Citizenship and Australia Day accolades
Published on 26 January 2025
Local legends were recognised for their dedication to the Hunters Hill community and new citizens were formally welcomed at an Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held this morning (26 January 2025) at the Town Hall.
Seven individuals were nominated by the community to receive a Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year Award while 16 others took part in an Australian Citizenship Ceremony.
Hunter’s Hill Council Mayor Zac Miles congratulated the award recipients on their efforts and gave his well wishes to the conferees.
"Hunters Hill is such a wonderful place to live. Our community is filled with individuals whose passion and commitment make our local area so special,” Cr Miles said.
"Today, we honour those whose significant contributions have enriched our community, and warmly welcome our newest Australian citizens."
Founder of Xplore for Success, Diana Ryall AM, was the Australia Day Ambassador for Hunters Hill, and she helped present the Citizen of the Year Awards.
“I was delighted to attend the ceremony at Hunters Hill,” Diana said.
“My favourite part of the ceremony is hearing the stories of those who have made a difference in the community. Our communities are made stronger by people such as these.”
The Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year Award winners are:
- Felicity McCaffrey, Citizen of the Year
- Annabel Ireland, Young Citizen of the Year
- Stella Hurley, Outstanding Sporting Achievement
- Charles Amos and Tanya and Tony Ikonomou, Community Excellence Award
- Chris Mutton, Environmental Excellence Award
Felicity McCaffrey was humbled to be recognised as the Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year.
“I am so grateful to receive this award and for the support of the other volunteers,” she said.
“These achievements are a team effort, and I am truly thankful for the chance to work with such generous and dedicated individuals, all working towards the greater good of our community.”
Following the awards, 16 people from origins including Iran, Canada, Netherlands, Türkiye, Mongolia, China, Bulgaria, India, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, took a pledge of commitment to become Australian citizens before Mayor Zac Miles.
Conferee Yordan became an Australian Citizen after migrating from Bulgaria.
“We love Australia, we fell in love with it almost 10 years ago and we are extremely grateful and lucky to be able to live in one of the most beautiful and magical places on Earth,” he said.
Conferees Zeynep and her mother Melek were also happy to become new citizens today.
"I've lived in Sydney for half my life. I already know I'm an Australian, and that means the world to me. It's just nice to have it officially recognised," Zeynep said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come,” Melek said.
The Australian National Anthem was performed by a local school student, Ella Donovan.
Hunter’s Hill Council welcomes the new citizens and congratulates the award winners.
Citizen of Year Award recipients
Felicity McCaffrey was named Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year.
Felicity has supported various local organisations, indigenous programs, and sustainable projects, including hosting open garden events and musical performances for L'Arche NSW, Giant Steps and the Greenhouse initiative, Rotary Club of Hunters Hill Spring Garden Competition, and the Happy Hens at the Henley Community Garden. As the treasurer and now vice-president of the Hunters Hill Historical Society, Felicity also dedicates her time to preserving local oral history.
Annabel Ireland was named Hunters Hill Young Citizen of the Year
In addition to representing her school in State and National sports, Annabel organised and successfully ran Hunters Hill's first-ever fun run to raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event brought together 85 participants who ran three kilometres and raised over $3200 for the hospital.
Stella Hurley was presented the award for Hunters Hill Outstanding Sporting Achievement of the Year.
Stella is a home-grown talent whose sailing career has included competing in a 29er World Championship, two RS Feva World Championships, junior level of the America’s Cup, Sail GP as well as other highly ranked European regattas such as Kiel Week. Stella has been recognised as Sportsperson of the Year by her school for six consecutive years, NSW & ACT Female Optimist Champion, National Optimist Green Fleet Champion and Female Oceanic Optimist Champion.
Chris Mutton was presented the Hunters Hill Environmental Excellence award.
In addition to volunteering for Happy Hens, Chris has been part of the Council’s bushcare group for over 20 years, helping to regenerate bushland in parks such as Gladesville Reserve and Betts Park. He regularly participates in cleanup events like National Tree Day and Clean Up Australia Day, and he often takes the initiative to clean up on his own around the municipality.
Charles Amos was presented the Hunters Hill Community Excellence award.
As former president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill, Charles has worked on numerous community events and projects, including the revitalisation of the Hunters Hill Spring Garden Competition. He has raised funds for initiatives such as Figtree Park and special education school, Giant Steps Sydney. Additionally, Charles co-founded, Rotary Community Tai Chi, which has been running for over ten years and raised over $50,000 for local youth programs.
Tanya and Tony Ikonomou were presented the Hunters Hill Community Excellence award.
Tanya and Tony have organised a holiday soccer camp for local children, teaching not only soccer skills but also values like healthy eating and respect. Tony leads sports programs at Boronia Park Public School and takes the time to pick up litter on his way to school each morning. Tanya is dedicated to running the school’s canteen, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals, and she also volunteers for the P&C.