Community Contribution Nominees
Sabine Hochbaum
Sabine has been the cornerstone of the marquee Lansdowne Club event (our St Patrick’s lunch) for the past 19 years. She manages the key people, balances sponsors and VIPs demands, lays out the room, juggles the program, sources raffle prizes, maintains a strong relationship with our venue. It’s difficult to quantify the effort it takes - when you see it up close, it’s breathtaking!
On top of that, she manages the Classic Golf Day. Which has its own demands, and brings in the wonderful unpredictability of the weather.
Then, to keep herself out of mischief - she manages the Garden Party on behalf of the Ireland Funds. I’ve never seen how that gets made, up close - but I suspect that it’s an even bigger effort. She has put herself at the centre of the Irish community, and the people, charities, and groups that have benefitted from her efforts are difficult to put into words. She is worthy of recognition, for the years that she has spent, supporting the Irish Community in Australia.
Geraldine Hennessy
Geraldine is a former Sydney Rose and has been a long time member of the Sydney Rose Committee. Born in Sydney to Irish parents, Geraldine and her family are well-known in the Irish community. She is a great ambassador for the Rose of Tralee and her commitment to it is admirable. She is passionate about promoting the event as a link to heritage for those who have not been born in Ireland and is a great mentor to all the participants. She is kind and caring and understands the competition inside out and also is there to assist participants in their journey. She is highly respected and liked. Her calm demeanour is a great support to all of the participants. After 30 years of involvement, she has experienced it all and it's that wealth of experience that helps each year's participants to feel at ease. Geraldine will find out their likes and will hand out gift bags, she will take participants out for coffee to discuss any issues, she will follow up with phone calls and messages and she is always there for support.
Geraldine will always be impassioned about the Rose of Tralee and the importance of it and she is there year in year out to support the committee and the participants. Geraldine knows everyone in the community and when she's not 'Rosing' she's working as a nurse. Her caring and compassionate nature means she is always available for anyone in need. She will come out day or night to help a friend or any human in need.
TERESA Keating and the ireland funds young leaders
The Young Leaders Program is an initiative that nurtures young friends of Ireland, fostering a community dedicated to supporting the philanthropic endeavors of The Ireland Funds Australia. The Young Leaders Network serves as a pivotal Ireland Funds Program, attracting the next generation of leaders committed to making a difference. Targeting professionals aged 25-40, the Network is instrumental in cultivating a new wave of philanthropists, bridging the global Irish community, and igniting positive societal change.
15 Years of Impact
This year marks a significant milestone for The Young Leaders Committee as they celebrate their 15th anniversary. Comprising a dynamic group of cross-industry emerging leaders, these dedicated volunteers invest their time and resources to champion The Ireland Funds Australia's mission. Their unwavering commitment is evident through their strategic planning of state-wide and national fundraising events. These events not only serve as platforms for fundraising but also unite professionals passionate about career development and philanthropy.
From Committee to Board: A Testament to Leadership
The impact of The Young Leaders Committee extends beyond their fundraising efforts. Several past members of the committee have transitioned to become Board Members of The Ireland Funds Australia, highlighting the program's role in cultivating leadership and fostering professional growth. This progression underscores the Committee's effectiveness in nurturing talent and preparing individuals for that next leadership role.
Fundraising Achievements and Impact
Since its inception in 2009, the Young Leaders have made a remarkable impact, raising over $220,000 in profit through events, sponsorships, and in-kind donations. These funds have and are supporting programs in Ireland and Australia that provide vital work for community development such as Music Generation (founded by U2 and Ireland Funds) aiming to provide music education to every child in Ireland, Mens Sheds, an Australian initiative with over 400 sheds in Ireland today; Fighting Words Northern Ireland, Special Olympics Ireland, Soar Ireland, helping young people be the best they can be, My Mind Ireland providing mental health and here in Australia Beyond Blue for 3 years, the Go Foundation (Goodes O’Loughlin) providing scholarships to Indigenous females and from the proceeds of the Global 5K last year $5000 to each of the Irish Support Agencies in NSW, QLD, and Victoria and also the 174 Trust in Northern Ireland – to name a few projects supported.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement
Beyond their fundraising endeavors, The Young Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement. They actively support other Irish-Australian organisations, volunteering their time and organising group participation in various events. This collaborative spirit amplifies the impact of their contributions, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.
