Nominations are now closed
The West Coast Spirit Awards celebrate the people, organisations and events that have made an outstanding contribution to the West Coast community. The awards reflect the many ways that people, groups and events enhance and contribute to community life.
Nominees could include (but are not limited to):
- A group who has made significant contributions to the community of the West Coast
- An individual (including youth) who is an inspirational role model or who has made an outstanding contribution to the community
- An event that has made an important contribution to community life
West Coast Council will present as many awards as it deems appropriate.
Council calls for nominations in October/November each year, with announcements made on 26 January the following year. Nominations are reviewed by Council, with award recipients selected by Councillors.
Queries regarding the Spirit Awards can be directed to the Growth & Change Department, contact details below.
Nominations
Spirit Award nominations open in October each year – if you know an individual, group or event that has enhanced, and contributed to, the West Coast community, we’d love to receive a nomination.
Nominations can be submitted using the nomination form which becomes available when nominations open.
To prepare your nomination
The following tips will help you prepare for completing the nomination form:
- know the nominees’ contact details
- if the nominee is under 18, you’ll need their date of birth
- consider the words you’ll use to describe how the nominee has excelled – what have they done that is inspirational, or makes them a role model?
- do you know if the nominee has received any other recognition or awards for their contribution?
- confirm who your referee will be and their contact details – this is another person who can verify the contribution/service you are nominating
- consider if photos or letters of support will help your nomination and have these ready when you start completing the nomination form. We recommend providing at least one photo (preferably digital) as part of your submission.
Nominations close November each year.
Nomination Forms
Please note if completing the online form, you can attach photos and documents (e.g. letters of support) to your nomination. If required, a downloadable form will also be available.
Award Recipients
Geoff Iliff
Geoff has multiple volunteering roles and was nominated for being a “motivated volunteer, always available to assist with transporting our aged, vulnerable and needy clients all over Tasmania to attend medical appointments.”
Tom Fearns
Tom was nominated for fostering inclusivity and connections in the Strahan community.
“Tom is an inspirational role model. He leads by example in a challenging volunteer landscape where it can be difficult to encourage participation. His unwavering dedication and hands-on leadership inspires others to step up and contribute.”
Wendy Harvey
Wendy was nominated for her long-term involvement in volunteering and improving the quality of life for locals in Zeehan.
“Wendy is at the Zeehan Neighbourhood Centre at opening 5 mornings a week and has been as long as I can remember in the 15 years I have been here. No matter who they are, if they need something, Wendy will make sure they get it.”
Zeehan Golf Club parkrun
Zeehan Golf Club Parkrun was nominated for fostering a sense of connection between local community members and visitors to the area and an overall positive attitude towards people’s health and wellbeing. Zeehan Golf Club parkrun is the only established event of its kind on the West Coast.
Elizabeth Sayster
Liz was nominated for her continued advocacy for the health and wellbeing of the West Coast community, and her enthusiasm and determination to do right by the community. She has been nominated for her vision, enthusiasm, innovation, belief in others, peer respect, courage and determination. Her dedication to her community work within the Rural Health Tasmania Queenstown office not only involves clinical support for clients but also includes charitable efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable West Coasters. She is active in advocating for improved health services in the region, in particular, for aged, frail aged and the disabled in the community. Liz is also active in other community groups and initiatives including the ‘Queenie Quoir’ and contributing to her local church on Sundays.Geraldene Halton
Geraldene was nominated for her tireless and selfless work in the community including: being instrumental in opening Penghana House to the wider community, being a life member of Mountain Heights School, her 20-year involvement with the Queenstown Golf Club and participating as an ‘Ageing Angel’ for raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Queenstown Hospital Auxiliary. Geraldene is also the Chair of the Queenstown Cancer Group, and volunteers at the Queenstown market making and selling food. Geraldene quietly assists a variety of community members, generously makes herself available if anyone is in need and provides an immeasurable service to the community.Vicki Knowles
Vicki has been a Volunteer Ambulance Officer for over 22 years, the past 10 years of that in Strahan.
She has been an important and supportive presence to mentor and support the new volunteers and has achieved the highest possible qualification for an ambulance volunteer, regularly undertaking extra training to best serve her community.
She is very active within her community, and qualified as a Justice of the Peace when the need in the community was made apparent.
Queenstown Crows Football Club
The Queenstown Crows Football Club was awarded the West Coast Sprit Award in light of the successes the club has had in recent years, and the progressive work they have been achieving in the junior development space and also within the broader community.
June Scott
June has been volunteering for many years and across many organisations in the Zeehan community. Her involvement has extended to the local Scouts group, Football Club, Buffalo Lodge, Swimming Club Committee, Lions Club and RSL. June’s volunteering over many years makes her a standout in the Zeehan Community with her passion and organisations skills making every project successful. June has made a difference to many organisations in Zeehan by being an inspirational role model and proudly helping the wider West Coast.
Paul Bugg
Paul has been an active member of the Queenstown Fire Brigade for 45 years and was presented with his 45 Year Service Award from Tasmania Fire Service in November 2021. Paul was elected as Brigade Chief of the Queenstown Fire Brigade in 2016 and still holds this position today. He also volunteered for the Queenstown Ambulance Service from 2003 to 2006. Paul in an inspirational role model for the West Coast of Tasmania and the Queenstown Fire Brigade for his years of service, showing selfless dedication and commitment to Queenstown and fellow West Coast communities in keeping them safe. Paul is a respected mentor and friend to new members, other West Coast brigades and the wider Queenstown community.
Kevin Mathewson
Kevin has been the main organiser of, and has done the majority of the work, to host the Rosebery ABC Giving Tree Quiz Night for the past 9 years. In the time that he has been organising this event, Belinda King from the ABC estimates he has raised over $100,000 for the Giving Tree appeal. Kevin also assists his wife with the Rosebery Music Festival, both of whom are long time residents of the West Coast. He is always happy to work behind the scenes to assist any organisation or individual who needs assistance or guidance. Kevin is an inspirational rode model for the West Coast in his ability to bring people together and willingness to help in the community.
Vicki McKenzie
Jack & Bronwyn Edwards
Mark McDermott
Fiona Ebert
Tullah Progress Association
Duncan Murfet
Somewhat of a local legend in Rosebery, Duncan is well-known across the West and North West Coasts for his commitment to numerous Rosebery organisations.Robert Butterfield
A tireless servant of the West Coast community, Robert works at Mt Lyell Mine as a Health and Safety Coordinator and was the recipient of a bravery award for his role in the rescue team during the deaths of two miners underground in 2013.