19th March, 2025.
Seniors Week is wonderful time to reflect on the many unsung heroes within our Wollondilly community. These seniors continue to give their time, energy and efforts to better the lives of those around them, and I am privileged to speak of the 2025 recipients today. Allan Stiles has been a part of the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra since 2014. He has dedicated many years sharing his love of classical music with the world, mentoring young musicians and students to help develop their skills. Allan has also volunteered with a number of community organisations since 1990. I am looking forward to seeing the symphony orchestra next Saturday evening.
Barbara Edwards has worked in service of her community her whole life. She was a member of the Army Reserve for 37 years and achieved the rank of major. Barbara has organised many ANZAC Day services and is an active member of the Macarthur Sunrise Rotary Club. Beverley Spearpoint has lived in Warragamba for more than 50 years. She has always been involved in her community in one way or another. She was one of the organisers of the original Bold Jack Donohue Festival in the 1970s and has been on many community-focused committees since. She has always advocated for her community and the whole of Wollondilly. Bev also served with me on council in the last term.
Colin Miller lives at Agros House. He is a quiet gentleman with many life achievements, knowledge and stories about the area. He was in the Royal Australian Air Force for two years and received many awards from the National Trust, Wollondilly Shire Council, Sydney Legacy, Scouts, RFS and Picton Rotary Club. He has been a host for many exchange students and has even written a book. James Whitfield has acted as the eyes of Wollondilly through his years of photography and engagement with a number of groups. He has graced Wollondilly with a series of books, volunteering to share photos from times past online as well as through the historical societies and groups.
Jeff and Cheryl Skinner have been members of Picton Lions Club since moving to Wollondilly. They have reinvigorated the club with new membership, linking to the popular Picton Cars and Coffee, which has enabled funding for charities each month. Last month they raised $35,000 for Camp Quality. President of the Lions Club of Tahmoor, Jenny Barclay, has been integral in commencing the Lions Eye Health Program in Wollondilly, training screeners, reinvigorating the club with new membership and fundraising for local charities and those in need. Joan Dellit has lived in Wollondilly for 40 years and started as a volunteer at the Wollondilly Library, becoming a librarian staffer. She has worked to maintain the collection beyond her employment there and still volunteers today.
John Churchill has always been a great supporter of his community. He has volunteered for many organisations over the years and has been a member of Wollondilly Shire Council's Australia Day committee almost since its inception. John wrote the Wollondilly poem that is recited every year at the ceremony. John Ross runs the monthly pizza party for residents at Agros House. He also runs the weekly football tipping club and Melbourne Cup sweeps. John has lived at Agros House for nine years and is a funny, friendly man who enriches the lives of residents and staff. He also looks after the vegetable garden.
Michael Goodenough is a wonderful gentleman who lives in the retirement village. He has dedicated his Sunday mornings to holding a devotion service at his aged-care facility as the pastoral carer. He is also involved in the Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day ceremonies. Norman McGhie called bingo and played Santa for the residents for many years until his health and mobility declined. He is a gentleman with a great sense of humour and a kind heart. Norm has had a busy life. He has two children, six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He worked for New South Wales Government Railways for 49 years and volunteered with Buxton RFS. I think he also just turned 100 this week.
I also recognise Robert "Bob" Daly for his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of those around him. His proactive involvement in creating solutions has significantly enriched our organisation and the broader community. I congratulate those deserving recipients. I recognise the 2024 Wollondilly recipients, and there are many of them. I could go on about the many seniors who contribute to our area. I thank each and every one of those seniors for everything they do to contribute to our Wollondilly community and make our lives better.