Cronulla RSL Celebrates 2025 Cook Award Recipients
Cronulla RSL proudly congratulates the outstanding members of our community who were recently recognised at the 2025 Cook Awards. Held at Cronulla RSL Club, this prestigious event celebrated the dedication of 31 local volunteers. Cook MP Simon Kennedy presented the awards at a heartfelt ceremony hosted by Dane Wheeler, recognising the immense contributions of these volunteers.
The Cook Awards, held annually in the Cook Electorate of New South Wales, Australia, celebrate the exceptional volunteer service of local residents. Named after the federal electoral division established in 1906 to honour Captain James Cook, these awards recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the community across various sectors. These awards serve as a testament to the vibrant community spirit in the Cook Electorate, celebrating those who dedicate their time and effort to make a positive impact on society.
The Cook Awards honour individuals who go above and beyond to serve our community across a wide range of causes, from environmental advocacy to mental health support, grassroots sports, and social justice.
Over the years, the Cook Awards have acknowledged the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers who are members of Cronulla RSL or are representative of the Club’s Community Friends. This year is no different!
2025 Cook Award Recipients:
Lifetime Commitment Award: Alison Todd (Cronulla RSL Member)
Lifetime Commitment Award: Michael Links
Lifetime Commitment Award: Malcolm Armstrong
Lifetime Commitment Award: Paul Smith (Cronulla RSL Member)
Church Volunteer Award: Linda Deguara (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Cronulla Community Cafe)
Church Volunteer Award: Diane McInerney
Church Volunteer Award: Lance Whittaker
Church Volunteer Award: Helda Attia
Mental Health Award: Dom Ruello (Community Friend, Another Day)
Mental Health Award: Jason Dorahy (Cronulla RSL Member)
Community Service Award: Alicia Dematteis (Cronulla RSL Member)
Community Service Award: Rita Barbagallo
Community Service Award: Anna Hutchinson (Cronulla RSL Member)
Community Service Award: Maricar Palmer
Community Service Award: John Boes (Cronulla RSL Member)
Environmentalist Award: Sarah-Jo Lobwein
Young Environmentalist Award: Jensen Wade (Community Friend)
Soccer Volunteer Award: Daniel Rindfleish (CRSL Member)
Rugby Union Volunteer Award: Ben Haime (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Burra Seniors Rugby)
Rugby League Volunteer Award: Chris Allen
Sports Mentor Award: Adam Hummerston
Surf Life Saving Award: Larry Leabeater (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Wanda Surf Life Saving Club)
Mums Bubs Volunteer Award: Janette Dart
Strengthening Families Award: Gabrielle Humphreys (Community Friend, Dandelion Support Network)
Fundraising Award: Jono Mosley (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Push Up Challenge)
Innovator of the Year Award: Alan Ritchie
Female Sports Advocate Award: Lyn Aktin (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Cronulla Triathlon Club)
Animal Volunteer Award: Sue Mortensen
Social Justice Award Frank O'Driscoll (Cronulla RSL Member)
2025 Cook Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Sydney Airport: Joe Glendinning (Cronulla RSL Member, Community Friend Southside Malibu, Surfing Sutherland Shire, Surfrider Foundation )
2025 Cook Young Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Tradies: Darby Maguire (Community Friend, Cooly to Cronulla)
Image: Simon Kennedy, MP