Volunteer OF THE YEAR Nominees
TOM BRADY
Tom has been involved with the St. Vincents CEO Sleepout out for 14yrs. In that time, he has single handedly raised over $600k to date, with a current campaign looking to reach an additional $100k for this years sleepout which occurs on 19th June in the Winter months.
He promotes awareness about the rising issue with homelessness in Australia and speaks passionately about it when you get him talking about it. Tom is generally by nature an introvert, but goes out of his comfort zone regularly to generate awareness and understanding of the issue facing over 120,000 Australians.
This is the bit of work that Tom does which most people who know of Tom would be aware of, but the less glamorous and less advertised part is that more often than not, Tom can be found on Saturday mornings behind the counter at the Matthew Talbot Hostel (MTH) in Woolloomooloo. For years Tom has volunteered there regularly, makes tea's/coffees, helping with service, cleaning and chatting to people who come in for a safe space to take rest, from off the streets. With the cost of living crisis, services like these are becoming more and more important.
As a business owner in the construction industry, Toms free time is limited, but he continues to prioritise this volunteer work above his business responsibilities and other personal commitments. Tom remains largely an unsung hero, doing incredible work at the coalface, week in - week out, as well as generating much needed funds and awareness, to keep organisations like the MTH going. We are very lucky in Sydney to have a large contingent of volunteers in the Irish-Australian community, and Tom for me, is the epitome of what this community represents. He does not chase accolades and is quick to credit the donators with all the credit each year, and I suspect he will have a stiff word with me for nominating him for this, but without the hard work of people like Tom, these facilities would cease to exist and that would be a horrendous outcome for some of our cities most vulnerable.
TINA GARDE
Tina was involved in the Irish National Association for many years, also the Sydney St Patrick's Day Ass, the Great Irish Famine Memorial Committee & Ireland Calling. Tina is always championing the rights of others & ensuring their dignity. She has Emceed many events, Variety Club Bash fundraiser for Eileen Donaghy, Michale Lyons Appreciation Day & most recently, the Sydney Rose of Tralee Presentation Ball as the Interviewer on the night.
Tina was the brains trust & instigator behind Nollaig na mBan, which started out in 2024, celebrating Irish-Australian women in the old traditions, giving women a day out at a reduced cost & did this by seeking sponsorship & government support. It has resonated deeply with the women of Sydney & has been hugely popular with 3 generations of Irish families attending. Everything Tina does is down with a heart & a half; the most genuine, sincere, caring women, who continues to give of herself to the Irish Australian community, building links & cementing our Irish culture into our Sydney community. Please, consider which category you think best fits Tina & her incredible work with the Irish community over the last 35 plus years here in Sydney.
LEONIE MAHER
Leonie is a valued member of the Keith's Closet not for profit organisation. She has been a mainstay of the organisation from its inception and I know she is a very valued volunteer and an amazing advocate for the work they do. Leonie is bubbly, friendly and committed.
Outside of her work with Keith's Closet I got to know Leonie through the help she was giving to an Irish neighbour who was a very well known member of the Irish Community - Myles Mooney who was a founding member of The Irish Drovers. Leonie did not know Myles however saw him being taken in an ambulance and realised he was Irish. She immediately wanted to find out if he had any family as he is now 86 and living on his own. On finding out Myles did not have any family or close friends Leonie jumped into action and went about finding out who might know Myles. I was contacted and went to see Myles in hospital. We determined that Myles was living on his own with no support and his living conditions were below standard. Leonie took control and within a few weeks she had contacted his nephew in Ireland, had Anglicare support put in place for Myles and had a WhatsApp roster of friends who would visit Myles. Myles has now had to go into residential care and not only does Leonie visit him once a week but she has adopted his dog Rex as she promised Myles she would look after him. She also takes Rex regularly to see Myles. Leonie is an unsung hero, the kindest person you could meet but a lady who takes action and encourages others to care. I call her an 'Angel'. She does not want recognition for what she does but she deserves it.
CAROL ARMSTRONG
Carol Armstrong's recognition as the 2024 FIA Outstanding Official of the Year is a testament to her extensive and dedicated service in motorsport officiating. With a career spanning decades, Carol has volunteered at more than 45 Formula 1 races across various countries. Beyond Formula 1, her involvement extends to the Supercars Championship, Bathurst 6 Hour, Bathurst 12 Hour, classic car rallies, karting, and MotoGP events. Her commitment to the sport is further highlighted by her passion for mentoring new and under-18 officials, fostering the next generation of motorsport volunteers. Carol's unwavering dedication, vast experience, and proactive mentorship have significantly contributed to the global motorsport community, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Cathal Lynch
Cathal Lynch, a dedicated lawyer and migration agent with Agile Visas in Sydney, is an invaluable support to the Irish community and the Irish Support Agency. He has consistently gone above and beyond for clients facing incredibly challenging circumstances, offering both expert legal/visa guidance and genuine compassion. Most recently, Cathal assisted parents of a young Irish citizen who was seriously injured in Australia. Cathal's expertise and support ensured they could remain in the country to support their child during prolonged health battles. He handled their visa matters entirely pro bono, removing not only the administrative burden but also the significant financial stress involved. Cathal is known for his unwavering commitment, no question ever goes unanswered and for his kind, calm presence, which reassures clients through even the most difficult of times. No matter how busy he is, he always makes time to address any questions or concerns the team at the ISA have. His generosity, professionalism, and community spirit make him a truly deserving nominee.
Ves Campion
Ves spreads himself thin between holding down a very busy job, father of two girls and helping NFP Irish groups with there AV/technical services. He is part of the United Irish Ex-services group where he looks out for and supports his fellow soldiers. Ves is a very valued member of SSPD and our expat community. He is always open to helping people in his community in anyway he can.
Sandra roLston and kathy mcclelland
The Irish Australian Club Wollongong Inc began in March 1971 offering social activities and the opportunity to enjoy the music and culture of Ireland. Some original members are still with the club today.
Over 40 years the club grew and evolved to include an Irish Dancing School (Kathy was a student) and Irish language classes. Members enjoyed social events including dinner dances, participation in Sydney’s St Patricks Day parades, Bacon & Cabbage nights, and opportunities to enjoy Irish music, culture and sport.
Kathy often served on the committee helping to organise events and assisting to run the club. Sandra attended all functions bringing her young family while her husband helped on the committee.
By September 2011 the membership had fallen to a level that threatened the existence of the club.
A new committee was elected at this meeting with Kathy becoming President and Sandra becoming Secretary/Treasurer, roles they have undertaken for the past 14 years.
Sunday afternoon high tea’s were held once a month, formal dinner dances on special occasions, arranging the venue, live music, entertainment and always coming up with new ideas to make the functions memorable. Due to the success of these events, the membership grew rapidly. They also produced a monthly newsletter to keep members connected.
To help offset the expenses of the events, they held BBQ’s at Bunnings. They soon gained a regular band of helpers turning this into an eagerly anticipated social event.
They also produced a local business community fundraising calendar promoting the Irish-Australian Club.
During Covid members were kept connected by their newsletters and constant phone calls. At Christmas they would put together gift bags of treats and deliver them to the home of each member.
With our ageing membership it was decided to hold a luncheon once a month. With Sandra being the chef and Kathy the waitress, a hot lunch is served to our members at no charge.
Illness, age and deaths have depleted our membership so members voted to end the incorporation and registrar the club as an association.
Kathy and Sandra have worked tirelessly during the past 14 years to support, nurture and care for the welfare of our members, now known as The Illawarra Irish Australian Association.
Kathy and Sandra have been instrumental in keeping the club going because they care so passionately about our Irish community.