Networking for Good: A Core Value
At the heart of The Young Leaders' ethos lies the principle of "networking for good." Their fundraising events are meticulously designed to foster connections, bringing together like-minded individuals and organisations. This focus on networking not only enhances the success of their fundraising initiatives but also strengthens the bonds within the community, creating a supportive ecosystem for positive change.
In Conclusion
The Young Leaders Australia exemplifies the spirit of community contribution, embodying dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Through their unwavering commitment to philanthropy, they have made a lasting impact on countless lives, championing causes that resonate with The Ireland Funds' core values.
Karen Murphy embodies the spirit of volunteering and community engagement, making her an exemplary candidate for the Irish Support Agency's Community Appreciation Award. Born in the UK to Irish parents from Cork, Karen's deep-rooted connection to her heritage fuels her passion for fostering unity and celebrating Irish culture.
In her role as President of Sydney St. Patrick's Day, Karen has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. Over the past six years, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the annual parade and festival into a four-day event that captivates the entire city of Sydney. Under Karen's guidance, the event has grown exponentially, drawing over 30,000 attendees this year alone with the amazing parade in Pitt Street Sydney.
Karen's visionary leadership extends beyond mere planning. She has successfully forged partnerships with companies, State and Federal government agencies, and NSW transport authorities, facilitating seamless coordination and ensuring the event's success. Her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders speaks volumes about her commitment to fostering collaboration and unity within the community.
Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions, Karen's unwavering dedication remains unshakeable. Her willingness to sacrifice sleep for early morning meetings and her relentless drive to innovate and improve set her apart as a true leader.
Karen's contributions to the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Sydney have not only elevated its profile but have also fostered goodwill and camaraderie among diverse communities. Her tireless efforts have inspired countless individuals to embrace their heritage and celebrate cultural diversity.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to community engagement and cultural enrichment, I wholeheartedly nominate Karen Murphy for the Irish Support Agency's Community Award. Karen's leadership is indispensable in ensuring the continued success and expansion of this beloved tradition for years to come.
KAREN MURPHY
LORETTA COSGROVE
Loretta was instrumental in reviving Sydney Queer Irish a decade ago, and has served as president in all but one of those years. She has built a vibrant LGBTQIA+ Irish community in Sydney, welcoming allies, existing Sydney-siders and Irish expats fresh off the boat.
She has ensured visibility of the queer Irish community at important LGBTQIA+ events such as Mardi Gras and World Pride, and collaborated with other Irish groups (for instance our WorldPride trad session at the Gaelic Club last year). She is instrumental in organising numerous events throughout the year that both bring the Irish LGBTQIA+ community and our allies together, whilst also showcasing Irish talent, such as Irish DJs, Irish dancers and Irish drag queens at our recent St Paddy's Gay event at the Imperial. She is an outstanding Irish community leader in Sydney and beyond.
Michael is one of the founders of Club Hibernia in Sydney for the past five years, serving as Chairperson from 2028-2023, and now Treasurer 2023-2024. He is a remarkable leader with strong emotional and intellectual intelligence, unwavering values, and a dedication to linking the community and fundraising for good causes, including the ISA.
Professional Contributions:
Michael is the MD of Warren Smith Consulting Engineers, specializing in the water and engineering industry. His professional expertise extends beyond his job as he leads Club Hibernia, facilitating four major events each year. These events bring together members from across the construction industry, including colleagues and competitors, to engage in discussions on topical issues through a structured panel format.
