An inspiring woman who has made a very real difference in the lives of children with a disability in Sutherland Shire has received the major honour in the annual Cook Community Awards
Sarah Stanton was presented with the 2020 Cook Community Medal and more than 40 other people were recognised with awards by Prime Minister and Cook MP Scott Morrison.
Mr Morrison said the awards were an opportunity to recognise people who selflessly contributed to and served the local community.
"These people are volunteers who are actively involved in community groups, working to better the environment in which we live, or are simply wanting to give back," he said.
"This year we were overwhelmed by nominations - each and every one worthy of recognition."
Ms Stanton and her husband Jason Stanton started Skillz4me in 2016 when they were unable to find any inclusive programs in the area to support the needs of their two children, each of whom has a disability,
The not-for-profit all abilities centre at Caringbah offers opportunities to children with a disability or developmental delay to learn vital social skills in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.
Skillz4me Sports sessions are at no cost to families, with programs funded by donations and run by qualified therapists and volunteers, with additional community support.
Over the last four years, the number of children attending has grown to more than 80 a week.
Mr Morrison presented awards on December 12 at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club.
Surf lifesaver Adam Degnan was also recognised at the event by SLSA with a Meritorious Award - Commendation for Bravery for saving five people at Cronulla on January 7, 2020.
Other Cook Community Awards recipients included:
- Rita Barbagallo, Cook Samaritan
- Michael Bofinger, North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club
- Michelle Brown, Sutherland Shire Reconciliation & Orana NSW Inc.
- Natalie Buckley, Wanda Surf Life Saving Club
- Kerrian Cartledge, Miranda Congregational Church
- Linda Cassimatis, Caringbah High School Parents and Citizens Association
- Annalise Daniele, Blossom Preschool
- Adam Degnan, Cook Samaritan
- Carol Franks, Caringbah Baptist Church Community Centre
- Rob Fuller, Woolooware Public School - Kids Hope Australia
- Matt Grant, Giants Baseball Club
- David Gregson, Lilli Pilli Football Club
- Jean Harrow, St George Art Society
- Md Islam, The Association of Bangladesh Voice Inc.
- Michael Kelly, Sydney Ports Authority Welfare
- Matthew Kennedy, Burraneer Rugby Club
- Stephen Leitch, Gymea Anglican Church
- David Leivesley & Kim Hingerty, 1st Caringbah Scout Group
- Sarah-Jo Lobwein, SO Shire
- Malcolm Long, Kogarah Community Services
- Leanne Lucy, Cronulla Water Polo
- Wendy Macken, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School
- Dianne Maclachlan, Sutherland Shire Netball Association
- Alfons Matta, St Mary St Bakhomios and St Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church & Community Centre
- Gayle Pagano, Miranda Magpies Netball Club
- Paris & Jenny Patsanas, Sans Souci Football Club
- Valda Patterson, Miranda Community Garden
- June Samuel, Kurnell Public School
- Margaret Shannon, Sutherland Food Services
- Ashleigh Smith, Cook Samaritan
- Tammy Spaul, Caringbah Public School
- Wayne Staunton, Community Co Op Sutherland Shire
- Junior Talipeau, KO Play School
- Colin Tasker, Port Hacking Open Sailing Club
- Andrew Tsounis, Ramsgate Life Saving Club & St George Children with Disability Foundation
- Ken Watson, Delta Society Therapy Dogs at Sutherland Hospital
- Jennifer Williams, The Shire Bands
- Muriel Wills, Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch
- Iain & Robyn Winton and Michelle Hennessy, The Celtic Connection