Gerringong’s Helen McDermott, this year’s Australia Day Local Senior Citizen of the Year, has been named as the 2022 Kiama Electorate Local Woman of the Year.

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, says he was absolutely delighted to present Ms McDermott with her well deserved award.

"Helen is well known and respected in our local community, particularly for her hard work and dedication as President of the Gerringong and District Historical Society over many years,” he says.

“I know how hard the Gerringong community always works together and Helen played a key role in helping to secure the funding needed to deliver the new Gerringong Library and Museum project which has proven to be incredibly popular.

Helen receives her award from Gareth Ward MP

“Helen is an example of one of the many inspirational women that we have in our community and I hope this award doesn’t just highlight her achievement but encourages others to make a similar contribution as Helen.

“The Woman of the Year Awards are an annual award and Helen’s recognition follows on the heels of other great community champions that have been recognised through this auspicious award.

“I want to sincerely thank her for her outstanding and ongoing contribution to our local community.”

The Australia Day recipients with Mayor Reilly, Fiona Phillips MP and Rachel Peedom, one of last year's award winners

Kiama Council has also formally recognised the 2022 Australia Day recipients with their awards at the March Council Meeting, after the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony was cancelled this year due to COVID.

Helen received her award along with Maria Baden for Australia Day Citizen of the Year, and WIRES Illawarra received the Community Group of the Year. Young Citizen of the Year, Lara Farrell, was unable to attend the ceremony [Council's Australia Day awards announced].