NORTH Sydney Council have announced the winners of the Community Awards for 2024.

Winners were awarded during a presentation ceremony on the 19th of April at the Independent Theatre.

The Community Awards stand to recognise the work of locals who protect wildlife, support social housing, lift domestic violence suffers, aid women and children, and contribute to the betterment of the community.

Five categories make up North Sydney Community Awards – Community Builder, Eco Warrior, Living Legend, Trailblazer, and Next Generation.

‘The North Sydney Community Awards acknowledge the many heroes who help make North Sydney a kinder, better connected and more sustainable place,’ says North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker.

The Community Builder Award was jointly presented to Mary’s House and Greenway Tenant Group. Mary’s House provides domestic violence relief and services to women and children. Greenway Tenant Group is a not-for-profit who support residents in the social housing at Greenway, Kirribilli.

The Eco Warrior Award was jointly given to Michael Stevens and Vera Yee. As the founder of Harbourcare, Michael is dedicated to regularly cleaning the small tidal beach at Waverton Park. Vera Yee leads the Streets Alive group in Waverton, keeping street gardens green and sustainable.

The Living Legend Award was given to both Sissi Stewart for her work in biodiversity and her partnership with Boorowa Community Landcare Group, and to Mark Shalovsky for his legal help to people experiencing tenancy problems and those navigating social housing.

The Trailblazer Award was presented to Aden Barclay for his revival of the Neutral Bay streetscape.

The Next Generation Award was given to three winners. Redlands students who visit the Bougainvillea Retirement Village, Ishnika Lokuge for her efforts on North Sydney Council’s Bushland program, and 11-year-old Ted Greenway who has worked with the Streets Alive and Bushcare teams to protect native wildlife.