Sabrina Kelly - founder of Kiama Family Before and After School Care and the Social Club for Neurodivergent Teens - was named Citizen of the Year at Kiama Council's 2025 Local Government Awards at The Pavilion.

Kelly received the honour ahead of fellow nominees John Dawson and Nicole O’Brien.

The evening began with a Welcome to Country, followed by an address from Mayor Cameron McDonald.

“I think it’s really fitting that we acknowledge people and their contributions in our community, because they make up the fabric of our town. All the time, effort, and dedication you give are significant - and it’s really nice to honour that in a setting like this,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters highlighted Kelly’s extensive list of achievements and volunteer efforts, including founding her day care service and social club, as well as serving as President of the Kiama P&C, Events Manager at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, and coordinating the Happy Boxes Project - to name just a few.

Upon receiving her award, Kelly delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech.

The nominees and winner for the Community Inclusion Award which is the third time Citizen of the Year Sabrina Kelly took to the stage

“I turn on the news and sometimes I physically feel hurt - when I see the images coming out of Gaza. And I feel like we have two options: either you can feel paralysed by sadness, or you can try to do something,” she said.

“Although I can’t personally deliver aid to Gaza, or stop wars, or reverse the effects of climate change - I can do something right here.

“Every morning, if I make sure the kids in my care go to school clothed, fed, and loved - if we’re walking by the beach and we take three for the sea, if I raise money for WIRES - I know it’s just a molecule of a drop in the ocean.

"But I know everyone here is doing the same. That’s why I think Kiama is such a great place to live.”

Mayor Cameron McDonald with Archie Turano-Lyall (Winner of the Sports Achievement Award) and John Dawson (Winner of Senior Person of the Year)

Senior Person of the Year went to John Dawson for more than three decades of service as a community sports volunteer and educator.

Young Person of the Year was awarded to Molly Allan, 15, a dedicated athlete and role model who has already earned her development coaching accreditation.

She now mentors younger netballers as assistant coach for the Kiama 11s Development Team and coaches a Junior A team.

Kelly returned to the stage as the Social Club for Neurodivergent Teens was named Community Group of the Year.

Molly Allan was awarded Young Person of the Year award.

The Community Inclusion Award went to Active Ageing NSW Inc, presented to the groups program director Dr Christa Wood, recognised for its work helping seniors "live young longer". It is another award for Christa who was also awarded Woman of the Year for the Kiama Electorate in March and Rotarian of the Year 2025 for District 9705, which stretches from Merimbula in the south of NSW, north to Berry and Gerringong, and inland as far as Parkes and Griffith.

The Sports Achievement Award was presented to 11-year-old Archie Turano-Lyall for her accomplishments representing Kiama in the 11 Years Development Squad, being selected for the 12 years state netball team, and qualifying for Nationals in javelin.

Guy Stearn received the Robert East Memorial Award for a Kiama Council Volunteer, in recognition of his longstanding dedication to the Kiama Show.

Phillip Pecoski won the Megan Dalley Award

Phillip Pecoski was honoured with the Megan Dalley Memorial Award for his work as a Kiama Council Finance Cadet.

Cr Matters, who also hosted the evening, summed up the spirit of the event: “Kiama Council is proud to shine a light on the individuals and organisations that make a real difference in our everyday lives.

"The Local Government Week Awards are our way of recognising those who go above and beyond for our community.”