Impact on the Community:
Under Michael’s leadership, these events have fostered both professional and personal relationships within the construction industry. The events are sponsored by industry companies, which not only help with the club's operational costs but also allows excess funds to be donated to charities, such as the ISA. This has created a significant positive impact on the community by supporting various charitable initiatives.
Commitment to Networking and Knowledge-Sharing:
Michael is instrumental in organizing all Club Hibernia events, which are key to promoting networking and knowledge-sharing among construction professionals. These events provide a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas, contributing to the professional development of all participants.
Personal Qualities:
Michael is known for his networking and connection capabilities, dedication, and enthusiasm. These personal attributes enhance his professional capabilities, making him a well-rounded and effective leader. His ability to dedicate time and resources to the community, while maintaining high professional standards, sets him apart as an outstanding candidate for this award.
Conclusion:
In summary, Michael Cahalane embodies the spirit of community contribution through his leadership, professional excellence, and personal qualities. His dedication to fostering relationships within the construction industry and his commitment to charitable causes make him a deserving candidate for the Community Contribution Award. Club Hibernia has donated $35,000 to charity to date. Recognizing Michael with this award would honour his significant contributions and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Michael Cahalane
Nicole has been an unwavering pillar of strength for our Young Irelands GAA club, especially during the heart-wrenching loss of two members in recent months. She has not only demonstrated remarkable leadership but also exemplified empathy and compassion in abundance.
Amidst the turmoil of the tragic news, Nicole's leadership shone brightly as she shouldered responsibilities that few were willing to undertake. From orchestrating funeral arrangements to communicating with various organisations, including the Irish Support Agency, Nicole's proactive approach ensured that all necessary tasks were addressed with care and efficiency.
Moreover, her empathy knows no bounds. She has been a constant source of support for grieving families, friends, and fellow club members, always lending a compassionate ear and offering solace during difficult times.
Nicole's dedication to our club extends far beyond her official duties. Her genuine warmth and inclusivity make her a beloved figure not only within our club but also within the broader community. Those fortunate enough to know her can attest to her unwavering commitment to our shared values.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions and the values she embodies, Nicole unquestionably deserves this nomination. She is not just a valued member; she is a beacon of hope, resilience, and kindness in our community.
NICOLE PHELAN
Siobhan Lavin
Siobhan Lavin - Director of the Jack Murphy Memorial Society (JMMS). From the unimaginable pain of the loss of her son Jack (at 14 years of age), she created an Irish society in his memory that not only connects the Newcastle/Hunter-Irish, but contributes to the community’s sense of pride and purpose. The time and effort Siobhan puts into our community is a contribution worthy of recognition in and of itself, but to recognise her “contribution” to her community one must understand how the JMMS builds connection.
Siobhan built the JMMS around the theme of connection – connecting the Irish to each other & connecting the Irish to their adopted home. At key times of the year (Easter, Christmas, St Patrick’s Day*) fun cultural events are organised to bring the Irish together (*in a respectful family-friendly environment). Siobhan ensured that the JMMS was an authentic connection for the Irish in Newcastle.
For 5 years now she has worked to harness previously disparate activities (e.g. various music & Irish language events) under the JMMS umbrella. In doing so she has contributed to creating a unified community with a real sense of purpose i.e. to build connection and to contribute to a society which we are all proud of. This pride flows, in no small part, from the philanthropic nature of the JMMS.
An Annual Gala Ball is organised to bring the community together, with 32 tables and hundreds of glammed-up Irish and Australians the Gala is run as a fundraiser for medical research and education with proceeds going to the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Hunter Heart Safe program - local health care workers, volunteering to teach CPR and AED use to the community. These events are attended Federal Members for Newcastle, Consulate Officials and Medical Keynote speakers – including two Directors of HMRI.
