Everyday heroes celebrated at special ceremony

Heroes of Liverpool Award recipients with Mayor Wendy Waller at the 2019 Gift of Time ceremony.

Liverpool City Council has proudly celebrated the efforts of local volunteers and outstanding workers at the annual Gift of Time ceremony at Liverpool Catholic Club.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said she was delighted that Council was able to formally recognise those doing excellent work in their respective fields and the commitment of volunteers.

“I am proud to be the Mayor of a city where so many of our residents do fantastic work or volunteer, helping ensure Liverpool is a wonderful place to call home,” Mayor Waller said.

“Gift of Time is an opportunity for Council to recognise local volunteers who regularly demonstrate acts of kindness.

“We honoured more than 50 organisations and individuals at a touching ceremony and would like to again extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all who give back to our wonderfully diverse city.”

This year’s Gift of Time also provided an opportunity for Council to recognise the achievements of community members who have received prestigious awards in the past twelve months, including the Member of the Order of Australia, Medal of the Order of Australia and the Australian Fire Service Medal.

“It was a pleasure to present seven individuals, who do outstanding work in their respective fields and as volunteers, with Heroes of Liverpool Awards,” Mayor Waller said.

“The great work done by these people demonstrates the compassion and commitment they have to supporting the community.”

Former Australian Army member Major Walter Robinson OAM was also honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his ongoing contribution to community and country. Major Robinson has been a great friend to Council and played a significant role in guaranteeing the success of a number of Council’s historic, military and community events.

Heroes of Liverpool Award recipients:

Professor Afaf Girgis AM Professor Girgis was made a Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2019 in recognition of her significant service to medicine and to medical education in the field of cancer control and psycho-oncology, having worked as a behavioural scientist in the area of psycho-oncology for more than 25 years.

Doctor Ahmad Alrubaie OAM Dr Alrubaie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2019 for service to the Iraqi community of Sydney. Dr. Alrubaie serves as President of the Iraqi Australian University Graduate Forum and has supported patients at Liverpool Day Surgery and elsewhere within the South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Grace Fava OAM Grace Fava was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2019 for her work in establishing the Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS). The AASS provides support services and information, a 24-hour hotline, therapy, outreach programs and education to support children and adults with autism, as well as their families.

Sean Langshaw OAM Sean Langshaw was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2019 for service to people with disability. Since 2001 he has been CEO of Disability South West, an organisation which provides top quality support to people with disability through its social groups, centre care and short-term accommodation.

Angelo Maggiotto OAM Angelo Maggiotto was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2019 for service to the community. Having migrated from Italy in 1957, Angelo has held onto his strong ties with the local Italian community, who he has actively supported through charity work.

Jane Muspratt OAM Jane Muspratt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2019 for her service to horse sports. Jane is also recognised for her decades-long contribution to the Australian Carriage Driving Society and her service with the Riding for the Disabled Association of NSW, teaching people with disability to drive carriages.

Chief Superintendent Philip Lindsay AFSM Chief Superintendent Lindsay was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2019 for his vital contribution to community safety. He has also overseen significant culture improvements as part of Fire and Rescue NSW’s Operational Communications team.