Gosford Mormon Helping Hands Receives Community Environmental Award 

Australia Day is an opportunity for communities to come together in the spirit of friendship and harmony, showcasing the unique and diverse cultures that make up Australia. Each year Australia celebrates the achievements and contributions of individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community through Australia Day Awards. This year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gosford NSW was nominated for a Community Environmental Award from The Central Coast City Council.

                  Brian Cootes Shelley Beach Coast Volunteer

The nomination partly recognised the ongoing voluntary efforts of members from the Gosford Stake (diocese) who regularly participate in the Council’s Landcare program at Shelley Beach. Stake President Conrad Dunn from Gosford Stake attended the ceremony on behalf of the Church. 

           Stake President Conrad Dunn and Ken Ferguson receiving Australia Day Award

Gosford Stake had hosted a number Mormon Helping Hands projects at Shelley Beach where its members had performed service such as removing debris and helping with rehabilitating the local environment. 

Volunteers from the Shelly Beach Coast care group along with the help from the Church  aim to provide the best quality care in maintaining the local habitat. This goal would not have been acheived if it had not been for the ongoing support from volunteers in the local community. The Shelly Beach Coast care group is supported by Councils Land Care Program. 

The Mormon Helping Hands program brings together members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbours in providing humanitarian service in their local communities. The Helping Hands program reflects the desire of Latter-day Saints to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving others.

                                Ken Ferguson Organiser of the Shelly Beach Helping Hands