Siobhan contributes to a broad community - our Irish community, but also the broader Newcastle and Hunter communities to which she seeks the JMMS to connect. Jack was a proud hunter expat and therefore, JMMS connects to our new and old homes. The qualitative contribution of these connections, and value placed on them by the Irish community, is palpable in the level of community participation, exemplified by the sale of 32 tables at the Gala Ball – despite a relatively small expat community (relative to Sydney). The quantitative contribution is, frankly, staggering.
Since the society was formed almost half a million dollars has been raised for medical research and education, either through direct fundraising or indirectly by leveraging the JMMS story to attract donations to partner charities – including The Victor Change Foundation and Cry Ireland.
The vicarious sense of pride created in the Irish community is enormous. It’s clear to me that Siobhan’s work has provided a gift to an expatriate community that wants to give back to their adopted home and who seek to represent, and be represented as, an “Irishness” that is more than fun stereotypes.
TINA GARDE
Tina has been a luminary within the Irish Australian community since she arrived in Sydney many years ago. She first made her presence felt in the Irish National Association in which she served for at least a decade. As part of her volunteer duties, Tina assumed the role of St Patrick's Day Parade Coordinator, no mean feat in those days when the Parade was enormous! No mobile phones for easy communication, either. Tina continued in this role when the INA & the SSPD split & SSPD became a separate entity.
'Ireland Calling' Community Radio Programme at 2RDJ-FM in Burwood has been Tina's passion since 2010 when the show was in danger of disappearing from the airwaves. Tina was instrumental in ensuring this didn't happen and the show continues to thrive to this day & provide much needed entertainment for the Irish Australian community.
For the first time, Nollaig na mBan was celebrated on January 6, 2024 under the auspices of 'Ireland Calling'. Tina was and is the driving force behind this hugely successful event, where 170 women gathered to celebrate Little Women's Christmas, an old Irish tradition celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, the last official day of Christmas. Tina has already booked our 2025 Nollaig na mBan Sydney Harbour Cruise. Tina was also recently involved in the Michael Lyons Tribute afternoon where she acted as MC for the event.
Tina started a Widows group for the wider community when she herself became a widow & discovered there wasn't much support available to wives who had been bereaved. Tina is the convener & founder of this group which has been operational for the last 6 years.
Tina was nominated for the Irish Friends of Labour Community Hero Awards in 2018 & received the award with great humility.
PAM O’MAHONY
Pam is one of the most energetic people I know. She is a person who cares about the Irish and Australian community and her involvement in many organisations over the years has helped raise funds, and gather people together she is always available to help anyone out. As a member of Ireland Calling, Pam is like a roving reporter. She seeks out people to interview as part of her "Pam's Presidents" segment. She has the amazing capacity to bring people together and introduce people who don't know each other to become firm friends. She has also been an active member of the Sydney St Patrick's Day Committee and was responsible for fundraising for many years. Pam will support all events from sporting to cultural fundraisers to dinner dances and balls. She has been an active member of her local community and was fundraising for her children's school. She is humble and doesn't look for accolades, she just cares. She is also a great friend to many and during lockdown was delivering gifts to friends and neighbours. Pam is one of those people who supports everything and has done so for so many years, which I believe makes her an ideal candidate for an award and recognition.
PATRICK MCTIGUE
Patrick is involved in a number of ways generously providing support to both the ISA and Keith's Closet, a nfp run by Dubliner Keith Donnelly working in the mental heath space. Keith acknowledges that the charity would not exist without Paddy, who worked onsite to create the initial facility within the Kiloh Centre in the Prince of Wales hospital and who recently sponsored the purchase of a large van to facilitate a mobile version of the service. Patrick has organised two golf days for the ISA raising almost $50000 in the process. The days also serve as a fantastic means of raising awareness of the ISA within the community. Patrick will always answer our calls and uses his two labour-hire businesses to assist any ISA client struggling to find employment. Patrick, while running 3 businesses, also serves as Vice Chair of Cormac McAnallens GAC and regularly parts with his hard-earned cash to sponsor Irish community organisations and events. Dubbed St Patrick 2.0.
I am honored to nominate Brian O'Mainin for the Community Contribution Award. Brian has been an integral part of Club Hibernia in Sydney for the past six years, serving as chairperson for the last two years. He is a remarkable leader with strong emotional and intellectual intelligence, unwavering values, and a dedication to linking the community and fundraising for good causes, including the ISA.
Brian is a project director specializing in the health industry. His professional expertise extends beyond his job as he leads Club Hibernia, facilitating four major events each year. These events bring together members from across the construction industry, including colleagues and competitors, to engage in discussions on topical issues through a structured panel format.
Under Brian’s leadership, these events have fostered both professional and personal relationships within the construction industry. The events are sponsored by industry companies, which not only help with the club's operational costs but also allows excess funds to be donated to charities, such as the ISA. This has created a significant positive impact on the community by supporting various charitable initiatives.
Brian's leadership qualities are exemplary. He guides Club Hibernia with practicality and effectiveness, ensuring the club operates smoothly and efficiently. He treats all club members with equality and respect, creating a cohesive and motivated team. This approach has made the club run like a fine-tuned engine, bringing out the best in everyone involved.
Brian has been instrumental in organizing all Club Hibernia events, which are key to promoting networking and knowledge-sharing among construction professionals. These events provide a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas, contributing to the professional development of all participants.
Brian is known for his compassion, dedication, and enthusiasm. These personal attributes enhance his professional capabilities, making him a well-rounded and effective leader. His ability to dedicate time and resources to the community, while maintaining high professional standards, sets him apart as an outstanding candidate for this award.
In his spare time, it is common to see Brian take up his guitar and sing a few Irish ballads in the Glebe Hotel. His witty personality and lilting voice brings a following . I personally have often ventured to the Glebe Hotel to experience a taste of home with Brian.
In summary, Brian O'Mainin embodies the spirit of community contribution through his leadership, professional excellence, and personal qualities. His dedication to establishing relationships within the construction industry and his commitment to charitable causes make him a deserving candidate for the Community Contribution Award. Recognizing Brian with this award would honor his significant contributions and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
BRIAN O’Mainin
SHAY STANLEY
Shay is one of the most generous individuals I have come across in the Irish Community. Whenever there is a community event, Shay has more than likely donated some of his beautiful Irish produce, at a significant personal cost to himself and his business. Over the years he has donated thousands of dollars worth of produce. I've never known Shay to ever say no when asked to help, and he seeks nothing in return. Shay has created a successful business here, but it is his kindness to give back that makes him a worthy recipient of this award. He works so hard and never has time to attend many events but is still there in the background supporting with his wonderful food. Shay's food and personality is a reminder of what we miss and love about home. He has a big heart and a very generous spirit.
Rachel works so hard to bring the Irish community together, so many people have made friends and found their community of people through her. She organises so many events and meet ups and is a friendly face for all the expats moving over.
RACHEL RUSHE
PAUL BREEN
Paul organised an Irish Cultural Weekend in Sydney, a champion brush dancer he was setting the floor on fire. He was a vibrant and energetic President of the Kilkenny Association. Since then it is as one of the biggest sponsors of Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day and multiple other Irish community organisations. His passion, drive, generosity, and determination as a custodian of his culture and an ambassador to enhance people’s potential is admirable both in his personal life and professionally in his capacity as the man behind Productivity Bootcamp – a construction industry training organisation designed to build better lives for young people.
EVA MAHON
On the 17th April 2024, my husband and I had a beautiful outing with Irish Support at Manly. We were so lucky to be allocated Eva to help and care for Patrick who is in the late stage of Dementia. I had peace of mind as Eva took care of all of Patrick’s every day needs (which is many) as Patrick needs 24/7 care. I owe a debt of gratitude to Eva. I can never forget her help, care, and love for Patrick and myself; that care and compassion is rare to find. I am inspired to see a young person doing so much. She helped us back to the train station to get our train back to Ingleburn (one of the best days we had) with no everyday stress which I live with.