Liverpool's outstanding citizens awarded for contributions to the community

Liverpool's most outstanding citizens were recognised at the Order of Liverpool Awards ceremony today, presented by Mayor Ned Mannoun.

The formal ceremony at Lt Cantello Reserve, Hammondville also served as Liverpool's 213th birthday.

"Today, on Liverpool’s 213th modern birthday," Mayor Ned Mannoun said. "We’re celebrating the outstanding demonstrations of community spirit with the presentation of Council’s Order of Liverpool awards.

"They recognise the men and women whose lives and careers have been distinguished by their selflessness and thoughtfulness when it comes to caring about the welfare of other people.

"Twelve people are recognised here today, and their names added to the roll of honour for good will toward their fellow citizens. I invite you all to read about their inspiring achievements and generous donations of time and commitment to various causes."

The Order of Liverpool Awards annually recognise the achievements of excellence in and/or contributions to all forms of human endeavour which have enhanced the quality of life in the City of Liverpool.

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Companion of the Order of Liverpool

Troon Robinson Troon has been at the helm of Fighters Against Child Abuse (FACAA) as the first member and senior Vice President since it started more than 13 years ago. As well as overseeing FACAA programs, Troon has personally helped dozens of victims heal. Troon personally attends court with victims and has taken FACAA from a loosely knit group to a fully registered charity operating Australia wide. She has helped thousands of victims - while always maintaining a Liverpool first policy. Troon is recognised for providing child abuse victims with unparalleled empathy and compassion.

Gordon Thomas Fraser Gordon has been a volunteer kitchen hand for Meals on Wheels since 2001, receiving a 20 year volunteering award from Liverpool Meals on Wheels for his service assisting in preparing meals and cleaning. Colleagues say that Gordon has a great sense of humour and is a pleasure to be around during his three hours a day, five-days-aweek volunteering stints. For more than 22 years, Gordon has shown dedication and commitment to his role. A local legend, Gordon shows no sign of retiring from his volunteering programme in the local community with Meals on Wheels and St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Zenny Piosik Zenny is a consummate volunteer involved with a number of local charities including Liverpool Quota Club, for more than a decade. She is a companion helper for Liverpool Community Transport, Liverpool Neighbourhood Connection and Liverpool Neighbourhood Centre, as well as working on Bunnings’ BBQs with the Quota Ladies Fundraising. A florist, Zenny uses her skills to raise funds for local charities and for the Australian Philippines Community Organisation (APCO), Zenny also helps Liverpool Legacy Widows club and Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney. An amazing woman with a generous heart.

Officer of the Order of Liverpool

Adele Jago Adele is a quiet achiever who joined the NSW SES as a volunteer and has been a search and rescue dog handler for more than 12 years in the Liverpool Community. Adele co-founded Search Dogs Inc. She has blended her two passions of emergency services and search and rescue dogs by being involved in more than 130 searches for missing persons in NSW and Queensland. A certified instructor and certified drone pilot, Adele is one of two handlers in the country to have deployed to multiple disasters. She personifies a true volunteer’s character by tirelessly sharing her experiences to ensure others benefit from her insights.

Dianne Young Dianne started as a driver with Liverpool Meals on Wheels in 2012, as well as serving as a kitchen hand and cook when needed. Since 2014 Dianne has served on the management committee and as Vice President since 2018. As a cook and kitchen hand Dianne regularly helped prepare meals for 162 clients, as a driver she delivered meals to clients as far away as Nepean. As a volunteer Dianne has taken on more responsibility, encouraging others to do the same. Dianne’s steadfast and faithful service and cheerful nature make her an asset to our community.

Beryl Lucas Beryl has been a member of the Quota club for more than 20 years, and a member of Liverpool Probus club for seven years. She has supported local charities through fundraising and helping those in need. Prior to retirement, Beryl ran an affordable hairdressing service at the Masonic Homes in Glenfield, making sure the residents looked their best. Beryl has devoted much of her life to the service of others and has distributed goods and gifts to support teenage mothers in need, collated Mothers Day parcels for the Liverpool Women’s Refuge, and at Christmas, delivered hampers to local charities.

