Hurstville Council announced its Australia Day citizens of the year at an event on January 23.
The winners are Citizen of the Year, Pat Lusty; Young Citizen of the Year, Alex Sanders-Agius, and Young Sportsperson of the Year, Jessicia Filetti.
■ Pat Lusty has been an asset to Peakhurst Amateur Swimming Club Inc and to the greater Hurstville community, being the first to raise her hand when needed.
Her planning and organisation skills have attributed greatly to the success of the club and her work in the coordination of the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2011 was exceptional.
As a dedicated volunteer, Mrs Lusty spends every Saturday afternoon assisting the club with its weekly swimming meets and is invaluable with the organisation of the club’s two annual fund-raising meets.
She was club president for nine years, stepping down this year to become vice-president.
She attends monthly committee meetings and regularly suggests innovative ideas to help improve the club’s efficiency.
Mrs Lusty has been influential in creating ways to increase swimming enjoyment, has been instrumental in the free learn-to-swim program management and is asthma swimming group co-ordinator.
■ Alex Sanders-Agius is a leading cadet in the Australian Air League’s Riverwood Squadron, where he has shown a great ability to lead and motivate others.
Alex is a talented snare and tenor drummer, attaining class two level of competency on both instruments.
His many awards include the NSW Boys’ Group Best Junior Cadet of the Year.
Alex is a hard-working, year nine student at Christian Brothers Lewisham and a keen sportsman, receiving many accolades for his prowess on the athletics field and in the pool.
■ Jessica Filetti, a talented year six student at Peakhurst South Public School, strives to be the best sportswoman she can be.
She has achieved outstanding success in swimming during the past 12 months and competed at the highest level for a primary school student at the 2013 School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships in Adelaide.
Jessica is a regular competitor at regional swimming meets and has set several new district records as part of the Georges River PSSA District swimming organisation.
She was the senior girls swimming champion of her school last year and is the Sydney East 12-years girls champion.
As school captain, Jessica displays a wonderful work ethic.
