Returning for another year of neighbourly recognition, Clarence City Council’s Neighbour of the Year Award has seen an influx of nominations from community members wanting to recognise their exceptional neighbours across Clarence.
Sunday, 26 March is Neighbour Day – a celebration established by Relationships Australia to encourage community members to highlight the connections they have made with others in their community and recognise the efforts of those who go above a beyond for their neighbourhood.
This year Cath and Iain Whyte have been announced as the winners of Clarence City Council’s Neighbour of the Year Award after receiving multiple nominations from their neighbourhood in Clifton Beach.
Cath and Iain are long-time Clifton Beach residents having lived in the suburb for more than 20 years and were nominated for their outstanding commitment to their community.
Cath and Iain received standout nominations for the Clarence Neighbour of the Year Award with one nomination stating: “Iain is one of the locals that truly brings Clifton Beach together”.
According to another nomination, Iain and Cath are salt of the earth good people who never hesitate to offer help to those in the community who need it, and often act to find ways to solve problems as a community.
From help with slashing and excavating, to helping out a neighbour with ill health, Cath and Iain are the local go-to for friendly neighbourhood support in Clifton.
But Cath and Iain’s dedication to the Clifton community doesn’t end there, Iain is a life member of the local Clifton Beach Surf Club with both he and Cath having volunteered with the club for many years.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said it was fantastic to hear so many stories of kind and generous neighbours across the City of Clarence.
“There are a number of ways we can reach out to our neighbours and build better connections in the community including simple acts such as organising a gathering of neighbours for a barbecue, sharing a game of sport, or simply taking the time to introduce yourself to a new neighbour in your street,” he said.
“Every little bit helps in increasing the connections and belonging within our community.”
“The Neighbour Day awards are a great way to recognise the people in our communities that go that extra mile for the people around them, and it is always wonderful to see
communities coming together and raising each other up – just like Cath and Iain.”