Meet Liverpool City Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards recipients

Reverend Stuart Pearson’s commitment to building “a church for all people” in Liverpool has been recognised, with the community religious leader awarded the accolade of Citizen of the Year by Liverpool City Council. Reverend Pearson, who served as a minister at St Luke’s Anglican Church for 25 years, received the honour alongside eight notable recipients in Council’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun, Councillors, Liverpool’s 2022 Australia Day Ambassador and Olympic champion Debbie Watson OAM OLY, and other distinguished guests gathered at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre to celebrate this year’s recipients who have contributed to the City – and continue to do so.

Mayor Mannoun congratulated this year’s deserving recipients, calling the positive impact they have had on the lives of others and the broader Liverpool community “nothing short of inspiring”.

“Each of our recipients have channelled their energy, expertise and many, many years into making Liverpool an even better place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“Whether it’s in the ward of a hospital, a bushland reserve or a local gym, the common denominator among our recipients this year, and every year Council facilitates these Awards, is a pride and love for the City of Liverpool.”

“One of the most rewarding aspects of returning as Mayor is having an opportunity to commend those citizens who share in Council’s rejuvenated commitment to build a Liverpool for everyone. Even the smallest acts have a rippling effect throughout the community.”

Among this year’s recipients is Dr Colin MacArthur who has improved the health and wellbeing of Liverpool residents as a long-standing staff member of Liverpool Hospital. Senior Citizen of the Year and former Mayor Colin Harrington served on Liverpool City Council for 17 years. Meanwhile the members of Voyager Point Environment Volunteer Group have dedicated 18 years to making their local bushland and green spaces shine.

The full list of Liverpool City Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards recipients are:

The awards presentation was followed by a Citizenship Ceremony, one of more than 400 ceremonies held across the country on Australia Day, where 20 families were officially welcomed as Australians into the Liverpool community.

Mayor Mannoun reflected on his own migrant background during the proceedings as he welcomed the new Australians who hail from 10 different countries: the Philippines, Nepal, Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Syria, India, Ghana, Morocco and Cambodia.

“As a person with a proud migrant background who was born overseas, it is an honour and a privilege for me to be part of this important journey for our newest citizens who will further enrich our community here in Liverpool,” Mayor Mannoun said.

----

Citizen of the Year - Reverend Stuart Pearson

Reverend Stuart Pearson served as a minister at St Luke’s Anglican Church Liverpool for 25 years, with 20 years as Senior Minister, until his retirement in 2021. In a culturally diverse and sometimes socially disadvantaged community, Reverend Pearson endeavoured to make St Luke’s “a church for all people”. Reverend Pearson ensured that people from all walks of life could access his support and the teachings of the Gospel.

Young Citizen of the Year - Zaccary Lancaster 

Zaccary is an extraordinary young citizen who inspires those around him to achieve their personal best and ‘give everything a go’. Zaccary is always observing the world around him and looking for ways to improve it through his involvement with the Australian Air League, NSW Youth Parliament Program, or volunteering with social justice and charitable initiatives and programs through his schooling.

Senior Citizen of the Year - Colin Harrington 

Since moving to Liverpool in 1966, Colin has been a true Liverpool identity standing up for the community on every occasion possible. This passion for Liverpool led Colin to serve on Liverpool City Council for 17 years and as Mayor of the City from 1990-1991. After retiring from Council, Colin continues to support many homegrown organisations including Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections (LNC), Liverpool RSL Sub Branch and Liverpool City Council’s Civic Advisory Committee.

Health Award – Dr Colin MacArthur (OAM)

Dr MacArthur is currently the Director of General and Acute Care Medicine at Liverpool Hospital and is greatly respected by his colleagues. He has made a significant contribution to the health care sector, particularly in Liverpool and broader South Western Sydney. He has worked at Liverpool Hospital since 1990 and, in various leadership roles, has provided outstanding service to the local community and the wider health system in New South Wales.

Fraser Environment Award - Voyager Point Environment Volunteer Group

The Voyager Point Environment Volunteer Group have been consistently active in improving and maintaining the natural environment at Voyager Point for the last 18 years. They regularly commit their time and efforts once a month to regenerate the bushland in their area, improving the visual appeal of the neighbourhood and making it a pleasant green space for the community.  The group work tirelessly with no expectation of compensation. Their care, passion and energy is reflected in their work and communication with Council.  Their work is inspirational for anyone who cares about the environment and the space they have helped create can be enjoyed by residents for many years to come.

Sports Award - Gordon Faumui 

Gordon has been employed at Whitlam Leisure Centre for more than 13 years, where he has passionately facilitated community-orientated leisure events. Gordon embodies the ethos of serving his community with a ‘can-do’ attitude and positive outlook and ensures the Liverpool community is at the heart of everything the leisure centre does.

Small Business Award - Casula Hobbies 

Gioseppe (Joe) Callapari has been the Owner and Company Director of Casula Hobbies for 40 years and has always made time to devote his services back to the community. In addition to running a successful full-time business, Joe has been a longstanding member of the Liverpool Greenway Rotary Club for over 30 years where he has participated in several charity initiatives aimed at assisting the local community.

Cultural and Arts Award - Patricia Leverett 

Patricia has been a dedicated member of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group for over 30 years, a not-for-profit important organisation which provides advice on all matters relating to education and training from the viewpoint of the First Nations community. She is a strong leader in the First Nations community who is highly regarded among her peers. Patricia believes in the power of creativity and art, no matter the form it may take.