Community Champion Nominees
Sabine Hochbaum
Sabine has been the cornerstone of the marquee Lansdowne Club event (our St Patrick’s lunch) for the past 19 years. She manages the key people, balances sponsors and VIPs demands, lays out the room, juggles the program, sources raffle prizes, maintains a strong relationship with our venue. It’s difficult to quantify the effort it takes - when you see it up close, it’s breathtaking!
On top of that, she manages the Classic Golf Day. Which has its own demands, and brings in the wonderful unpredictability of the weather.
Then, to keep herself out of mischief - she manages the Garden Party on behalf of the Ireland Funds. I’ve never seen how that gets made, up close - but I suspect that it’s an even bigger effort. She has put herself at the centre of the Irish community, and the people, charities, and groups that have benefitted from her efforts are difficult to put into words. She is worthy of recognition, for the years that she has spent, supporting the Irish Community in Australia.
MARTIN BOND
Martin Bond, who formerly resided in Carrigans and Dr McGinley Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal and later Sydney, Australia, was highly regarded for his continuous association with the Sydney St Patrick's Day Organisation from 2003 until his passing in June 2024.
While numerous committees and thousands of volunteers have contributed over the years, Martin's contribution remains the single continuous effort by an individual within the organisation.
A true Community Champion, Martin consistently contributed to the Sydney Irish community for twenty years through his unwavering commitment to safety and enhancing the well-being of everyone involved in the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Sydney.
In the early 2000s, Martin was a steadfast support for the signature event of the Irish community. He attended all meetings with the City of Sydney, playing a crucial role in planning, risk control, safety system implementation, road closures, and parade management. By increasing awareness, understanding, and knowledge between the Organisation and the authorities, Martin's work established the blueprint for road closure and traffic management plans.
Through his advocacy and dedication to protecting individuals from injury, Martin provided work, health, and safety (WHS) services to the Sydney St Patrick's Day Organisation. By implementing safety measures that safeguarded thousands of volunteers and attendees over his twenty-year association with the Organisation, Martin made a significant impact and left a legacy to be proud of.
Shay Stanley
I think over the years, this man has given so much to the Irish community that we don't even realise. We often forget that pre social media, the heart of the community was in the moments that we looked out and supported each other when nobody was watching and it wasn't all seen on facebook. Even then, I don't think over the years I've seen The Irish Butcher logo on sponsor walls at community events. Ultimately though, he's actually been doing so many good things behind the scenes.
From someone who's involved in the Sydney St. Patrick's Day Organisation, he's been an absolute champion here. Always been a huge supporter of ours and always present at our events. He often says to me that he doesn't make much money in doing these things but always wants to be present in the community. He's got and energy that's authentic, and I think that's really what makes him stand out in the Irish community in many ways. He also feeds us on the morning of the event and that's something you can't beat!
From a Mercantile point of view, I can tell you that he's so easy to work with and talks things through with new business ideas. Loves to hear feedback. Absolutely loves a chat! I can tell you that's he's supplied the food for many of our staff's "orphan" Christmas meal. We put an order for ham in each year and he always delivers it bigger than we've asked, along with some black pudding and sausages for the breakfast, other goodies too. Never takes a penny and always offended when we even try to give him money.
Personally, I think he's a great man, and I've known him a long time. When we first entered lockdown in March 2020, I was one of the few that was in contact with a positive case and had to isolate for 14 days. Shay supplied me with so much food it was unbelievable. The only way I could pay this time was to order through his new online ordering portal and he wasn't very happy! He also called many times throughout that period to check in and have a chat (did I mention he loves to talk!!). We chatted many times about the need to check in on each other and look out for each other and the importance of mental health and keeping physically well too.
I think he would help anyone that needed it, now and in the future.
A true gentleman, an authentic Irishman, Community Champion.
I am writing to nominate the past presidents of the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee for Community Champions. Since its establishment in 1979, the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee has been a cornerstone of Irish culture and community in Australia, fostering unity, celebrating heritage, and promoting cultural exchange. This enduring legacy would not have been possible without the leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts of its past presidents:
• Seamus Byrne
• Mick Durkin
• Kerry Murphy
• Nancy O’Donnell
• Bob Cunningham
• John Bradley
• Martin Coleman
• Denis O’Flynn
• Finbar O’Neill
• Frank O’Connell
• Gerry Faulkner
• Anne McFadden
• John Hennessy
• Gerard Ryan
• Catherine Crosse
• John Roper
• Robert Kineavy
• Karen Murphy
Mick Comerford
Each of these individuals has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee, volunteering their time, energy, expertise, and passion to ensure the success of the annual celebrations and associated community initiatives. Leading the committee is a significant undertaking, requiring organizational skills, community engagement, and resilience, particularly during challenging times faced by the committee over the decades.
