Inspiring leader joins her dad as award winner

By Tim Howard

It’s been a case of like  father, like daughter for the 2024 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year, Aneika Kapeen.

Aneika, who picked up the award at a ceremony in Yamba on Friday, joins her father and 2003 Citizen of the Year Trevor Kapeen on the list of winners.

She said she had been a reluctant participant in the award as the idea of seeking personal recognition had nothing to do with her role.

“Everything I do here is for mob and community,” she said. “It was a big pill to swallow to put myself out there.”

The clincher for the practical CEO was the prospect that the title could help her gain grants for the projects her organisation ran.

“Everyone told me if I had Citizen of the Year on a grant application, it had a much bigger chance of success,” she said.

“That’s what convinced me finally, that it would help my mob and community get some of programs it needs to help people.”

Aneika said Mudyala came about while she was working for her father at the Nungera Aboriginal Co-operative.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone congratulate Aneika Kapeen for becoming the Clarence Valley’s Citizen of the Year for 2024.

She said in that time she became aware of people with ideas to start programs that did not involve housing, which is Nungera’s focus.

“While I was there I started working with these people and eventually split off from Nungera,” she said.

Aneika said Mudyala has deliberately keep itself a lean, home-based operation.

“We all work from home and don’t have any office frontage.

“It keeps us more present in the community and aware of feedback on the projects we run.”

Aneika and the three other winners, received their awards at the annual presentation ceremony at the Yamba Bowlo Sports and Leisure on January 25.

In addition to Aneika’s award, the Young Citizen of the Year went to Aidan Really for his fundraising for cancer support.

Aidan lost his father to the disease and his response to raise money to cover the costs of families with a member fighting the disease has been outstanding.

The 2024 Local Hero award went to Happy Paws Haven founder Sally Rogers for her work encouraging responsible pet ownership.

And last but not least the 2024 Community Achievement Award went to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group.

Since 2012 the group has raised more than $134,000 to help find the vital helicopter rescue service through high teas and other events in the community.

The Clarence Valley Council run even attracted a total of 37 nominations across the four categories for this year’s awards,.
Prior to the awards, 17 new Australian citizens were naturalised in a ceremony hosted by event ambassador, Cr Debrah Novak.

Mayor Peter Johnstone was joined by NSW Member for Clarence Richie Williamson to welcome the new citizens and present the awards.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Smith, Cr Karen Toms, Cr Allison Whaites, Cr Steve Pickering, Cr Greg Clancy and Clarence Valley Council general manager Laura Black were among the other dignitaries present on the day.

Other nominees were: Allan Woods, Claire Aman, Justin James, Kaitlyn-Maree Robertson, Mark Blackadder, Philip Hirst, Rex Green, Sally Anne Rogers, Sue Boyle, Tom Lavery, Vicki Marsh, Zak Masters.

2024 Young Citizen of the Year – Aidan Really

Aidan developed a passion for fundraising for cancer patients two years ago after losing his father to cancer.

From his personal experience, he understands the cost incurred by patients for treatment regularly, visiting oncology sites, and travelling out of the district for pet scans and radiation treatment.

All money raised is distributed by the nurses in the oncology ward in the way of petrol, gift or food vouchers which has gone on to assist dozens of patients going through treatment.

Other nominees were Kaitlyn-Maree Robertson, Madeleine Schroder, Scott Wright, and Tom Lavery.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone with the Young Citizen of the Year Aidan Really.

2024 Local Hero – Sally Anne Rogers

Sally welcomes school kids, college students, NDIS, people who are interested in a career with companion animals and the wider community, to learn about the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Sally continues to build a pathway for the future based on the needs of the animals and the community, continually upgrading skills and resources, so new programs can be put in place.

Other nominees: Carolyn Williams- O’Shea, Holly Weston, Janet Johnston, John Pullinger, Lloyd Fernance, Ursula Tunks.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone and the Clarence Valley’s 2024 Local Hero, Sally Rogers at the award ceremony in Yamba last week.

2024 Community Achievement – Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group – Grafton Volunteer Support Group

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – Grafton Volunteer Support Group has been hosting events and raising funds for the helicopter service since 2012. In that time the support group has raised over $134,000 through an annual Helicopter High Tea, Barefoot Bowls Days and Bunnings Barbecues.

As well as this, the group has assisted other organisations raising funds for the Rescue Helicopter such as the Grafton Sporting Car Club. The group comprises around 15 active members.

Some of the Support Group members have been volunteering for the Helicopter Service for 26 years and most have volunteered for over 10 years.

Other nominees were: Grafton City Juniors, Gurehlgam Corporation, Happy Paws Haven Inc, ICOPE, Lions Club of Maclean, Maclean Food Bank, Maclean Food Hub, Southampton RFB, Surf Camp Downunder, Team Aidan, Warm Touch.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone and staff from the Wespac Rescue Helicopter Support Group accept their 2024 Community Achievement Awards.

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