Coffs Coast seniors recognised for community contributions

FIVE outstanding citizens were recognised in the Local Senior of the Year Awards for their contributions to the Coffs Coast community. 

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh congratulated the local award winners at a presentation last Wednesday during the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, which ran until 15 March.

“I’m extremely proud of each of our remarkable recipients who really do go above and beyond to make the Coffs Coast community even better every day,” the State MP said.

“They are all community champions who are much loved and admired for their compassion, hard work, humility and leadership.

“I thank them for their determination to make a positive difference to people’s lives and for dedicating themselves to helping their community, quite often putting others ahead of themselves in the process.”

The inspirational local winners:

Phil Crofts OAM: Recognised for providing hope, a warm smile and support for people in need as a long-time volunteer at Coffs Harbour’s Uniting Church Soup Kitchen.

Jane Leach: The highly regarded Marine Rescue NSW Coffs Harbour Unit Commander was recognised for her dedication to safety at sea.

Neville Anderson and Jennifer Lock: Woolgoolga District Orchid Society’s dynamic leadership duo were awarded for working in synergy to drive the outstanding success of the 23rd Australian Orchid Council International Conference & Show 2025 hosted in Woolgoolga.

Jennifer Lock told NOTA the award is a great honour which was totally unexpected.

“Volunteering gives me a purpose in life,” she said.

“It’s a chance to utilise my skills and more importantly to support organisations that are trying to achieve something worthwhile.

“I love meeting and working with people who are like-minded, including the educational aspects of the roles in which I am involved.”

Robyn Rooth: Recognised for tireless work with community organisations including Woolgoolga’s Red Cross Branch and the Probus Club of Woolgoolga.

Robyn said her decades of community work came after a realisation that “sitting around drinking coffee” was not for her after she retired some 30 years ago.

“The Woolgoolga Red Cross Branch was being reformed, and I happily became involved as Secretary and soon went on to be Vice Chairman of the NSW Red Cross Board for many years,” she said.

“I have watched with pride as the Branch has grown and now provides multiple voluntary services for people in our community.

“My Woolgoolga Probus Club journey began when the Club was in danger of closing for lack of Office Bearers and once again Secretary became my role.

“The Club continues to provide friendship and fun for a group of older people who love to get together.”

By Andrea FERRARI