Simon Kennedy (Cook, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

This Australia Day weekend in the Sutherland Shire, we had a weekend of festivities. It was glorious, but one of the top events was the 2026 Sutherland Shire Citizens of the Year Awards, for individuals and groups whose contribution, service and leadership make our local community stronger. The Citizen of the Year award went to Shanon Bates. Shanon is a powerful motivational speaker and disability advocate. He draws on his own experience with disability. Shanon works across schools, workplaces and the community to change attitudes, challenge stereotypes, promote resilience and demonstrate that people with a disability are just as capable, valued and respected as all other members in our society. Shanon, your commitment to education, wellbeing and social justice has a lasting impact across our community. You're a ripper bloke, and thank you for what you do.

The Young Citizen of the Year award went to Stephanie Duric. Stephanie had shown outstanding dedication to the wellbeing of young people across the Sutherland Shire. Through her longstanding volunteer work with headspace Miranda, Stephanie helped support youth mental health and amplify young voices. Stephanie also contributes to the arts and education. Her leadership and compassion are remarkable.

The Community Group of the Year award went to the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life Committee. That committee has raised—and raises each year—more money than any other relay for life in the country. It is amazing the work they do for cancer. It's amazing the community spirit they bring out. Their annual event brings together thousands of people—cancer survivors honouring loved ones, running around Don Lucas Reserve for 24 hours. It is proudly run by volunteers, and millions of dollars have been raised over the last two decades.

The Environmental Citizen of the Year was Colin Storey. Colin has dedicated decades to protecting and restoring the local environment around the Sutherland Shire. Through bush care, wetland restoration, wildlife habitat projects and environmental monitoring, Colin's hands-on work and leadership have left a lasting legacy for Sutherland Shire and for our children. Thank you Colin.

Sports Citizen of the Year went to Zoe Newman. Zoe is an elite hockey player and inspiring role model. From a local junior in the sport to representing Australia internationally, Zoe has combined excellence with humility and continues to give back by mentoring young athletes and supporting grassroots hockey.

Finally, Young Sports Citizen of the Year went to Izobelle Louison-Roe. She's an exceptional athlete whose achievements on the world stage are matched by her commitment to her local community. As a coach and mentor, she inspires young athletes to strive and do their best.

I congratulate all our fabulous award winners.

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