Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today presented veteran Kiama Presbyterian Church Op Shop volunteer and local community champion Gwen Addison with a Community Service Award as part of the 2024 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards.
Mr Ward said that Mrs Addison (who was nominated by Helen Stephens of Kiama) is receiving this award for her tireless dedication to our local community.
Mr Ward visited Gwen at the Op Shop in Kiama earlier today to present her with her award.
“Gwen Addison is a real community champion and is extremely deserving of this recognition for her full-time voluntary work as Manager and worker at the Kiama Presbyterian Church Op Shop in Shoalhaven Street, Kiama,” he said.
“Gwen also worked in the Christian Book Shop in Rosebank Place, Kiama, for many years and is well known to many locals. She was also the organiser of the Anglican Church of Kiama/Minnamurra annual fetes for many years and Gwen also worked with Meals on Wheels as a volunteer and with the Friends of Blue Haven group.
“Gwen continues in many roles from doing the banking for the shop, as well as sorting donated clothes and other items for sale and also working with the Mission Australia truck that comes into Kiama weekly to ensure support is available for others in need.
“Gwen is the epitome of service before self – and she is a shining example for others to follow her lead. She is incredibly deserving of this recognition; and I am absolutely delighted to present her with this award to highlight her distinguished contribution as a small way of saying ‘thank you’,” Mr Ward concluded.