The Community Spirit Award recognises individuals or groups for their outstanding achievements, exceptional innovation, leadership, distinguished service to their community, and significant impact in their field.
The 2025 Award nominees are:
Alex McNaught
Alexander McNaught is a passionate and dedicated member of the Port Macquarie Hastings community, contributing significantly since his arrival in 2017. A talented photographer and sand artist, Alex has used his skills to promote the beauty of the region, enhance community spirit, and support various causes.
His drone photography has been pivotal in raising awareness of local and national issues, including the 2021 floods, gaining international recognition through platforms like BBC and Reuters.
Beyond his art, Alex volunteers extensively, from assisting with Marine Rescue and the Ironman series to creating therapeutic installations for the local Cancer Institute. His interactive sand art, a source of joy for locals and tourists alike, has also been used to raise awareness for important community causes such as mental health and cultural diversity. Alex embodies the essence of community spirit through his tireless efforts to inspire, support, and uplift others.
Graffiti Blasters (Trevor Astall & Phillip Constable)
Trevor Astall and Phillip Constable, as Graffiti Blasters volunteers, have made an outstanding contribution to the Port Macquarie community over the past year. Through their tireless efforts in removing graffiti, they have enhanced the cleanliness and safety of public spaces, creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
Additionally, their commitment to nurturing newly planted gardens has transformed these areas into thriving green spaces that encourage community interaction and recreation. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit of community volunteering, showcasing how individuals can come together to enhance and preserve recreational spaces for everyone to enjoy. Trevor and Phillip’s proactive and selfless efforts have left a lasting, positive impact, inspiring others to take pride in and care for their local environment.
Make a Difference Volunteers
The Make a Difference (MAD) volunteer army consists of over 200 dedicated community members, ranging from local high school students and business owners to retired citizens. They commit their time and energy across six weekly shifts, supporting the homeless and disadvantaged by providing hot meals, freshly brewed barista coffee, and compassionate, non-judgmental conversations. This shared purpose fosters a strong sense of community, uniting volunteers from diverse backgrounds in a common goal to help those doing it tough in our local area.
In addition to their weekly service, the MAD volunteers play a vital role in the charity's fundraising efforts. They roll up their sleeves to serve coffee, work in the food truck at markets and sporting events and lead the organisation and running of the annual Ride the Wave five-day festival. Their dedication not only sustains the charity's programs but also strengthens bonds within the volunteer network and the broader community.
School of Hard Knocks Choir
Mid North Coast Community College established the first regional School of Hard Knocks. The Port Macquarie-Hastings School of Hard Knocks provides opportunities for members of our community who have experienced homelessness, disadvantage or have been marginalised or excluded socially, to engage in the arts and develop their skills, confidence and capacity to take new steps to advance their lives.
The School of Hard Knocks Choir is a remarkable group of individuals with disabilities who come together to celebrate life through song, dance, and performance. Their uplifting presence has been a source of joy and inspiration across the Port Macquarie Hastings community, with performances at schools, community events, nursing homes, and retirement villages.
Beyond showcasing their talents, the choir embodies resilience, inclusivity, and the true essence of community spirit. By sharing their music and positivity, they bring smiles to audiences and provide moments of relief from life’s stresses. The choir’s dedication to spreading joy and promoting the value of diversity has made a lasting impact on the community, solidifying their role as an inspiring and cherished part of our cultural fabric.
Ellen Crepaz
In 2024, Ellen organised the EaTs Soul Savour Festival, a landmark event showcasing local talent, supporting youth, and raising $4,500 for mental health services and youth homelessness. The festival featured over 70 vendors, live performances, and wellness sessions, which united the community for a meaningful cause. In September, Ellen was recognised in the NSW Parliament for her efforts in organising this event.
Ellen coordinated the first-ever Greek Orthodox Mass in our local area. This culturally significant initiative brought the community together, fostering inclusivity and celebrating heritage.
At Christmas, Ellen played a pivotal role in the success of a gift drive for the Homeless Hub, rallying community support to provide for those in need. Her work was recognised through her appointment to the Regional Community Network: Northern NSW Region for Multicultural NSW, reflecting her dedication to cultural initiatives and fostering community ties.
Ellen has been integral in addressing local social needs, promoting cultural understanding, and inspiring others to build a more connected and compassionate community.
Camden Haven Community @ 3
Camden Haven Community at 3 Inc. is led by volunteers dedicated to serving people in need located in the Camden Haven area. The group meets at 3pm each Wednesday for a BBQ at the rear of the Laurieton United Services Club to provide regular meals to those who need it most.
The group’s services go beyond providing free weekly meals and includes homelessness support, transport assistance, domestic family care and general support such as financial, household needs, access to mental health services, family support, pastoral care and friendship. Camden Haven Community at 3 is also looking at solutions to help address local housing issues.
Hastings NAIDOC Committee
The Hastings NAIDOC Planning Committee, under the leadership of Chair Stacey Carney, organised the NAIDOC Family Fun Day on 11 July 2024 at Landrigan Park, Wauchope. The Committee demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, securing substantial funds through grants and sponsorships, which were crucial to the event's success.
The Day featured a fantastic array of activities that celebrated Aboriginal culture and fostered community connections. More than 1000 attendees enjoyed cultural performances by local dance groups, pony rides, a reptile show and an Elders circle. Arts and crafts stalls, along with informational booths further enriched the event. These attractions were thoughtfully curated to engage all age groups, showcasing Aboriginal traditions and creativity while providing educational opportunities.
The event exceeded expectations and was valued for bringing together the broader community to celebrate Aboriginal culture. The Committee's inclusive approach ensured that the event reflected the diversity and richness of Aboriginal culture. Their work culminated in a landmark event that not only celebrated Aboriginal heritage but also strengthened community bonds within the region.
Guulabaa - Place of Koala
Guulabaa – Place of Koala stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of a collaborative partnership dedicated to koala conservation, cultural heritage, and community engagement. This innovative nature-based tourism precinct, located in Cowarra State Forest, has been brought to life through the combined efforts of five key partners, each contributing their unique expertise and resources to create a world-class destination.
Partners included Forestry Corporation of NSW, Koala Conservation Australia/Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wildnets and Hello Koalas.
Guulabaa officially opened on 10 December 2024 and its emphasis on 'Caring for Country' ensures that sustainability and respect for the environment are at the forefront of all activities, fostering a sense of community pride and stewardship. It is part of a world-first program in koala conservation to breed wild koalas and release the joeys back into our local environment.