Australia Day Honours and Community Recognition
Cronulla RSL is proud to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of its members who have been recognised for outstanding service to community, sport, and civic life, reflecting a strong tradition of local leadership that is celebrated across the Sutherland Shire.
Mr Michael Kelly OAM was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to maritime safety and education.
Mr John Nour OAM received an OAM for service to the Coptic Orthodox community, and Mr John Spence OAM was similarly recognised for his long‑standing contributions to sport and community organisations.
Former member, Shanon Bates was honoured as Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year 2026 for his exceptional commitment to local community service.
In addition, a number of Cronulla RSL members and local leaders were nominated for Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year in recognition of their significant community impact.
Corey Lorraine Grosvenor was nominated for contributions to the Shire’s Resilience Strategy, heritage preservation and volunteer service with the Seniors Advisory Group.
Cathy Hill was nominated for her leadership across community initiatives including school, sport and sustainability programs. Rachel Dorman was recognised for her dedication to hearing health and local sponsorship, and David Eccles for co‑founding WNOW (When No One’s Watching), a global men’s wellness community grounded in Shire connection.
Environmental and volunteer leadership from Joe Glendinning, enduring service by Darryl Chappalow, sporting achievement by Alan Walsh, plus sporting governance by Luke Brbot and Elite athletic excellence by Danijela Jackovich were also celebrated.
These individual honours and nominations sit within a broader Sutherland Shire tradition of community recognition such as the annual Citizen of the Year Awards hosted by the Sutherland Shire Council, which celebrates community groups, environmental champions, volunteers and everyday leaders from across the region, reinforcing the importance of civic contribution and grassroots leadership.