John Cafferatta (Honorary Member) John is a local businessman who founded the Darcy Street Project in 2014 as a social enterprise breaking the cycle of homelessness, unemployment and social exclusion. John uses coffee and food culture as a way to provide skills and opportunities to young people in hospitality. He provides on the job training as baristas and in catering to help disadvantaged young people forge a future. John also established the BBQ Smokehouse school to extend opportunities for young people in hospitality and pop-up catering. The Darcy St Project has Pay it Forward Meals providing food to local shelters. John devotes his life and work to improving the lives of others and recently expanded his work by assisting parents who are rejoining the workforce.

Maureen Brereton Maureen has been involved with the Liverpool community since 1980 after arriving as a registered nurse from Canada. As a mum she joined her local mother’s group and volunteered at St Mary’s school and at All Saints Parish. Maureen joined the activities supporting children at Bambi residential facility, starting a lifetime of commitment to fundraising for the school and parish. She also supports the St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol food and hospitality van. Maureen’s commitment to supporting our community, as well as being a grandmother of five grandchildren, demonstrates her generosity and devotion to everyone who needs a helping hand.

Member of the Order of Liverpool

Kirsty Parkes Kirsty is a true local hero who serves her community each day by providing meals, information and connection. Community cafe Inc has made 63,000 meals in the kitchen, serving 23,000 people. Kirsty’s approach of “take what you need and no questions asked” has been a wonderful initiative for the people of Sadleir from young families to retirees to carers and people with complex health and disability challenges. Community Cafe Inc provides a central place to meet and have a meal every Tuesday night at the community dinner, as well as offering a pantry six days a week. Kirsty’s refreshing approach to inclusive community service by offering support to locals who are struggling, is a gift to the Liverpool community.

Lachlan Hyde Lachlan’s dedication to community service and outstanding leadership roles in the Australian Air League (AAL) have set him apart as a leader. For more than 15 years Lachlan has mentored and guided AAL cadets pursuing their dream. His passion empowers cadets at Moorebank Squadron. An incredible young achiever, Lachlan became the Squadron second in command (2IC) of Moorebank Squadron at the tender age of 18. Lachlan spearheaded the AAL’s flying school which today is the only volunteer- run NFP flight training outfit in Australia. Since 2020 Lachlan has served as a youth adviser to the South West Local Health District of NSW Health advocating for young people.

Major Simon Statton Major Statton joined the Australian Army in 1991 spending most of his career in the Liverpool Military Area at Holsworthy Barracks. Major Statton has contributed to the local community as a Scout Group leader for the 1st St Andrews Scout Group, and as a prominent official in the Liverpool and Campbelltown District Netball Associations. Since 2018, Major Statton has been MC of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies at Bigge Park in Liverpool. His contemporary approach has ensured both young, old and emerging communities honour and celebrate the traditions that have shaped our present and future.  Major Statton has been volunteering as a guest speaker throughout South West Sydney at commemorative events, schools, universities and community groups, with a focus on telling the story of ANZAC. Major Statton was the Master of Ceremonies at the 80th Anniversary of the LT Cantello memorial. He also helped facilitate the participation of the US Army and Air Force and the keynote speaker, the US Consular General.

Ross Whelan Ross Whelan is a pillar of education in Liverpool after 17 years of dedicated service to teaching and his profound impact on the lives of hundreds of students.He has just retired as principal of Thomas Hassall Anglican College but career and influence as a teacher and innovator will live on. Ross didn’t just teach. He nurtured. He created an environment where character was not only shaped but fortified. Where values are not just preached but practised. His unwavering dedication to the growth and betterment of Thomas Hassall Anglican College has been a cornerstone of its success. His tireless work lifted the College to new heights of achievement and raised performance standards to a level that will stay with students forever.