FINALISTS for the fourth annual Pride of the Illawarra awards have been announced.
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A huge crowd turned out at the Illawarra Aerial Patrol headquarters to see Reg Hitchens, Tora Klebvjer, Neil Shepherd and Norm Rees (Ambulance Service of NSW), Andrew Barber, Cathy Dorahy and Ken Lawrence (Fire & Rescue NSW), Geoff Fitzgerald and Graeme McCrudden (Marine Rescue NSW), Stewart Arnold, Mark Devine, Diane Martin and Cath Williamson (NSW Police Force), Ian Cox, Roslyn Banfield, Colin Crawford and Ron Caitlin (NSW Rural Fire Service), Robyn Huer, David Leigh, Grant McClory and Owen Pacewicz (NSW SES) and Wayne Dreghorn and Darryl Schlodder (NSW Volunteer Rescue) announced as this year’s finalists.
Former Kiama and now Wollongong paramedic Neil Shepherd said he was honoured to be recognised in such illustrious company.
“I have been in the ambulance service for 24 years, including 13 in Kiama, and it’s really nice to be recognised by your peers and I would particularly like to thank my workmate Kelvin Milne for nominating me,” Mr Shepherd said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the Rotary Club of the Illawarra for backing these awards – without their backing, the awards may not go ahead,” he said.
The Pride of the Illawarra Award will culminate in the announcement of the winners at a glittering presentation at Wollongong University on Friday, August 8.