Mooral Creek resident James Coulduck received both a Certificate of Recognition and the Myall Lakes Medallion for his courage, bravery and self-sacrifice when three prisoners escaped from Long Bay Jail in 1975.

A number of seniors and a community group were also recognised for their work.

Taree’s Herbert Blackley has been entertaining for local charities for the past 15 to 20 years and performs regularly for for residents at Estia Health, Tuncurry.

Jack Weekes from Tinonee was recognised for his grounds work at the Seven Day Adventist School and his involvement with Meals on Wheels.

Wingham’s Anne Gribble has worked with the CWA, Red Cross and Wingham Court Auxiliary for many years.

Every Christmas, she can be found baking puddings for the stalls and during the year supplies homemade jams and pickles.

Anna Sinclair has put in tireless work to assist fellow residents at Ingenia Gardens.

She is the social club president, conducts meetings, organises outings, arranges a monthly barbecue for all residents, helps with transporting residents to doctor’s appointments, shopping and going to the train station.

Forster’s Hazel Keepence received the award for her volunteer work in the community such as the Tuncurry Senior Citizens’ Association, Lifeline and Red Cross.

Ross Williams has been instrumental in preparing many successful grant submissions for many organisations.

He has been an active member and held key positions with  Forster Croquet Club, Probus Club, Forster Tuncurry Community College, Great Lakes Women’s Shelter and Great Lakes Art Society.

Taree’s Fay Van Vegchel was recognised for her work as P and C president of Chatham Public School.

Patricia Trotter was recognised for her service to Taree Rescue Squad.

She has been with the team for 17 years and has been awarded life membership.

Fay dedicates time and effort to fundraising days, conferences, along with ensuring the well-being of members after attending road accidents.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead presented the awards and in congratulating the recipients said the individuals represent the diversity of talent, generosity of spirit and limitless energy of seniors in Myall Lakes.

“Congratulations to all those Local Achievement Award recipients, I’m thrilled that your knowledge, skills and hard work enrich our local community in Myall Lakes,” Mr Bromhead said.

Halliday’s Point Community Church have a dedicated group of women who prepare a luncheon on alternating Wednesday’s for the over 55s.

It has been held for the past 23 years and provides home cooked meals, friendship and companionship to all that attend.

The Seniors Concerts were held at Club Taree and Club Forster in the lead up to NSW Seniors Festival.

The festival will run from April 4 to April 15 and is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

Quota were this year’s charity beneficiary, with the Forster and Taree clubs each raising around $1900 towards local projects, thanks to prize donors the Reef Restaurant and The Sicilian.