West Coast Spirit Awards

Bernice Mathewson

Bernice is a life member of the West Coast Rugby Club, the RSL Women’s Auxiliary (Tasmania), and the Rosebery Festival Committee. She has volunteered tirelessly for decades, supporting events such as the Rosebery Children’s Christmas Party and delivering meals for the Red Cross. Bernice’s enthusiasm and leadership have inspired countless others to contribute to community life, earning her recognition as an inspirational West Coast woman in 2012. 

Susan Pitt

Susan Pitt has dedicated decades to volunteering, serving in leadership roles across numerous local organisations. Her contributions include positions such as Treasurer of Queenstown RSL, President of the 1st Queenstown Scout Group, and Secretary of the Queenstown Anglers Club Inc. Currently, she continues her service as Secretary for multiple community groups and as a volunteer driver for Community Transport Services Tasmania. 
Susan’s efforts have ensured vital services remain accessible, including helping to establish a community transport service after the local taxi ceased operations. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting youth development makes her an irreplaceable asset to the West Coast. 

Strahan Community Op Shop

Known locally as the “Harrods of Strahan,” the Strahan Community Op-Shop is more than a retail store—it is a lifeline for the West Coast. Entirely volunteer-run, the Op-Shop provided $11,000 in emergency assistance to local families last year and donated over $5,000 to community groups. It serves as a vital social hub, combating isolation and fostering connection, while also championing sustainability by diverting tonnes of goods from landfill. The Op-Shop’s work aligns directly with the West Coast Council’s strategic goals, promoting social inclusion, supporting families, and advancing environmental sustainability. 

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.