CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR RECIPIENTS AND NOMINEES IN THE 2008 i98/ahm LOCAL HERO AWARDS

i98 FM and ahm (Australian Health Management), along with Cricket Legend Steve Waugh, announced the winners of the inaugural i98/ahm Local Hero Awards at the City Beach Function Centre in Wollongong this morning. Dr. Irwin Pakula was the recipient of the top award for his on going dedication to the Mental Health Service over the past 30 years. Dr. Pakula has been actively involved in both the public hospital and private psychiatric practice, supporting and teaching of psychiatry registrars, junior doctors and medical students and administrative duties within the Illawarra health service

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Dr. Irwin Pakula has been instrumental in attracting junior doctors to psychiatry, registrars to train in the Illawarra and consultants to practice in the Illawarra area. Dr Pakula helped create a program to draw junior doctors to the Illawarra to work in mental health. Numerous colleagues and past patients nominated him for his “support without complaint to the nurses, case managers, students and allied health, and will take a phone call at any time of the day whether or not he is on call.”

Steve Waugh commented: ‘Dr Pakula has displayed incredible dedication to the community over a sustained period of time. Very few people have the gift of teaching and mentoring like he has, whilst also being the voice for the disadvantaged and less fortunate’

Some of his achievements and accolades include:

• Chief Psychiatrist for Illawarra Health Service

• Medical Superintendent of Shellharbour Hospital

• Fellow of Royal Australian College of Psychiatrists

• Supervisor and Mentor of Training Psychiatry Registrar

• Lecturer at UOW

The i98/ahm Local HERO Awards - a joint effort recognising outstanding contribution to the Illawarra Community.

 

Teacher of the Year
Mr Terry Wild – Kiama High School

Won the prestigious Director General’s award in 2000 for Excellence in Music

Terry’s student vocal groups are of such a high calibre that they have been asked to perform at events such as the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the 2000 Paralympics Opening ceremony, and various Schools Spectacular shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, to name a few.

‘During Terry’s 20 years of teaching, he remains an inspiration to his colleagues and constantly encourages his students to follow their dreams. His students over the years have obtained exceptional HSC results, which are often some of the best in the state.” i98FM’s, and a Local Hero Judge, Erica Hodge commented.

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer of the Year (People & Community)
Chelsea Cappetta – Raise the Gong

Founder and president of the ‘Raise the Gong’ charity which promotes and raises funds for women’s health issues in the Illawarra region.

Chelsea works full time, attends Uni part time and spends over 30 hours a week on ‘Raise the Gong’ activities and fundraisers. ‘Raise the Gong’ were recently able to donate 5 portable DVD players to the Wollongong Cancer Care Centre to provide patients with a distraction whilst receiving treatment.

Guest Judge Susie Elelman described Chelsea is an inspiration, ‘her dedication and the time that she puts into making ‘Raise the Gong’ a successful charity is immense, and a true testament to how one person can make a difference in a community.”

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer of the Year (Sport & Recreation)
Helen McKay (Mrs Mac)

Founding member of the Oak Flats Swimming Club 39 years ago.

In excess of 30,000 hours spent volunteering and helping the kids of the club through training sessions, administration work, and numerous other activities. Helen started the swimming club with her husband as a free of charge service, to allow children of all ages and backgrounds to learn how to swim.
Steve Waugh’s described Helen McKay’s committment as an ‘Amazing period of sustained service to the community through teaching, mentoring and instilling discipline into her children. Her selflessness is a fantastic example to all those she comes into contact with’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Star of the Year – Junior
Ryan Gregson

Ryan Gregson has broken numerous records in middle distance running

Recently named the NSW Athletics Association’s 2007 NSW Cross Country Junior runner of the year

Steve Waugh commented that :‘Not only has Ryan excelled on the track and broken records, he just as importantly has become a role model and mentor to those around him with his attitude and commitment’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Star of the Year (Senior)
Robbie Maddison

Achievements include:
· Broke the Guinness World Record for the longest distance jump on a motorcycle when he cleared 351 feet in March this year.

· Ranked in the top 10 FMX riders in the world

‘Robbie has excelled on a world stage, but appears to still be very grounded, supporting the local area and it’s people. He is a leader in his sport, setting world records and innovating all the time. He has the profile and attitude to be a role model for all kids.’ Steve Waugh commented.

 

 

 

Guest Judges:
Steve Waugh – Former Test Captain and Cricket Legend
Susie Elelman – Host of WIN Television’s National Daytime Variety Program – SUSIE.
Marty Haynes – i98 FM Breakfast Host
Erica Hodge – i98 FM Breakfast Host
Ryan Gracie – WIN Radio General Manager
Tania Kimmins – WIN Radio Promotions Manager

The displayed photos are only a selection of the photos that were taken by Blu Flame Photography. If you would like to purchase copies please contact Blu Flame Photography: 84D Kembla St Wollongong NSW 2500 Ph: 4229 5661   A BIG thank you to our sponsors: