Randwick Community Service Awards

The 2026 Randwick Community Service Awards celebrate the locals going above and beyond for the Randwick community

Presented by Randwick City Council, the annual Randwick Community Service Awards celebrate a remarkable cohort of individuals and groups whose efforts strengthen the wellbeing, inclusivity, and resilience of the Randwick community. The 2026 Awards, held on 26 January, recognised seven recipients whose service ranged from lifesaving bravery to long‑term dedication to addressing social needs.

Among those recognised were a father and daughter whose courageous actions in dangerous surf conditions at Coogee Beach directly contributed to saving a life. Their valiant efforts earned them a special Mayor’s Award for Bravery. 

As Mayor Dylan Parker observed, this year’s awards highlight the countless ways local residents and organisations give back to the Randwick community:

“Whether it’s saving lives, donating clothing or food to people in need, or helping to connect people through the power of sport, these recipients are local legends who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of others and our City.”

We congratulate this year’s award winners for their outstanding achievements:

South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club (Group Category)

South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club upholds and promotes the values of Australia in volunteerism. The club’s dedicated volunteers provide services that greatly improve the wellbeing of the Randwick community, including beach and water safety, aquatic safety education and an inclusive, welcoming social environment for people of all ages.

Eden Cass-Pereira (Youth Award)

Eden, 17, has volunteered with The Shack Youth Services for over five years. Eden has now progressed to a leadership role within the organisation, where she ensures newcomers to The Shack’s programs feel welcomed, supported and included. Eden can regularly be found raising awareness about The Shack’s services and organising community events. The Shack describes Eden as a trusted representative who consistently upholds and embodies its values.

Jonah Glover (Achievement Award for Person with Disability)

Each week, Jonah collects meals and care packs from Kids Giving Back and personally delivers them to The Hub@Lexo for those in need. Through his consistent efforts, Jonah has become an essential link in the local food security chain, demonstrating compassion, perseverance, and community spirit. 

Keith Donnelly (Individual Award)

Keith Donnelly is the founder and director of Keith’s Closet, a not‑for‑profit providing free clothing, toiletries and essentials to anyone accessing mental health services in Randwick City. Through community clothing drives and pop‑up distribution events, Keith’s Closet not only promotes dignity and inclusion, but also sustainability by repurposing quality donated items. Beyond practical support, the organisation fosters connections, raises awareness of mental health challenges, and offers a welcoming environment for people in need to feel respected and seen.

Richard Baldwin (Mayor’s Award)

Over the past 15 years Richard has fostered the growth of Randwick City Football Club from zero to more than 200 active playing members. This development has included the establishment of women’s and junior teams, as well as the formation of a team for players with disability. Richard’s initiative to integrate this team into all-age men’s football has been particularly impactful, enriching the experience of all participants while significantly increasing awareness, inclusion, and support for players with disability.

Anthony and Sophia Hartcher (Mayor’s Award – Special Recognition of Bravery)

Father and daughter, Anthony and Sophia Hartcher, demonstrated exceptional courage on the 1st of January 2026 when they responded immediately to two men in distress near the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club. Entering extremely dangerous conditions, Anthony used a boogie board as a flotation device while he and Sophia worked together to provide assistance. Their selfless actions directly contributed to saving a life. Through their bravery, and willingness to act without hesitation, Anthony and Sophia exemplify responsibility, compassion, and the strength of community in the face of adversity.