Australia Day Honours Pay Homage to Maitland's Strong Community Spirit

Sportsperson of the Year- Kaelyn Liddel.

Four Maitland community members and a local community group have been honoured during Maitland City Council’s official Australia Day ceremony at East Maitland Bowling Club early yesterday morning.

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Bolwarra Heights resident Todd Sheldon and Metford’s 18 year old Emily Causley have been named Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, respectively.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says this year’s award recipients represent the broad spectrum of people who live, work and enjoy recreation in Maitland.

‘It is an honour to step up to the stage today and honour people who are so passionate about serving our community and making Maitland a better, brighter place to live,’ Mayor Penfold said.

‘From volunteering their spare time to help their neighbour, to showcasing their talent in a field that they are passionate about, this year’s recipients underline the fact that the Maitland community is full of caring, considerate, creative and inspiring people.’

In addition to Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, this year’s ceremony included the introduction of four new annual awards:

• The City of Maitland Service Award, which recognises outstanding individual voluntary service to the Maitland community

• The City of Maitland Medal, which is awarded to an organisation or group for outstanding voluntary service

• Creative Arts Person of the Year, which recognises achievement in a creative field or artform

• Sportsperson of the Year, for significant achievement in a non professional sporting field.

This year’s citizenship ceremony saw 29 people from 16 countries, including Iraq, Egypt, Belgium and Nigeria, officially naturalised as Australian citizens.

Full details on each of the Australia Day award recipients is provided below.

Citizen of the Year – Todd Sheldon

Since 2016, Citizen of the Year recipient Todd Sheldon has been instrumental in the ongoing success of the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive, a community initiative established to provide gifts and toys to children impacted by the effects of family violence, homelessness, illness or injury.

In that time, more than 20,000 toys and gifts have been donated to children and their families, with Todd using a network of local charities – Maitland Region Community Support, The Backpack Venture, Early Links, Carrie’s Place and Got Your Back Sister, amongst others – for distribution.

Joanne Rahn, who nominated Mr Sheldon for the award, said that ‘Todd focuses on helping those in need, having faced many hardships during his own childhood.

‘Growing up, [Todd] saw his mum work two or three jobs, which meant he had to look after his little brother at night while his mum worked.

‘Todd works tirelessly year after year with the simple and singular goal to bring smiles to the faces of disadvantaged children and their parents and carers at Christmas time,’ Ms Rahn wrote in her nomination.

The Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive is named in honour of Todd’s mum, who passed away in 2021 after battling cancer. That same year, the drive enjoyed its most successful year to date, with 7,000 gifts distributed to children in need.

Young Citizen of the Year and Creative Arts Person of the Year – Emily Causley

Emily Causley’s role as a student body leader at Maitland Christian School, as well as her creative extracurriculars, earned her two accolades: Young Citizen of the Year and Creative Arts Person of the Year.

Miss Causley has sung and acted at Maitland Musical Society and Angie Ussher’s Music Company for six and four years respectively, as well as volunteered with Living Hope Maitland Church of Christ for the past six years.

Nominated for both awards by her school, Miss Causley’s participation in school productions, band, carnivals and events was heralded, as well as her ‘selfless commitment to serving her community in a manner that promotes the welfare and wellbeing of [others].’

‘Emily has encouraged, supported, mentored and inspired her peers, as well as members of her local community…through her work in children’s ministry at her church,’ Maitland Christian School Principal Geoff Peet said.

Sportsperson of the Year – Kaelyn Liddell

Raworth 14 year old Kaelyn Liddell was named Sportsperson of the Year for achievement in jiu jitsu.

In the last 12 months, Miss Liddell travelled to Abu Dhabi to compete at the World Youth Jiu Jitsu Championship, where she won gold in her age and weight division. She has previously competed in competitions across Australia, from Brisbane to Sydney and beyond.

Miss Liddell is a junior coach and student at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Rutherford. Owner Karen De Crewis says Kaelyn ‘is determined to encourage and promote [jiu jitsu] for females in our community, helping to build confidence and resilience – for this alone, she deserves recognition.’

‘Kaelyn displays outstanding sportsmanship everyday she steps on the blue mats and every time she attends a competition representing the Hunter Valley martial arts community. She is always ringside cheering on her team members and coaching them from the sideline.’

City of Maitland Service Award – Greg Queenan

Rutherford resident Greg Queenan has been named recipient of the City of Maitland Service Award, for 40 years of service to the Maitland City Pipes and Drums. Mr Queenan is a life member of the organisation and also serves as both secretary and a tutor.

Mr Queenan was recognised for his role in preparation for the organisation’s 75th anniversary, which was celebrated during the Maitland Tattoo in July last year.

‘Greg encourages teamwork, confidence, a sense of dress and discipline, fun and friendship, and this all builds positive relations within our local Maitland community,’ Mrs Angela Osmond wrote in Mr Queenan’s nomination.

‘[Greg] has a great desire to make the Maitland community better, by using his creativity, enthusiasm and energy to improve the lives of others across all age groups.’

City of Maitland Medal – Millers Forest Progress Association

The Millers Forest Progress Association (MFPA), which was first formed in July 1883 and continuously supported the Millers Forest and Duckenfield communities ever since, has been awarded the City of Maitland Medal.

A non profit, community focused organisation, the MFPA meets monthly and is operated by local volunteers who seek to forge social connection amongst the local community in times of stress or hardship, as well as providing a sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing.