Below are the selection of individuals nominated by the public. It's your opportunity to make your voice heard! Show your support by voting for the individual that has shown an Outstanding Community Contribution in the Singleton LGA.

*Vote for the individual that you think has shown the most outstanding community contribution.(Required.)

Cathy Akers
Cathy has worked in the disability field for 40 years. Her knowledge and experience is such a valuable commodity especially when taking younger workers under her wing. She has a deep understanding of the need of people with disabilities and understands the impact on carers. Cathy has helped people get housing, therapies and developed systems used today. She is still going strong with the same energy and passion that is essential for the wellbeing of disabled people. Her advocacy for people from all walks of life is inspiring. Cathy is one of a kind.
Cathy Akers has given majorirty of her working carer to supporting people with a disability or significant mental health concerns. Cathy is a true local hero who demonstrates empathy and kindness in all that she does for people.

Sharon Bassett
Sharon has made a huge difference for people with a disability and despite numerous changes to ndis and Council attempting to shut them down the Star club continues to run.

Lisa Bendeich
Lisa is the most generous person I know. She helps out all the schools, raffle prizes, trivia prizes, always donating to one cause or another, nurtures kids through art, takes kids on work experience and always supports other small business. She encourages others constantly, lends an ear to those who need it. Good old fashioned caring person worth her weight in gold

Shirley Bendeich
Shirley has volunteered for Ourcare Services in our Active Living Centre and our Community Transport since 17th November 2008 - 18 years. Through this role, Shirley supports older Singletonians to connect with others and undertake activities such as craft and bingo, along with a nice lunch. Also, Shirley greets people and assists them to get on the Ourcare bus in a safe way. Shirley is always ready and waiting no matter what time we arrive to pick her up - and is rarely unavailable. We love Shirley at Ourcare and think she is an incredible asset to Singleton, especially given she has celebrated her 80th birthday this year. Shirley's secret to wellbeing is keeping on going, which she does.

Donna Donehue
Donna has been an outstanding member of the singleton community. She has worked in her roles for 35 plus years and she excels in every aspect

Scott Keesing
Scott has done an amazing job down at the Neighbourhood Centre and Opendoor since he started. Scott has ensured that everyone is treated openly and fairly. Scott is strict and by the book, but its in a fair manner and he ensures that everyone has a chance and is treated the same regardless of their background.

Hilary Kennedy
Hilary has spent countless hours over many years running, supporting and promoting athletics in Singleton. Hilary empowers females in sport, advocates for disability in sport and walks the talk when it comes to adults in sport. Hilary embodies everything that athletics should be about! She is giving people an avenue to participate in sport regardless of your skill or experience. She shapes athletes at both Singleton Striders and Singleton Track and Field Club to not only be athletes, but well respected members of the Singleton community.

Kim Nguyen
20 years of fundraising raising over 1 Million for MS Australia through his tireless work with the Soft Cogs and also starting Singleton Groms

Kerry Lewis
Mr Kerry Lewis resides in Singleton, NSW. Mr Kerry Lewis is an exemplary community leader whose long‑standing dedication to the Singleton RSL sub‑Branch has made a profound and lasting impact on the Singleton community. As an Executive Member, Kerry consistently demonstrates integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to honouring veterans, supporting their families, and strengthening community connections. Kerry plays a central role in organising and delivering key commemorative events such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. His meticulous planning, respectful leadership, and ability to bring people together ensure these significant occasions are conducted with dignity and deep community involvement. Through his efforts, generations of residents gain a greater understanding of Australia’s military history and the sacrifices made by service men and women. Beyond formal responsibilities, Kerry is known for his kindness, reliability, and genuine willingness to help anyone in need. He provides support to veterans, guidance to younger members, and a steady, reassuring presence within the sub‑Branch. His commitment extends well beyond official duties — he is someone the community trusts, respects, and turns to. Kerry’s leadership, humility, and lifelong dedication to service make him an outstanding role model within the Singleton LGA. His contribution enriches the lives of many and strengthens the fabric of our community. He is a truly deserving nominee for the Outstanding Community Contribution Award.

Kevin Lomax
Kevin Lomax is a proud Australian Army veteran, devoted Husband and father of four, and an outstanding contributor to the Singleton community. After serving 15 years in the Army, Kevin was medically discharged in 2015 and faced the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. Determined to rebuild, he settled in Singleton, completed a mining traineeship, and went on to work locally before joining Soldier On, where he was the hunter representative supporting fellow veterans navigating similar journeys. He moved on to a role at Singleton Council, and spearheaded the Skills and Employment program, launching the widely successful Singleton Careers Expo, supporting over 1000 locals. Kevin has become a driving force in both the veteran and local sporting communities. Through his involvement with Invictus Australia and the NRL’s Battlefield to Footy Fields program, he has helped pioneer veteran-friendly sporting environments in the Hunter region. His leadership played a key role in Singleton Junior Greyhounds becoming Australia’s first veteran-friendly club, creating meaningful pathways for veterans to engage as referees, trainers, and volunteers, supporting both community sport and veteran wellbeing. A passionate advocate for grassroots sport, Kevin has dedicated nearly a decade to Singleton Junior Rugby League, serving in coaching and leadership roles, including Secretary and President. His impact has been especially significant in growing female participation, establishing the region’s first Under 15 girls’ tackle team and expanding numbers rapidly. His contributions were recognised with the Northern NSW Volunteer of the Year award in 2022. Beyond sport, Kevin is deeply committed to community wellbeing. As a founding member of the Singleton Community Gardens and a strong advocate for mental health, he actively supports initiatives such as the March On Challenge and local awareness events. Kevin’s ongoing dedication to service, both in and out of uniform, continues to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the Singleton community.

Kirsty McLeod
What she does for community and charity is so special. Especially for children and adults fighting cancer. In the loud and quiet moments inside a honour to know her.

Ruth Rogers
Passionate about the Singleton Community. Raises awareness with veterans and families, advocates for enhanced services to improve mental health services. Member of the RSL sub branch and a volunteer for Soldier On a veterans support network supporting the aged veterans and connecting them with the younger Veterans. Of late Ruth has been volunteering with Task Force Veteran another Veterans Support Network. Long term member of the Singleton CWA . lobbying for change, helping the local community, creating a network of support We empower and support. Ruth worked tirelessly to raise funds to renovate the local hall include new bathroom facilities. Commercial kitchen and equipment to improve the hall and make it a vibrant hub.
Her passion for the community is amazing she supports the veterans community, the Singleton Show association, CWA, and supports Singleton Sunrise Rotary by supporting their hospital visits. Ruth has supported her community for over 37 years and is passionate in her community regardless how little or large the need is

Sharon Simmons
Sharon goes above and beyond for her customers, she is so friendly and helpful whenever you walk through the door.

Traci Standing
Traci has shown an outstanding contribution to the community through her dedication as a disability support worker for Challenge Community Services and her genuine commitment to helping others. She is well respected for the compassion, patience, and care she shows to the people she supports, always going above and beyond to ensure they feel valued, included, and empowered in their everyday lives. Beyond her role, Traci is someone who continually gives back to her community. She is actively involved in community events and initiatives and is always willing to lend a hand where support is needed. Her kindness, reliability, and strong sense of community make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many people. Through both her professional work and her involvement in the community, Traci demonstrates the true spirit of community contribution and is a very deserving nominee.

Jess Stewart
Jess has continued to supporting families experiencing hardship through the registered charity of Supercars Superheros. Jess is known within the Singleton community for stepping in quickly when local families are struggling. She has partnered with local businesses to provide practical support and organised community assistance for families facing financial or personal hardship. Jess has hosted fee free ladies' workshops through her local business, for women within our community, teaching them how to care for their motor vehicles and empowering them with practical knowledge and a new skill set. Jess is the face behind Barbie and other characters as part of Supercar Superheroes – Bringing Joy to local children and families in need. As part of Supercar Superheroes, Jess volunteers and helps deliver Superhero‑themed car visits to children in order to support for them during their time of illness, or with disabilities, or just suffering from hardship. Jess also conducts appearances at community events, birthdays, and charity days bringing infectious smiles and joy to the community. Her volunteer commitment brings excitement, comfort, and unforgettable moments to children and families across the Singleton Local Government Area and the Hunter Valley. Jess has been nominated multiple times for Singleton Citizen of the Year, reflecting the community’s appreciation for her ongoing service and compassion.

Daniel Storey
Responsible for the ongoing development of junior cricket, Valley JPC cricket club, Singleton District Cricket and Coalfields Cup. Valley JPC minor premiers and in the First Grade Grand Final. Singleton Rep John Bull Shield winners. Singleton Rep NSW Country Plate winners
He is the driving force behind community cricket in Singleton. From coordinating the competition, pitch allocations, umpiring and scoring — all while still taking the field himself — to giving countless hours of time and support to our junior competition, his contribution is nothing short of outstanding.

Kay Sullivan
Kay Sullivan is the driving force behind Dolly’s Op Shop, a community initiative that has become far more than a retail space. Under Kay’s leadership, every dollar raised through Dolly’s Op Shop is directed to Singleton Hospital, currently supporting the development of new palliative care rooms for local cancer patients. In a regional community, access to quality end-of-life care close to home is invaluable. Kay’s work is directly contributing to ensuring families can remain together during some of the most vulnerable and emotional moments of their lives. What makes Kay’s contribution extraordinary is not just the funds raised, but the personal dedication behind it. She has given a significant portion of her life to supporting individuals and families navigating the cancer journey. Her work is grounded in compassion, lived understanding, and a deep commitment to dignity and care for others. Through Dolly’s Op Shop, Kay has created a sustainable fundraising model that mobilises the community, donors, volunteers, shoppers and supporters, all united behind a cause that touches almost every family in some way. Her leadership has transformed everyday generosity into lasting infrastructure that will serve Singleton for generations. Kay is motivated purely by service and the desire to make a difficult journey a little gentler for others. Kay Sullivan embodies the spirit of Outstanding Community Contribution. Her impact is tangible, her commitment unwavering, and her legacy one that will continue to support families in Singleton long into the future.

Jules Young
New to Area, wants to get involved in the community, Great friendly face at the end of a hard day. Great new management, always willing to lend a hand and puts in long hours for the community workers.