Port Macquarie Hastings Council Citizen of the Year Awards
- Yann Tyng Kooi
- Jan 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 9
✦ PMHC Citizen of the Year Award took place on 26 January at The Glasshouse and was graced by Mayor Peta Pinson and Councillors, PMHC CEO Dr Clare Allen, Traditional Owner Uncle Bill O'Brien OAM, Australia Day Award nominees, new Australian Citizens and their friends and family.
Our incredible citizens
2024 Citizen of the Year: Erin Denham
2024 Young Citizen of the Year: Tess McWilliams
2024 Living Treasure (formerly Senior Citizen of the Year): Sherrill Weidenbohm
2024 Environmental Citizen of the Year: Peter Berecry
2024 Community Group of the Year: Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Collective
The 2024 Port Macquarie-Hastings Citizen of the Year recipients have been announced, recognising dedicated people in the community for their efforts in cultural, environmental and social progress.
Mayor Peta Pinson congratulated each of the award winners for their roles in providing positive outcomes for our community.
"This year, we received exceptional nominations across all five award categories," Mayor Pinson said. "I want to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate the winners for their outstanding achievements in 2023. "Your collaborative efforts, and the compassion and determination you have shown through your work has played a crucial role in making our community a better place to live, work, and play."

Citizen of the Year: Erin Denham
Erin is committed to restoring dignity, pride and hope in our most vulnerable. Erin’s selfless commitment is an inspiration to all who know her. She co-founded local charity Make-a-Difference in 2016 with her husband, Rob. Together with Rob and the volunteer team they lead, Erin has significantly improved the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised people in our community.

Young Citizen of the Year: Tess McWilliams
Tess is an exceptional sports all-rounder who was selected for the U18s Australian schoolgirls’ rugby league team in 2023. She continues to excel at rugby league and is excited to be part of the development and growth of Women's Rugby League in Australia.

Living Treasure of the Year: Sherrill Weidenbohm
Sherrill is a quiet achiever who has made giving her life’s work. For 50 years, she has worked tirelessly and quietly to rally community to support a number of initiatives. For years, through her role at Woolworths, she has ensured a weekly donation of groceries to families in crisis.

Environment Citizen of the Year: Peter Berecry
Peter is a leader in koala rescue and rehabilitation. He is known as a ‘salt of the earth’ person who has contributed to the success of significant environmental initiatives. He has supported Port Macquarie Landcare for nearly 20 years with bush regeneration projects.

Community Group of the Year: Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Collective
Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Collective 'Our Place' is held every fortnight to provide a range of support in one central space.
It is run by a coalition of services and providers to deliver assistance to our community’s most vulnerable and includes a free breakfast and access to showers and laundry facilities. This is a one-stop venue for our community’s most vulnerable.
Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online
Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe.
Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary:
✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections.
✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most.
✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility.
✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts.
✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way.
We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact.
💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand!
✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us.