Cr Pinson said she was inspired by the efforts of the local heroes who have gone above and beyond for their community.

“Hearing the individual stories of the recipients is incredibly motivating, and sets a great example of what it means to be Australian,” she said.

“On behalf of the greater Port Macquarie-Hastings community I would like to thank all nominees and recipients of this year’s awards for making a real difference, and extraordinary contribution in helping to shape the future of our thriving region.”

The successful winners cover a cross-section of the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.

They are:

2018 Citizen of the Year is Geoffrey Shelton

Geoffrey has been an active member of our local community, specifically the marine industry and has a deep passion for our environment.

Currently working at Port Macquarie TAFE as a teacher of Maritime Studies, Geoffrey is also an active member of the Port Macquarie Blue Water Fishing Club and has held the position of president with the club since 2008.

Geoffrey is a founding member of the Port Macquarie Foreshore Protection Association and is passionate about our local marine environment.

He has been key in supporting the local fishing community through his years with the Port Macquarie Blue Water Fishing Club and through leading and supporting the establishment of Fish Aggregating Devices and the recently installed artificial reef off our coastline.

He is also a representative on the Recreational Fishing Salt Water Trust Expenditure Committee and the Foreshore Land Advisory Group.

Geoffrey has been an active volunteer for Port Macquarie Marine Rescue for 28 years, during which time he has been involved with numerous rescues off our coast.

2018 Senior Citizen of the Year is George Campbell

Since coming to live in the Hastings, George wasted little time in becoming involved in the local community.

From his current position as secretary of the Mid North Coast Presbytery Standing Committee, to his position as serving secretary of the Rotary Club of Wauchope, George is keen to be help out where needed.

George is actively involved in many projects including the organisation of the Wauchope Farmers Markets, and assisting in organising and preparing meals that are provided by the Rotary Club to patients and families who are accommodated at Rotary Lodge at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

George was named as a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow in 2016 in appreciation of his significant assistance given to the work of Rotary.

As a member of the Wauchope Sing Australia Group, often acting as a ‘Roadie’ when the choir entertains in the community, George is in his third year as co-leader. He is a committee member at the Hastings Woodworkers Guild where he freely gives his time to pass on his wood-working talents to inspire others.

2018 Young Citizen of the Year is Rhiannon Simmonds

As a student at Port Macquarie High School (East Campus) Rhiannon was a youth leader within the school and during that time a member of the Hastings Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

Whilst with YAC, Rhiannon was an integral part of a team that delivered a variety of activities at events held throughout Youth Week.

Seen as a tireless advocate for eco-friendly, sustainable living, actively campaigning for people to consider reusable products and upcycling, Rhiannon when not working day and night on her own eco-friendly projects, partners with local like-minded community groups such The Lost Plot, The Frugal Forest and Girls Space.

Described as an eco-friendly youth dynamite, Rhiannon is also the founder and driving force behind the Little Makers Market, a monthly pop-up market that supports local artists and craftspeople in selling their products and eco-friendly message.

2018 Community Group of the Year is Friends of Mrs York’s Garden

Mrs York’s original garden was established in Port Macquarie by Bertha York who at the time lived nearby.

After falling into ruin and all but disappearing, the Friends of Mrs York’s Garden group was established over three years ago to re-establish the garden and recreate the important community space that it once was.

Working with support from Council staff the group has totally transformed the hillside into what is today a truly remarkable and beautiful space that is loved by both locals and tourists alike.

The group applies for grants and fundraises to fund the project and has received fantastic support from the wider community, other community groups and the local business community.