Three local citizens have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at the Cumberland Council Australia Day Awards.
Dr.Chandrika Subramaniyan, a successful lawyer, author and community leader who sets aside time each week to provide free legal advice to recently arrived migrants and refugees, has been named Local Citizen of the Year.
Dr Chandrika emigrated from India in 1997 and after meeting refugee and migrant women in need of legal assistance, was inspired to study law and establish her own law firm.
Cumberland Council Mayor Greg Cummings congratulated all the winners, saying the judging panel had a difficult job determining the winners.
The 2019 Australia Day Award winners in each category is:
- Citizen of the Year - Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan
- Senior Citizen of the Year - Alan Patterson
- Young Citizen of the Year - Simaima Taufa
- Community Event of the Year - George Cartwright Memorial Unveiling
“The Australia Day Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals and events that elevate Cumberland into a place where everyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed,” Mr Cummings said.
“The diversity of entrants is a reflection of our wondrously diverse community. Taken together they offer a thrilling portrait of who we are as Cumberland.
“Cumberland is a community of athletes, like Young Citizen of the Year Simaima Taufa, who helped win the Rugby League World Cup the same year she was crowned female player of the year.
“Cumberland is a community that rolls up its sleeves, like Senior Citizen of the Year Alan Patterson, who for over two decades has been a coach, mentor and supporter of multiple sporting teams.
“Cumberland is a community that honours its heritage, like the George Cartwright Memorial, which thanks to Merrylands RSL records in stone the sacrifice and heroism of the late Merrylands resident George Cartwright.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Australia Day Awards. Together you make Cumberland and our nation the wonderful place it is today.”
Download the PDF to r (PDF, 2.71 MB)ead the complete brochure and nominee biographies. (PDF, 2.71 MB)
