Port Stephens community. Ben is a passionate advocate for Medowie and is heavily involved in all manner of local sports through leadership and sponsorship. He is currently secretary of the Medowie Sports and Community Club and chairman of the Port Stephens Council Audit Committee. Last year, Ben envisioned and established the hugely successful Bale out the Drought fundraiser which donated over $80,000 to rural aid to go to drought affected farmers.

Young Citizen of the Year — Amy Dufour

Amy Dufour is the 2018 Young Citizen of the Year for being an inspirational role model to young citizens of Port Stephens and her significant achievement in sport. Amy started playing touch football at the age of 8. Since then she has played for Nelson Bay Touch and has represented Australia in competition. Amy is a consistent role mentor to younger players and is well known for her fair-play and abundance of natural talent on the field.

Port Stephens Medals —

The Port Stephens Medal is awarded to individuals, organisations or groups for distinguished service to the community.

• Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Established in 1985, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens cover an area of more than 130 hectares — much of which has been preserved as natural bushland. The gardens are managed, maintained and developed by a non-profit company of around 200 dedicated volunteers. The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens serve the people of the region as a focus for the appreciation, study, research and enjoyment of horticulture, botany and related fields through growing and displaying plants, both native and introduced species, in landscaped and natural surroundings.

• Michael Murray

Michael Murray is an expert in business strategy, leadership and business systems development. He has brought this wealth of experience and organisational professionalism to the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network, where he has served as the chairperson for the past 12 months. The Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network is a community initiative which is wholly funded by public donations. The PSSPN enables volunteers from the community to be involved in activities that can lead to them finding additional meaning and purpose in life. The network’s activities are designed to foster an increased sense of well-being for its participants, encouraging the acquisition of new skills and creating open and honest communication.

• Lee Anlezark

Lee Anlezark is the President of the Tomaree Parkinson’s Support Group — an organisation that he leads with optimism, hope and enthusiasm. Living with Parkinson’s himself, Lee fully understands the need to encourage healthy living, healing and wellbeing to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for those affected by Parkinson’s in our community.

Sportsperson of the Year — Graeme Chamberlain

Graeme Chamberlain is the 2018 Sportsperson of the Year for his outstanding service to the sporting community of Port Stephens. Graeme is a local Ironman who pushes himself to be his best while also encouraging others to achieve more personally through his work as a volunteer. Graeme is the Club Captain at the Birubi Point Surf Lifesaving Club and is a member of the Tomaree Tri Club and the Nelsons Bay Hash Harriers.

Cultural Endeavour — Michael Francis

Michael Francis is the 2018 Cultural Endeavour Award recipient for his outstanding service to the cultural life of the Port Stephens community. Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, an organisation which he has been involved with for over 20 years. More than 1,420 members of the Port Stephens community have been members of the Arts Centre throughout Michael’s tenure. Michael is a natural leader who has promoted artistic culture in Port Stephens significantly through his work in the community.

For more information about the Port Stephens Annual Awards, visit https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/live/community/community-awards