Jamberoo resident Colin Hollis has received the prestigious T.A. Stuart Memorial Award, the highest accolade awarded by the Rose Societies of Australia and New Zealand.

The award honours individuals who have provided outstanding service to the promotion and cultivation of roses across Australasia. Colin was presented with the accolade at the National Rose Championships and Conference, held recently in Melbourne.

Reflecting on the honour, Colin described it as "unexpected."

With over a decade as President of the Rose Society of New South Wales, Colin also serves as National Vice President of the Rose Society of Australia. He is also a dedicated member of the Illawarra Rose Society, which boasts 100 members—the largest in the state—and serves as the volunteer coordinator at Kiama’s Peace Park.

Despite challenges, including the park’s shady conditions and pervasive tree roots, Colin and a small team of 6–8 volunteers maintain the garden with dedication each week - making do without the shed that they wanted to house their tools in. Colin humorously notes the garden’s unsuitability for roses with all the tree roots, yet it remains a well used feature, attracting locals and visitors alike. The Illawarra Rose Society provides all the roses for the space, while Kiama Council handles basic grass maintenance. 

Peace Park also serves as an educational space, with preschool children helping to plant flowers during term visits. A great bonding experience for both the children and the volunteers. 

The garden has further been enhanced by a brick paved walkway, an initiative spearheaded by Winsom Barker. The project, funded through the sale of personalised bricks, celebrates community spirit while contributing to park improvements. Bricks are still available for purchase via the Council website.

The National Rose Society, comprised of representatives from each state, meets annually. While Melbourne hosted this year’s event, Brisbane will take its turn in 2025, with New South Wales welcoming delegates to Camden in 2026.

Recently there were some rose thefts at the garden but the culprits have not come to light as yet. Disappointing after all the effort the volunteers put in. 

Colin’s dedication for 21 years underscores the vital role volunteers play in fostering a love of roses and enhancing public spaces for everyone to enjoy.