AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINATION

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David Bagshaw, President of the 5049 Coastal Community, was nominated for Citizen of the Year with the Marion Council.

The association was delighted to hear that its President, David Bagshaw, was nominated for the Citizen of the Year, Marion Council, at the recent Australia Day award ceremony held at Hendrie Reserve, Park Holme on Tuesday 26 January 2021.

41 new Australians were recognised and welcomed at the Australia Day ceremony. David was one of 11 nominees for the Citizen of the Year award and whilst he was not successful he said "It was an honour to be recognised and nominated on behalf of the community and to share the platform with such inspiring community volunteers." He felt proud of the support he received from the community and  "that makes it all worthwhile."

In an unusual decision, there were joint citizens of the year

• Ines Patritti, Director Patritti wines, for her work in the arts
  
• Graeme Botting, Hallet Cove Lions, for his leadership and skills in community building
  

David's nomination was based on his being an active member of the Marino community for many years and President of the 5049 Coastal Community since 2017. In that time he has made a significant difference to the association and residents in this community.

He has taken the association forward with energy, skill and commitment. His leadership has been significant in building closer community bonds. More neighbours know each other and more of the community are involved in local issues and places as a result of his leadership. Whether it be the Marino Community Hall, the Marino Community Garden, the railway station beautification, foreshore planting, friends of reserve groups or the history nights, David has been behind, alongside or infront of these projects.

His collaborative style is evident in all he does. He not only actively finds and recruits new people to be part of the association, but takes time to help them upskill. Many a new committee member, often an older resident, has been assisted with their computers and technology so that they can fulfill their new role. He listens widely to the views being expressed and has a special skill in seeking consensus amongst residents. He brings people together and brings people into the decision making.

In addition to leading the committee, David has been instrumental in the formation of several local groups, including;

• Seacliff Park Development (Cement Hill) task group
• Local Environment task group
• Kind Neighbours connecting communities
• Trains/Public transport action group
• Friends of McConnell Reserve
• Friends of Bandon Terrace
• Friends of Robertson Reserve

David has created a space for local residents to be part of, and lead, these groups.

The liaison with the local Councils (both Holdfast Bay and Marion) has been stepped up since David has been the President of the Association. Liaison with state and federal MPs and government bodies has also increased.

With his professional skills as an architect, David has brought an expert skill set, on behalf of the community, to planning submissions and consultation sessions.

There have been numerous consultation sessions and surveys for local community assets under David’s leadership, for example;

• Meet the candidates for council elections
• Kingston Foreshore information night
• State Government planning reform forum

The association has been incorporated under David’s leadership, allowing the community to vote for who they wish to be on the committee. Seacliff has joined Marino with a name change from Marino Residents Association to the 5049 Coastal Community.

The popular printed newsletter delivered to letterboxes in the area has been enhanced and an online newsletter introduced into the communication mix. The website is regularly updated so that residents have a go-to place for all that is happening.

David used his expertise to draw up plans for the gazebo, shed and shaded area for the Marino Community Garden, allowing these community infrastructure items to get approval. The garden achieved what it has because of his energy. He helped with the masterplan and the construction of the site and gave confidence to the team to proceed and grow this now wonderful part of our suburb.

David has been a big proponent of the café in the Marino Community Hall. He has helped steer a path forward for the hall, getting people involved and imparting a vision for this asset.

Thank you David from all of  us.