THE South Coast Community Awards were presented by NSW Governor His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC and hosted by The Honourable Shelley Hancock MP at the Wesley Centre on Thursday.

“There are so many people in this room deserving of awards,” Mrs Hancock said.

“What would we do without you?”

Five well-known locals were awarded community service awards.

Dick Manwarring was recognised for his fund-raising efforts for cancer treatment in the Bay and Basin area, John Nicholas for his 45 years of service to Sussex Inlet Marine Rescue, Meg Sweeney for championing for people with a disability, including her own daughter, Robyn Kerves for her efforts as an environmental advocate for Lake Conjola and Pamela Arnold who is the highly respected leader of Nowra Family Support Centre.

Peter Stapleton and Roy Sweeny were presented with Justice of the Peace long service awards, Deborah Waller (not present on the day) received a NSW carers award, while Trish Ikin and Ian MacLaughlan received NSW state representative awards for their commitment to the sport of dragon boating.

The ceremony concluded with a presentation to the NSW South Coast Woman of the Year Jo Allen, who joined the Nowra SES Unit in 2006, becoming known and appreciated for her catering skills as well as rising to senior positions within the organisation.