Under their leadership, the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee has grown into a vibrant, inclusive platform that not only celebrates Irish culture through parades, festivals, and events but also strengthens community bonds and promotes cultural understanding. Their collective efforts have ensured the committee’s continuity for over 45 years, a remarkable achievement that reflects their shared vision and dedication.
I believe these past presidents are deserving of the award for their outstanding contributions to the community and their role in preserving and promoting Irish heritage in Australia. Their leadership has left an indelible mark on the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee and the wider community, inspiring future generations to continue this important work.
PAST PRESIDENTS OF SSPD
Julie Duffield has been part of the Sydney Irish community for many years and is one of the strongest supporters of all things Irish. Growing up in an Irish household, Julie is so proud of her Irish heritage. She has been part of many committees and has organised dances, fund raisers and balls. She has also been a sponsor of many events, most notably the Sydney Rose of Tralee where she provides a hand made ring for the Sydney Rose. Julie supports as many events as she can and has also arranged tickets for people who can't afford to attend. Julie knows so many people and uses her vast network to gain support for causes she cares about. As a long time manager with Bernardo's Australia she knows first hand the struggles that people face particularly new migrants and she has assisted many people over the years. She is what you'd call an unsung hero, a woman who cares about people and who will always give a helping hand. Julie would be a very deserving winner of an award.
JULIE DUFFIELD
Danny Deehan has been involved in the Sydney Irish community for many years, including marching every year in the St Patrick's Day Parade proudly waving the Sligo flag. He's a great follower of the GAA and is passionate about music and dancing. Danny and friends have been running the regular sing song session at Lidcombe Bowling club for many years and while he's well known for his humorous songs, Danny is also a talented musician himself. Having moved to Australia from London, community has always been important to Danny and he's one of those people that probably doesn't get the acknowledgement he deserves. He's hugely popular amongst his peers and can be guaranteed to support any community events, particularly those which are organised to help others. Danny and his wife Mary are great supporters of all things Irish and are part of the older generation of Irish immigrants who have helped forge the stong community we have. I would love to see Danny being acknowledged - the quiet achiever!
DAnny Deehan
HELEN O’NEILL
Helen is part of the Ireland Calling team. For many years she was a co-presenter on the Sydney Irish Radio Programme with the late Michael Lyons. Helen grew up in Queensland of Irish parents and married Michael O'Neill from Kilkenny. It was a great love story and despite her heartbreak when Michael died, Helen kept her self busy and continues to amaze us all with her energy and positive outlook. She is passionate about her Irish heritage and has been involved in many organisations over the years including Irish dancing and the Sydney Rose of Tralee. She also organises events at the complex where she lives including dinners, lunches and widow support. Helen has an energy (at almost 80 years old) that is enviable and a 'can do' attitude. She jumps in wherever she's needed and in the past two years has really stepped up on Ireland Calling when we were short of team members. She oversees the HSC exams every year. She is quite the raconteur and has many great tales to tell of the Irish community in the 1960s. She is an all round great person who never seeks any appreciation and it's for this reason that I think she would make a great nominee for this award. Helen is a great example of someone who has embraced her heritage and actively promotes it. She is always there to lend a hand and her sunny and positive disposition. As someone who has been such an active member of our community for so many years but has largely gone unrecognised, Helen asks for nothing. This award would make her so very happy and she would be a very deserving recipient.
Mick Comerford
Although new to his President role, Mick has been supporting the Sydney St Patrick's Day Organisation for nearly 10 years (joined in 2016). He has worked in several roles within the organisation from Marketing Lead to Grants Coordinator, Citizenship Lead, Vice President and now President. Not only does Mick support the SSPD organisation but his position as General Manager of the Mercantile Hotel has seen him support, partner, donate, fund and sponsor multiple communities across the Irish communities in Sydney and beyond. Without Mick's support and partnership many organisations would have gone under-funded and under-supported. He is an unsung hero of the Irish community in Sydney and he deserves recognition for all he does.
