The Central Coast community celebrated the 2025 Australia Day Awards on January 23, 2025, at the Art House, Wyong, acknowledging the remarkable contributions of local individuals and organizations. This annual ceremony, endorsed by Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna, highlighted the spirit of community service and the positive impact of dedicated citizens.
After heartfelt congratulations, Mayor McKinna remarked, "Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Australia Day Awards. These individuals and groups exemplify selflessness and commitment to our community!" The awards recognized numerous categories, with the Citizen of the Year Award presented to Happiness Habits Inc, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged women facing social isolation, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.
The organization prides itself on providing transformative programs, which include free mentoring and empowerment training. Through their efforts, Happiness Habits has built resilience and confidence among participants, enabling women to not only survive but thrive during challenging times.
This year, the Community Group Award was awarded to The Bikers Hand Inc, known for its charity work and support for over 50 local charities and schools since its inception. With initiatives catering to homeless individuals and families, The Bikers Hand brings joy to the community. Their annual Christmas Toy Run delivers gifts to children, fostering happiness during tough times.
Recognized for her innovative approach to community engagement, Louise Chiekrie earned the Community Life Award. A resident of Lake Munmorah, her initiative called Happy Tappers with Lou enables drumming and music sessions across residential aged care facilities. Many residents look forward to her visits, where she facilitates not just music but also connection, helping to lift spirits and improve well-being through the joy of rhythm.
This year's Senior Citizen Award went to 96-year-old Betty Brown from Long Jetty. After dedicatively teaching for many years, Betty embraced her tech-savvy skills to educate seniors about computer literacy, successfully tackling growing demands within her community. Betty has held several leadership roles, including Secretary at the EDSACC Croquet Club, and has consistently exemplified the essence of community life through her active involvement.
The Volunteer Award was shared between two dedicated individuals: Derryck Klarkowski and Paul Mikkelsen. Derryck, serving as volunteer CEO of We Care Connect, has helped over 26,000 children by providing pre-loved essentials to families facing hardships, making significant strides against childhood poverty. Paul Mikkelsen, after volunteering for over 22 years at Coast Shelter Community Centre, embodies generosity through his roles, assisting meals and food rescue collections to benefit those in need.
Finally, the spotlight turned to Matilda Taylor, who made history by becoming the youngest Deputy Captain at Toukley Fire Station at just 21 years old, winning the Young Person Award. Joining Fire and Rescue NSW at 18, Matilda has rapidly distinguished herself through leadership and proactive community involvement. "It’s a privilege and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I’m excited to learn as much as possible so I can..." she shared, reflecting her ambition and dedication to service.
The 2025 Australia Day Awards not only honored remarkable contributions but also served as a reminder of the importance of community spirit. The Central Coast Council encourages residents to nominate individuals making meaningful impacts for the following year’s awards, inviting participation to continue recognizing those who strive to make positive changes. With nominations opening every August, the council shared the message, urging all to stay informed and involved.