Local Hero Award

Christina was a founding member of RSPCA's Eurobodalla branch when it began in 2010. In the past five years and under her watch as animal care coordinator, the branch’s volume of rehomed animals has skyrocketed from around a dozen to upwards of 250 annually.

Christina has personally played a role in rehoming more than 800 animals including cats, dogs, at least 11 chickens and one mouse.

An energetic and innovative fundraiser, Christina is also voice of Eurobodalla RSPCA, daily answering dozens of calls to provide practical help and emotional support for the shire’s animal and human community.

“Their amazing support keeps us going,” says a local nurse of Mylene and Fitzroy Boulting, staunch supporters of Eurobodalla’s health care workers. Together they have advocated more than four years for one regional hospital for Eurobodalla, using grassroots techniques to successfully attract the right attention to their cause.

Front and centre during recent nurses’ strikes, Mylene and Fitzroy like to make sure all voices are heard. They are also stalwarts of the Tuross Head Progress Association and regular contributors to Eurobodalla’s community conversations.

Patricia worked as a part-time teacher at TAFE NSW for more than 30 years, making a profound contribution to the education of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people through cultural awareness training.

A Bringja Djuuwin woman, she is co-author (with her siblings) of the Dhurga dictionary, bringing a language of the Yuin people to life for new generations. Her sense of humour and communication skills make her a unique teacher, and Tricia continues this work in our community, generously sharing her deep knowledge of country, bush food and medicine, language and tradition in a joyful and inclusive way.

From reuniting a lost child with their parent (just last month) to bringing in his elderly neighbours’ bins, helping others is in Jy’s nature.

This was no better characterised than during the Black Summer bushfires, when Jy led Essential Energy’s effort to return power to the shire. Using his local knowledge and contacts, he activated specialist work teams, bringing in extra crews and equipment to get the job done. He secured generators for those in need, personally delivering and setting them up.

He continues to serve as a volunteer in the Eurobodalla’s emergency command, helping to prepare for and avoid future disasters.

The heart and soul of the Eurobodalla Parkinson’s Support Group for decades, Joy herself has Parkinson’s, as does her son. She knows the challenges and opportunities. The group meets every fortnight for social catch ups and outings, as well as guest speakers recruited by Joy – “she truly never stops!”

Joy recently secured a grant to run art therapy for group members. The impact on mental health and self-esteem was profound.

Joy will tell you connection and community are essential to life, and even more to folks with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and their carers. Joy has enabled this for countless people in the region.

Prior to establishing The Beagle online news outlet, Lei was a longstanding employee of Eurobodalla Council, winning several industry awards for his work in asset management.

A decade working on foreign aid assignments followed before Lei began his move into the media landscape. The Tuross Giant was his first foray, evolving into The Beagle in 2016 and now bringing local news, free, to the communities of Eurobodalla and Bega Valley.

Lei has also served on the committees of the Tuross Head Progress Association and the Tuross Head Business Association, actively advocating on behalf of his community.

Melissa is well known to Eurobodalla’s community groups as the voice of Council’s booking office.

When COVID struck and Melissa went above and beyond to help local groups find suitable venues, often booking, cancelling then rebooking many times as the pandemic’s evolving rules impacted everyone’s lives.

Melissa is renowned for her courtesy in helping residents enjoy Eurobodalla life to the full, making sure venues are available for events, big and small.

More than 20 years ago and with a small group of friends, Jenny founded The Batemans Bay Friendship Group – no meetings or membership, just outings and a focus on social connection.

Jenny organises at least five outings each month, often ferrying elderly people with no car of their own (including to medical and other appointments).

Naturally COVID restricted the group’s activities, but Jenny kept spirits up with fun emails as well as providing NSW Health information. Without her, the community would have many more lonely people during these trying times. “We need more Jennies in this world!”

Lyn is so much more than president of Bay Theatre Players. She has created a place where people can find their tribe and feel a sense a belonging. Her weekly workshops for adults and young people provide connection and engagement with the theatre and strengthen the Bay Theatre Players community legacy.

She makes sure kids have something to do in the holidays and a safe place to be on weekends. She also works alongside local elders to engage traditional owners in storytelling and productions.

In Lyn’s theatre, there is a place for everyone, and she is always first to turn the lights on and the last to turn them off.