Community standouts honoured at Wollondilly’s Australia Day

Standout individuals of all ages as well as a few groups were recognised for their community, environmental and sporting endeavours at this year’s Wollondilly’s Australia Day Awards. The award’s ceremony is a focal point of the traditional celebrations held in the Picton Botanic Gardens.

The mayor, Matt Gould, deputy mayor, Matt Deeth along with Wollondilly’s Australia Ambassador artist, Yianni Johns, were on hand to present the awards to the various winners.

The 2024 Wollondilly Citizen of the Year was bestowed upon Rosemary MacAllister (wearing pink shirt) - a lifelong resident of the shire who has contributed to the community through the Wollondilly Pony Club and 35 years of service to Wollondilly Riding for the Disabled (RDA).

“I would like to congratulate and thank all this year’s nominees and winners for all the amazing work they do in our communities across the shire,” Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould said.

“In particular, I would like to congratulate Wollondilly’s Citizen of the Year, Rosemary MacAllister for her amazing contribution as a volunteer not only in 2024, but throughout 35 years of service to Tahmoor Riding for the Disabled.

“As the RDA Coach in Tahmoor, Rosemary manages riders with diverse disabilities, including Down Syndrome, stroke victims, limited vision, and autism spectrum disorders.

“Rosemary's lifelong passion for horses and equestrian activities, including international experience in Germany, is reflected in her coaching and mentoring efforts. She guides and supports aspiring coaches, exemplifying her dedication to ongoing learning.”

Ms MacAllister was both surprised and honoured to have received the award.

“I hope it makes people more aware of volunteering; we need help in volunteering,” she said.

Other category winners for 2024 included:

Disability Inclusion Award – Jacqueline Lockyer

Local Hero, Community Group – Picton High School Mentoring Group

Local Hero, Individual – William Beattie

Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Jessica Conje

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Heidi Lewschenko

Achiever of the Year – Lyn Davey

Environmental Citizen of the Year – Michelle Maroun

Senior Citizen of the Year – John Bicknell

Young Citizen of the Year – Rheya Mason

Headmaster receives OAM

Dr Stuart John Quarmby, founding headmaster of Wollondilly Anglican School, has been awarded an Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to primary and secondary education.

Dr Quarmby was the headmaster at Wollondilly Anglican  from 2004-2020 and held other position in his career, including Deputy Headmaster, Director of Pastoral Care, and Head of Science, Broughton Anglican College, 1991-2003 and high school teacher with the New South Wales Department of Education, 1981-1990.

In 2021 he received the Wollondilly Australia Day Local Hero Award, 2021.

OAM for giving industry bodies a voice

Jennifer Lambert gives a voice to industry groups and it’s her service to business that has seen her awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Ms Lambert who lives at Werombi is “honoured and chuffed” to have received the recognition.

She said there are a lot of people who do similar work to herself, but she felt privileged to have been nominated.

“It came as a complete surprise to me; it’s nice that a range of people have taken that effort.

“I have worked with not-for-profit industry bodies for 40 years.”

She finds policy and advocacy interesting work.

Up until 2022 she represented Australia’s peak industry group, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“I was the policy director and twice acting CEO of that organisation.”

Ms Lambert’s different roles has seen her deal with a myriad of industries and issues - employment, skills, education and migration policies and even energy and climate change policies.

Her foray into business after finishing her degree saw her working for an insurance company as a share analysist.

“A role came up with the Hotel Association four decades ago dealing with industrial awards and I was keen; I stayed in industry associations.”

Ms Lambert said while many graduates don’t think of industry associations as a career, she said it can be a very satisfying path.

She gives a voice to businesses in an industry for whatever reason. She said businesspeople usually don’t have the time, information or avenue to develop and formulate policies with major stakeholders from state to federal levels – it’s people like her who advocate and lobby.

“People can use their industry organisation to vent frustrations or their issues - even the success of a particular policy.

“We truly a pluralist society and it is about lots of different voices that give you the right balance” Ms Lambert said.

The mother of two daughters has lived in Werombi for 21 years and enjoys coming home to the tranquillity of rural living.

Ms Lambert has held several positions:

Director, Economics, Employment and Skills, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2011-2022.

Chief Executive Officer, National Tourism Alliance, 2007-2010.

Chief Executive, Nursery and Garden Industry Australia, 2005-2007.

Chief Executive Officer, Meetings and Events Australia, 1999-2005.

Chief Executive Officer, Restaurant and Catering Industry Association New South Wales, 1994-1999.