not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of Indian classical arts . She is recognised for her contribution to dance and is also selected as an international artist by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations . Adding to this , Manjula also commits her time to various fundraising activities and events .
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Melissa Sullivan : Melissa holds a black belt in two different styles of karate and has represented Australia at an international level . She is currently the head instructor at her dojo , where she transformed her classes for an online audience during the COVID-19 pandemic . Melissa says that karate has given her the courage to be herself and the belief that she can achieve whatever she puts her mind to .
Sagarika Venkat : Sagarika is a talented Indian classical dancer who started dancing professionally at the age of five . Guided by her mother , who is also a dancer , Sagarika has performed on many prestigious platforms and has been recognised by many for her exceptional dancing skills .
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Noel Reilly : Noel has been a gardening volunteer with Hills Community Care since 2012 . During this time , Noel has made a significant impact to the community by maintaining the gardens for clients who are unable to do so themselves . Noel ’ s dedication has seen him receive many letters of gratitude from clients and their families . Ron Parnell : Ron is an inspiring and compassionate individual who is working to establish an Older Men ’ s Network Group in the Hills to ensure local men have a safe space to connect , to socialise and be themselves . Ron is a real asset to the Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club and is always ready and willing to step-up and lend a hand .
Pamela Wilson : Pamela has been a tireless volunteer for the Hills District Historical Society since 1992 and has held the role of Secretary of the Society since 1993 . Pamela was awarded Life Membership in 2002 . She continues to contribute as the Society ’ s representative on the Castle Hill Heritage Park Committee and the Convict Trail Committee , as well as co-authoring several Society publications .
Dennis Croker : Dennis has been an active volunteer at Hills District Little Athletics for 32 years . During his time with the association , he has held many positions and at various levels , including local , zone and regional . In addition to his involvement in Little Athletics , Dennis also acts as an official for NSW Athletics at school , state and national carnivals and has also acted as an official for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games . When Dennis is not giving his time to athletics , he is an active RFS volunteer .
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
Care One Care All Group : Care One Care All Group ( COCAG ) is a Hills based charity that supports those in need . In January 2020 , Team COCAG delivered
Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Michelle Byrne ( centre ), with The 2021 Hills Shire Australia Day Award winners .
essential items , including bottled water , groceries , hygiene products and tools to families displaced by the 2019-2020 fires .
The Women ’ s Shed Hills Shire : The Women ’ s Shed Hills Shire is a local progressive organisation proactively working to address women ’ s health and wellbeing . Focusing on delivering mental health programs , The Women ’ s Shed Hills Shire have positively impacted over 500 women and their extended networks across 2020 alone . Through their weekly Women ’ s Wellness Hub , The Women ’ s Shed Hills Shire offers workshops that are educational , encourage skill development , build resilience and provide meaningful networking opportunities that reduce social isolation .
RuffTRACK : RuffTRACK runs a transformational youth re-engagement program based around working with animals and aimed at guiding young people to make better life choices . RuffTRACK works with local Police liaisons , schools and other referring agencies who have identified young people who are at risk ; subject to domestic violence circumstances ; engage in anti-social behaviour with very low or no attendance at school , and have regular contact with Police . On their fourth round of the program , RuffTRACK have reported high success levels in re-engaging youth , reducing criminal activity and illicit drug use and increasing overall mental wellbeing .
Dads of the Hills : Dads of the Hills is a dedicated social media page for fathers in The Hills Shire . The group has more than 6,000 members , and focuses on support , mateship and assisting local businesses . The group has raised thousands of dollars for families in need , as well as for a children ’ s hospital .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www . hdinews . com . au ISSUE 68 // FEBRUARY 2021 5