PATRICK MCTIGUE
Alexandra Grace
Siobhan Lavin
Rachel Rushe
Patrick is involved in a number of ways generously providing support to both the ISA and Keith's Closet, a nfp run by Dubliner Keith Donnelly working in the mental heath space. Keith acknowledges that the charity would not exist without Paddy, who worked onsite to create the initial facility within the Kiloh Centre in the Prince of Wales hospital and who recently sponsored the purchase of a large van to facilitate a mobile version of the service. Patrick has organised two golf days for the ISA raising almost $50000 in the process. The days also serve as a fantastic means of raising awareness of the ISA within the community. Patrick will always answer our calls and uses his two labour-hire businesses to assist any ISA client struggling to find employment. Patrick, while running 3 businesses, also serves as Vice Chair of Cormac McAnallens GAC and regularly parts with his hard-earned cash to sponsor Irish community organisations and events. Dubbed St Patrick 2.0.
I have to vote for Alexandra who was shortlisted last year. I see first hand the blood, sweat, stress, sacrifice, time and tears she goes through to create, organise and execute these huge magical events for hundreds of Irish families, for very little in return. The community work she has been doing is so invaluable that it has been recognised by way of government funding going on 3 years in a row. The benefit of the funding for the community is bigger and better events that provide immense value to families with many free inclusions, yet she still does all of this work singlehandedly due to the lack of volunteer support in the community. It is awe inspiring that she manages to create these annual events with the kids, and her own business. She truly deserves recognition and credit which is seldom received. Many thanks.
Siobhan is a truly deserving nominee for the Community Champion Award, thanks to her outstanding efforts in promoting Irish culture and uniting the Irish community throughout Newcastle and the Hunter region. Her dedication has not only helped preserve Irish heritage but has also created a sense of belonging and support for many Irish families who have settled outside the larger hubs like Sydney.
One of the most significant and heartfelt contributions Siobhan has made is the organisation of the annual Jack Murphy Memorial Ball, held in honour of her beloved son Jack, who tragically passed away. What began as a tribute to Jack has become a powerful and uplifting event that brings the Irish community together for a night of music, laughter, dancing, and shared stories—a real night of craic. This ball is more than just a social gathering; it is a celebration of life, culture, and community spirit, deeply rooted in love and resilience. It has become a cornerstone of the Irish calendar in the region, a time when people come together not only to remember but to connect and uplift one another.
Beyond this flagship event, Siobhan is a constant source of support and guidance for Irish individuals and families living in the Newcastle and Hunter areas. Whether it’s helping newcomers find their feet, offering a listening ear during tough times, or sharing local knowledge, Siobhan’s warmth and generosity never go unnoticed. She has become a trusted figure in the community—someone people turn to in moments of uncertainty and celebration alike.
Siobhan also organises regular family days, designed specifically for Irish families living outside of Sydney. These events offer a rare and important chance for people to connect with others who share their background and culture. They are filled with laughter, children playing, and proud displays of Irish music, dance, and food. For many families, these gatherings are the highlight of the year, a way to help their children understand their heritage and feel part of a wider community.
Through all of her efforts, Siobhan has shown unwavering commitment to keeping Irish traditions alive while fostering a strong, inclusive, and supportive community spirit. Her ability to bring people together, honour her son’s memory in such a meaningful way, and offer ongoing support to those around her makes her an outstanding candidate for the Community Champion Award. Siobhan’s work not only enriches lives—it ensures that Irish culture continues to thrive in the heart of the Hunter
For the past three years, Rachel has single-handedly run Lost and Found in Sydney — a grassroots initiative that has become a vital thread in the fabric of the Irish and wider diaspora community. Her passion and dedication are nothing short of extraordinary.
In her own time and with no financial gain, Rachel has tirelessly organised countless community-focused events. Each event is thoughtfully designed to bring people together, to create meaningful connections, and most importantly, to ensure that no one in the diaspora feels isolated or forgotten.
Rachel is a full-time nurse, yet she somehow finds the energy, compassion, and commitment to pour herself into Lost and Found. Her work is driven entirely by a desire to support others — to offer a sense of belonging, warmth, and home for those far from their own.
Her selfless contributions have touched the lives of many, creating a ripple effect of kindness, support, and community spirit. Rachel is the heart and soul of Lost and Found, and the impact of her work is both powerful and deeply appreciated.