Locals recognised for efforts

Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year, Barry Davis says he is sharing the honour with his wife, Jenny.

FIRST-AID has been the long-term focus of Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year, Barry Davis.

As the founder of the local division of the St John Ambulance Service, Mr Davis has dedicated 36 years and more than 3000 hours to the safety and well-being of others.

“This is an amazing acknowledgement but I couldn’t have achieved it without out the support of my wife, Jenny,” Mr Davis said.

Humble in his acceptance, he added the Australia Day award to a host of prestigious accolades including a Premier’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community.

Young Citizen of the year Bernadette Purton, 18, meanwhile, was recognised for her active fundraising for children’s cancer charity Camp Quality.

“I contracted leukaemia at the age of the six and overcame it as a child so this cause is very close to my heart,” Bernadette said.

Meanwhile, four of the city’s finest emergency service personnel were also commended for a lifesaving rescue they performed during the March 31 floods.

State Emergency Service volunteers David O’Brien, Ian Gill, Athol Dorrington and Police Senior Constable Brad Jackson shared in the meritorious action award.

Recently presented with NSW Bravery Awards, the men saved a woman who was trapped in heavy floodwaters inside her car at Bonville.

Citizen of the Year: Barry Davis

Young Citizen of the Year: Bernadette Purton

Sue Hunter Memorial Award: Elisabeth Edwards

Voluntary organisation Award for Community Excellence: Coffs Harbour City Unit State Emergency Service

Volunteer of the Year: Vera Heil

Highly Commended: Loretta Rigby

Senior Sports Award: Jim Woodlock

Junior Sports Award: Kenita Monks

Meritorious Action Award: David O’Brien, Ian Gill, Athol Dorrington and Brad Jackson

Voluntary Contribution to the Arts: Shirley Barnett

Community Event of the Year: Coffs VB Gold Cup Carnival