Boaties take out Australia Day honours

The champion Bulli crew, who have taken out this year’s Wollongongity’s 2018 Australia Day Sports Achievement Award. Photo: Bulli SLSC Facebook Page.

Helensburgh’s Dr Annette Beaufils

BULLI Surf Life Saving Club’s Open Men’s George Bass Surf Boat Marathon Crew has been presented Wollongong City’s 2018 Australia Day Sports Achievement Award.

The Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club Open Men’s Crew remain undefeated in the George Bass Surf Boat Marathon. In the 2018 marathon, the Bulli crew dominated every single leg – over seven days and 190kms of rowing from Bateman’s Bay to Eden harbour. This was the first time that the Bulli crew won each leg since 1979.

The crew consists of Adam Barlow, Aron Davis, Paul Barlow, Mitchell Roberts, Albert Smeaton, Iszak Lunney, Kyle Mercer, Lachlan O’Grady and sweep Paul Jones.

This year there were dual winners of Wollongong Senior Citizen of the Year, David North and Dr Annette Beaufils. Mr North was awarded for his lifelong commitment to Scouting NSW. He has been involved since joining the movement in 1958 as a Cub Scout. He is presently the Regional Chairman for South Coast and Tablelands. Dr Beaufils has been a Doctor in Helensburgh since finishing her training in 1976. Dr Beaufils has served the community members of the northern suburbs for more than 38 years.

Dr Beaufils graduated from the University of NSW in 1976 and after her post-graduate training she began a family medical practice in Helensburgh.  Dr Beaufils has served the residents of the northern suburbs for more than 38 years and has provided medical advice and assistance to local residents in all situations. She also provides a practice for trainee doctors and is a long-time supporter of local schools and local group fundraising.

Illawarra business women and co-founder of the Illawarra International Women’s Day Committee Vicki Tiegs has been named 2018 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it was an honour to be able to present the outstanding citizens and community organisations with recognition for the selfless work they do in the community each and every day.

“Every person and organisation who received an award makes an amazing contribution to our community,”he said.

“Once again the awards are presented to people from all areas of life and the city. They highlight the diversity of people, their passions and their selfless work in our community.”