Acknowledged for their ongoing contribution to the community, nominees and Award recipients were recognised in a ceremony at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace, as well as Fly Point, Nelson Bay.

This year, former Councillors Sally Dover and Geoff Dingle were awarded the prestigious title of Freeman of Port Stephens for their extensive dedication to the community and over ten years’ service on Council. Freeman of Port Stephens is an honour given to individuals who have distinguished themselves with the highest order of community service.

The Citizen of the Year award was taken out by Colleen Mulholland-Ruiz, who has been a passionate advocate for the Raymond Terrace community for the past two decades. Colleen has been an active patron of the Positive Behaviour for Learning framework, which aims to create safe teaching and learning environments for local schools.

Ten-year-old Mackenzie Bell was the deserving recipient of Young Citizen of the Year for her tireless fundraising efforts for multiple sclerosis. Mackenzie was just two years old when her mother Deanna was diagnosed with the condition, and Mackenzie raised a huge $1,860 by participating in the MS 24 hour Mega Swim at Sydney Olympic Pool.

Robyn Killen was the proud recipient of the inaugural Cultural Endeavour award for her dedication to the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre as secretary for the past 10 years. A new category in 2018, the Cultural Endeavour award is given to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to the cultural community of Port Stephens, or who have attained a high level of achievement in the wider cultural community.

Rugby league stalwart Colin Machon was recognised as Sportsperson of the Year for his pivotal role in the expansion of the competition over the past 25 years. Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League is now the largest senior rugby competition in the world, growing from a “men’s only” competition with three divisions to now having five divisions in 2018, as well as two Ladies Tag divisions and a Ladies Tackles competition.

This year, three deserving community members have been awarded the Port Stephens Medal. Geoffrey Basser was awarded for his contributions to several community groups, including Nelson Bay Now, Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA), Salamander Bay Rotary and COPSY Incorporated, where he has worked passionately towards better mental health services for youth in Port Stephens.

A true community leader, Leon Lindsay was honoured with a Port Stephens Medal for his dedication to the Probus Club of Port Stephens from 1989 to present as well as his many charitable initiatives.

Peter Clough was also a proud recipient of the Port Stephens Medal for bringing life to the Tomaree Peninsula through his tireless work on festivals and events and his work with Nelson Bay Town Management Group, the Nelson Bay Rotary Club, and now, the Tomaree Business Chamber.

Mayor of Port Stephens Ryan Palmer said the Annual Awards are a great opportunity to come together and thank those who do so much for our area.

"Australia Day is a time for us to come together and celebrate what's great about our community and the people who positively contribute to it every day," Mayor Palmer said.

“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge each of our nominees and winners, who have all showed passion for their communities and dedicated their time and effort to making Port Stephens a better place,” he added.

“It’s a pleasure to recognise Sally Dover and Geoff Dingle with the highest honour, Freeman of Port Stephens, for their dedication to and representation of the community, from parks and reserves and hall committees, to health, education and regional planning partnerships,” he said.

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