Stalwarts receive recognition at Mayoral Awards Ceremony

On Thursday evening, 3 October, Mayor Dudley Coetzee hosted the Overstrand’s annual Mayoral Awards ceremony to honour those special men and women of the community who, despite leading very busy lives, perform extraordinary deeds of kindness. Through these actions they have done much to uplift and empower the residents of their respective communities.

The winners of this year’s Mayoral Awards are (front, from left) Di Rattle of the Hermanus Brewing Company (Entrepreneurial Achievement), Mayor Dudley Coetzee, Dr Anina Lee of Whale Coast Conservation (joint Lifetime Achievement), Natasha Bruiners of the Catapult Foundation (joint Achiever of Excellence), Dr Robin Lee of the Hermanus History Society and U3A Overberg (joint Lifetime Achievement), and Jami Kastner of the Butterfly Centre (Woman of the Year). Back, from left are Jorika Rabie of Purple Angels (joint Achiever of Excellence), Izaan Newman of Gansbaai Academia (Junior Achiever), Sean Privett of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy (Environmental Conservation) and Peter Kastner of Stanford Hills (Tourism Development).

“We are inspired by the dedication and unfailing commitment of these individuals who unselfishly place the needs of their communities ahead of their own,” said Mayor Coetzee in his address. “Each one of you is a beacon of hope, and you have become role models in your own unique way. You are all shining examples of what can be done when one person steps up to say: ‘What can I do to help? How can I possibly make a difference?’”

Special recognition was given to all nominees for their contribution in the spheres of arts, culture, sport, business and welfare, or for simply inspiring the people of Overstrand to keep on striving for excellence in everything they do.

This year, the coveted Achiever of Excellence Lifetime Award went to Dr Robin Lee and his wife Dr Anina Lee. This award is presented to people who have made a positive and lasting impression in the Overstrand over many years. The couple have both contributed enormously to the rich tapestry of the Overstrand – Anina through her commitment to conserving our natural environment with Whale Coast Conservation and the Cliff Path Management Group, and Robin through establishing and continuing to work with the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Hermanus History Society.

Category winners

The joint winners of the Achiever of Excellence Award were Jorika Rabie of Purple Angels and Natasha Bruiners of the Catapult Foundation. At the time of the devastating fires in Betty’s Bay at the beginning of the year, Jorika put her life on hold to assist her community when they needed it most. In addition, she is driving at least three initiatives that benefit the Overstrand area.

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