Eurobodalla’s 2024 Local Heroes were announced on Friday night at the Mayor’s Fundraising Ball at Moruya Golf Club.

Out of group six finalists, Jan Frikken and Maricel Ceniza, two relentlessly positive Batemans Bay women bringing people together in our community were announced as the 2024 recipients of the award.

The finalists were:

• Maricel Ceniza – Maricel, a Caring Corner co-facilitator, fosters diversity and inclusion by founding the Filipino Community of Far South Coast Group and co-founding the Eurobodalla Multicultural Group.
• Jan Frikken – Jan volunteered her Asian supermarket during bushfires, donating food items for homeless, organizing diversity nights, harmony day events, and implementing monthly dinner groups to combat social isolation.
• Sue Fahey – Sue, since 2007, has been involved in the Salvation Army Red Shield collection, the Dalmeny Connections Café, and the Narooma Quota Club, serving as board member, president, and assistant secretary
• Phillip Smith – Phillip, a life member of Moruya APEX, Broulee Soccer Club, and Moruya Rotary, represented Eurobodalla in the 2000 Sydney Olympic torch relay and is always present at the Rotary stall raising money for those in need.
• Georgie Staley – Georgie led the construction of the volunteer-run Narooma mountain bike trails. Georgie and a small group spent years chipping out trails creating the first 30 kms. Georgie assisted the group to obtain a grant to complete the another 65km of trails, now loved by all.
• Jake Steedman – Jake is a key figure in the local youth community, ensuring a safe environment for the younger generation through programs like Hanging Rock Skatepark Red Frog

All funds raised at this year’s ball go to the Mayor’s chosen charity, The Family Place.