Nominations for Randwick City Council’s 2025 Community Service Awards are now open, providing people with an opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate outstanding volunteers and groups in the Local Government Area (LGA).
The prestigious awards recognise those who have helped to improve the lives of others or make Randwick City a better place to live.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said the Community Service Awards celebrated the City’s unsung heroes. “I’m constantly inspired by the leadership and commitment to service demonstrated by people in Randwick City,” she said.
“This has never been more apparent than in recent years, when community members banded together to support those most severely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
“Whether they are helping those doing it tough, raising funds for a cause, running a sporting club or social group, volunteers form the backbone of our community.
“In Randwick City, we are fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated and passionate volunteers who make our community richer and a better place to live.”
Eight individuals and community groups from across Randwick City were recognised in the 2024 Community Service Awards. Among them were volunteers in fields such as netball, Scouts and the environment, and community groups dedicated to connecting people at risk of social isolation.
Hunt 4 Hope was one of the nominees in the group/organisation category in the 2024 awards. The organisation sells second-hand clothing and goods such as books, plants, toys, and trinkets through its op shop in Maroubra. A hundred per cent of profits from the op shop go to Huntington’s Australia, which supports people and families affected by Huntington’s disease.
Matina Moutzouris opened Hunt 4 Hope in 2018 after her sister-in-law was diagnosed with the disease. “My passion to raise money for and awareness of the disease has not waivered since opening in 2018,” Matina said. “The shop has become a community space where people feel safe and enjoy the ambient and colourful environment, and this gives me joy.
“Surprisingly, there are a handful of families in the Randwick Council area who are affected or know of people with Huntington’s disease. Those affected by the disease often share their stories and concerns with me.”
Matina added: “I started Hunt 4 Hope to also reduce what goes into landfill and provide a safe, clean and organised space for the community – to not just shop, but to enjoy.”
Mayor Veitch said: “I am proud to be part of a community that has so many selfless people and organisations giving back, supporting others, and helping to improve our City. If you know of one of these people or groups, I encourage you to nominate them for a 2025 Community Service Award. It’s a fantastic way to honour and thank them for their time and contribution.”
Nominations for the 2025 Community Service Awards are now open. The categories are:
- Community Service Award (Individual)
- Community Service Award (Group)
- Community Service Award (Youth)
- Achievement Award for People with Disabilities
Nominations for categories close Sunday 3 November 2024.
The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday 26 January 2025.
For more information visit: randwick.nsw.gov.au/serviceawards
